My First International Experience: A Magical Journey in Malaysia
In July 2018, I embarked on my first international journey, a trip that would profoundly shape my perspective on wildlife conservation and broaden my horizons in ways I had never imagined. Six of us from Nepal were selected to attend the Wildlife Conservation Course (WCC) 2018, organized by WILDCRU, University of Oxford. This year, the course was hosted at the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, a venue as vibrant and diverse as the conservationists it brought together. From July 23 to August 3, 2018, we joined 42 participants from 11 Southeast Asian countries, all gathered with a shared mission: to deepen our understanding of wildlife conservation and develop the skills needed to make a tangible impact in our respective regions.
The Course: A Magical and Transformative Experience
The tagline of the course Wildlife Conservation Course: A Magical Journey Towards Conservation perfectly captured the essence of the experience. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and a sense of purpose from the moment we arrived. We were quickly divided into four houses, each named after a different species, and I found myself in House Imbricata. Little did I know that this friendly competition would foster camaraderie and push us to excel in every aspect of the course. By the end, House Imbricata emerged victorious, winning the coveted best house trophy, a testament to our collective effort and determination.
The course was intense, running from 8:30 AM to 9:30 PM daily, with only short breaks for lunch and dinner. Yet, despite the demanding schedule, the learning process was exhilarating. The organizers had ingeniously designed the curriculum to mimic real-life scenarios through interactive games and challenges. This approach made complex concepts more accessible and fostered a deeper understanding of the material. Whether we were designing surveys, conducting spatial analysis with QGIS, or estimating population viability with Vortex, each module was meticulously crafted to prepare us for the realities of working in wildlife conservation.
One of the most memorable aspects of the course was the emphasis on communication skills. We were encouraged to write publications, create videos, and deliver oral presentations, which significantly improved my ability to convey scientific ideas effectively. The exercise of selling our research papers to journal editors was particularly enlightening, providing a glimpse into the world of academic publishing. By the end of the course, I had graduated, armed with a wealth of knowledge and skills that would serve me well in my conservation work.
Exploring Malaysia: A Cultural and Personal Awakening
Beyond the academic rigor, my experience in Malaysia was nothing short of magical. The country’s rich cultural tapestry, breathtaking landscapes, and the warmth of its people left an indelible mark on me. During a break at the end of the first week, we had the opportunity to explore Malaysia, and this day off became one of the highlights of my trip.
Ashley Lim, a friend from Malaysia, and her parents, Colette Tam Yim Lai and LIM Heng Tien, graciously took me under their wing. They introduced me to the local culture, starting with a visit to a farm where I first tasted durian, the king of fruits in Malaysia. Though its strong odor was overwhelming, I relished the experience, even more so when I discovered the delightful flavors of rambutan and langsat. Later, they took me to the beach, where I experienced the ocean for the first time, watching the sunset over the horizon, a moment of pure serenity that I will never forget.
That evening, we enjoyed a sumptuous dinner at a Chinese restaurant, a fitting end to a day of new experiences and cultural immersion. As I learned, the Supper is a cherished tradition in Malaysia, where families and friends gather outdoors to share food and stories late into the night. This simple yet profound experience made me feel deeply connected to the people and the place.
On the last training day, we were invited to Saliza Bono, a fellow participant’s home; after leaving the university, we spent the evening exploring Kuala Lumpur, a city that comes alive after dark. The night view of the Petronas Twin Towers was breathtaking, and the vibrant nightlife around the city was unlike anything I had ever seen. We also visited the National Mosque, a stunning piece of architecture that is a testament to Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage.
As the night drew close, we strolled through Chinatown, where I bought souvenirs to remember my time in Malaysia. The experience was capped off with a taste of mangosteen, the queen of fruits known for its cooling effect, an exciting counterpart to the heat of durian. I am deeply grateful to Saliza’s mother, Prof. Dr. Low Wah Yun, for her generosity in driving us around, treating us to meals, and ensuring we had everything we needed for a memorable visit.
The Impact: A Clearer Vision for the Future
The Wildlife Conservation Course in Malaysia was a training program and a transformative journey that gave me a clearer vision for my future. The knowledge and skills I gained, coupled with the cultural experiences and connections I made, have profoundly influenced my approach to conservation. The course channeled my energy into a focused direction, providing the clarity I sought.
During the course, I was awarded the title of “Mr. Clueless,” a humorous nod to my initial uncertainties. However, by the end, I was anything but clueless. The course equipped me with the tools and confidence to pursue my passion for conservation with renewed vigor and purpose.
Reflecting on my time in Malaysia, I am grateful for the people I met, the places I visited, and the lessons I learned. The experience has left me with a deep affection for Malaysia, a country that genuinely embodies the tagline “Malaysia, Truly Asia.” Its rich biodiversity, vibrant culture, and the kindness of its people have made me feel more alive than ever. I know I will return to Malaysia someday as a visitor and someone whose magic has profoundly touched me.