Overview
The Universiti Sains Malaysia is located in the state of Penang, Malaysia, specifically on Penang Island in suburban George Town. Penang is called the Silicon Valley of the East and has the highest GDP per capita in Malaysia. George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and was awarded UNESCO status due to its vast collection of pre-WWII buildings and its diverse cultural heritage. George Town’s legacy encompasses four main religions: Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity. George Town is also the food capital of Malaysia and has been influenced by Malays, Chinese, Indian, Eurasian, Siamese and expatriates from Asia and British Commonwealth nations. Pacific Northwest students may appreciate moving from our cold, rainy weather to George Town’s comparatively warmer tropical rainforest climate.
Academics
Find classes here: Universiti Sains Malaysia course list
The Universiti Sains Malaysia is ranked #525 in best global universities by US News and World Report and is one of Malaysia’s top public universities. It has approximately 22,000 students distributed throughout six campuses. The School of Arts is located on the main campus in the College of Arts and Sciences. This program is appropriate for the following PNCA + Salem majors: Animated Arts, Creative Writing, General Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Illustration, Music, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Theater, and Intermedia. Students may take classes from multiple departments. The language of instruction is English and exchange is available for undergraduate students only.
Orientation and Support
There is an orientation period one week before the semesters begin. All students are required to participate in orientation week.
Housing
Students may live in on-campus hostels with shared rooms and bathrooms. There is also some off campus housing available through private landlords. There are cafeterias and grocery stores close to campus.
Dates
The university is on a semester calendar, but only Spring semester is possible for Willamette students. Spring semester starts in late March and runs through early August.
Cost
Students pay Willamette tuition and can use their usual funding. Additional scholarships for study abroad are available for this program. Students are responsible for the costs of their own room and board.
Pre-departure Resources
- Admissions
- International Students Brochure
- School of the Arts
- Courses Offered for Exchange Students
- Lonely Planet Penang
- Annual Weather George Town, Penang