Experience this multi-ethnic, multicultural and multilingual society first-hand for yourself as you take advantage of everything this incredible study abroad destination has to offer. Whether it’s exploring Kuala Lumpur, a modern city known for the tallest twin towers in the world, or enjoying the natural wonders of Taman Negara, the oldest rainforest in the world, this location is truly the place for an unforgettable study abroad experience. UPSI offers excellent programs taught in English in a variety of fields. Students that attend this university have numerous opportunities to participate in cultural events, join sports clubs and societies and take part in exciting outdoor activities.
UPSI has a long distinguished history, commencing with its establishment in 1922 as the Sultan Idris Training College (SITC). It was set up by the British government and designed to provide teacher training and education. In 1957, when Malaysia gained its independence, the college was renamed Maktab Perguruan Sultan Idris (MPSI) which later become Institut Perguruan Sultan Idris (IPSI).
A decade later, it became the first university of education in the country. Established on May 1, 1997, the university has become a niche center for excellence in education and producing secondary school graduate teachers majoring in various fields of science, mathematics, language, and arts.
Quietly rooted in the friendly town of Tanjong Malim, UPSI is nestled in a tranquil grove of knowledge 45 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur.
This program would be suitable for students that are ready to be abroad, but would still like some of the academic services that a U.S. college provides.
Learn more about Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris here! Read the ISEP Country Handbook to learn more about visa requirements, educational system, and culture.
WHAT PAST STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY
“Malaysia is a wonderful country and UPSI has so many friendly people who are eager to help you feel right at home…My host coordinator was perfect. He was there to pick me up from the airport and took me out for meals and shopping for the first few days until I was perfectly settled in. Throughout the semester he was always there to help and solve any problem we were having. We would also drop by his office for a friendly chat every week.” –Haley DeLoach, Agnes Scott College
“Saw amazing places, began learning Malay, felt welcome everywhere, became close with students and professors both – seriously just everything about it was positive! Studying abroad was the best decision of my life so far.” –Jennifer Gotrik, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
“Saw amazing places, began learning Malay, felt welcome everywhere, became close with students and professors both – seriously just everything about it was positive! Studying abroad was the best decision of my life so far.” –Jennifer Gotrik, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
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To be eligible to participate in this program, students must meet the following requirements:
Students applying to ISEP must apply for an Exchange option (in any country) as a first choice but may apply to a Direct option as a back-up. Direct options may have an additional cost (see a financial section for more information). |
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UPSI is situated in the state of Perak, also known as the Land of Grace. The state itself is renowned for its ageless architectural splendor and holiday getaways. It is an ideal location for both study and travel. UPSI is located within Tanjong Malim, a suburban district of Perak which is situated about 80 km, or 45 minutes, from the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. Tanjong Malim is known for its tranquility and splendid natural views of the Titiwangsa Mountain Range. |
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Located only 45 minutes outside of Kuala Lumpur, the Sultan Idris Education University offers a wonderful opportunity for immersion in Malaysian culture while still providing access to the big city. As a teacher-training university, UPSI offers a broad range of courses in English. UPSI is particularly strong in Education, Agricultural Science, Arts, Music, and Performing Arts, Science, Languages, and Sports. Students typically enroll in 5-8 classes per term which average to 15-18 hours in class per week. Students should take the equivalent of 15 credit hours to earn 4 Lake Forest credits. A term runs for 17 weeks. Continuous assessments are used when evaluating the student. The student will be assessed throughout the semester in the form of daily work (e.g. essays, quizzes, presentation and participation in class), projects/term papers, and practical work (e.g. laboratory work, fieldwork, clinical procedures, drawing practice). Academic Environment and Teaching Style Please understand that the academic system is quite different. Classes are usually lecture-based, instead of discussion or group work. Classes are often much larger than those found at Lake Forest College. Grades are based heavily, at times almost entirely, on one end-of-term exam, though some courses will also offer a midterm. Professors are often more formal than those in the United States. All courses/modules may have prerequisites. Some departments may have limitations on numbers of courses that can be taken within or outside it. Be aware of these limitations. COURSES TAUGHT IN ENGLISH Most of the department offer lecture series and seminars in English. Independent study and examinations can be arranged in most fields when no classes are offered in English. SPECIAL ISEP APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS Audition / Test might be required for Music and Arts applicants. HINTS FOR RESEARCHING COURSES
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UPSI has a long distinguished history, commencing with its establishment in 1922 as the Sultan Idris Training College (SITC). It was set up by the British government and designed to provide teacher training and education. In 1957, when Malaysia gained its independence, the college was renamed Maktab Perguruan Sultan Idris (MPSI) which later become Institut Perguruan Sultan Idris (IPSI). ORIENTATION
The orientation for ISEP participants will be held in collaboration by various departments in UPSI. The ISEP participants will join the incoming international students on certain general briefings. There will be separate sessions for the ISEP participants focusing on academics, stipends, and channels of communication. Generally, the orientation includes information about campus life, an introduction to the university and Malaysia, student’s card session, banking, health care, and more. STUDENT ACTIVITIES
International students are welcome to participate in extracurricular activities through various student clubs and societies. The university offers a wide range of extracurricular activities for all students, from indoor to outdoor activities as well as cultural exposure. |
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| The student representative council often organizes “Bakti Siswa”, volunteering activities focusing on ‘community and care’ as well as ‘save and rescue’. This is how the students show their social responsibility plus the opportunity to be a part of the community. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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ISEP Exchange students are housed in shared apartments. Each apartment has three single rooms. Internet connection is available in each room. ISEP Exchange students receive a monthly meal stipend which they can use to prepare meals and/or purchase food in the cafeteria and campus restaurants. |
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| Financial Information | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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For all approved programs for guaranteed financial aid transferability, students pay their Lake Forest College tuition plus a program fee. The program fee for a semester with the ISEP Exchange program includes orientation, on-site director, college fees, housing and a stipend to cover the equivalent of 19/meals per week. Here is an estimated budget for the Fall 2018/Spring 2019 programs:
Tuition rates and program fees are subject to change each year, but this information was up-to-date as of February 2018. We will notify applicants, and update this page if the program fee or other estimates change. You can discuss with Financial Aid your specific aid package and your expected family contribution. Keep in mind that you may spend more or less in certain areas like personal expenses, travel, meals, or airfare, depending on exchange rates and your own spending habits. Classroom or lab fees are not included in this estimate and will depend on your course registration choices. Don’t forget to apply for scholarships! A great listing can be found here. |