‘The Malaysia trip reminded me that we can learn a lot from experiences outside our regular routine’

Shreya, a PGDM student at Apeejay School of Management specialising in Finance with a minor in Business Data Analytics, describes her Global Immersion Programme in Malaysia as a memorable blend of learning, exploration and personal growth. From experiencing cultural diversity to understanding global business perspectives, the trip strengthened her adaptability, teamwork and appreciation for cross-cultural collaboration while creating lasting memories with her classmates. Read edited excerpts:

Why did you decide to go for the Global Immersion Programme?

Honestly, I wanted to experience something new. I had the opportunity to visit another country with my college, so I didn’t want to miss it. I wanted to see how Malaysia is different from India, explore new places, and spend time with my classmates outside college. I also thought it would be a good learning experience because travelling to another country gives you a chance to see things from a different perspective. And of course, I was excited to explore Malaysia and make some good memories. 

How did the academic modules, university visits, or corporate interactions in Malaysia broaden your understanding of Asian business markets compared to what you’ve learned in the classroom?

As a Finance student, I usually learn about businesses through subjects, reports, and case studies. This programme gave me a chance to experience a different country in person. While exploring Malaysia, I noticed that even though it is an Asian country like India, its surroundings, culture, and lifestyle have their own uniqueness. It made me realise that businesses also need to understand the country and the people they are dealing with. What works in India may not work in exactly the same way in Malaysia. So, I feel the programme helped me look at business from a wider point of view, rather than just from what we study in class. 

What was the most surprising cultural nuance or business etiquette you observed during your trip? How did it change your perspective on managing cross-cultural teams?

What I found interesting about Malaysia was experiencing its cultural and religious diversity. Visiting temples and exploring different places gave me a glimpse of the traditions and culture there. It reminded me that people can have different backgrounds and ways of thinking, and we should respect that. I think the same applies when working in a team. Everyone may have a different opinion or approach, and instead of dismissing it, we should try to understand their point of view. That is something I would keep in mind when working with different people in the future.

What key takeaway did you bring back from it?

For me, the biggest takeaway was the experience itself. I got to visit a new country, explore places I had never seen before, and spend time with my classmates in a different setting. The trip also reminded me that we can learn a lot from experiences outside our regular routine. Sometimes, simply being in a new place makes you notice things you wouldn’t normally think about. Apart from what I learned, I’m really happy that I got this opportunity, and it’s definitely an experience I’ll remember.

Stepping into a foreign professional environment often pushes you out of your comfort zone. In what ways do you feel this trip helped you grow in terms of adaptability, networking, or leadership?

I think the trip helped me become more comfortable with new situations. When you’re in another country, you have to adjust to a different environment and coordinate with the people travelling with you. I also got to spend more time with my classmates and interact with them outside the classroom. Since I’m the President of the Finance Club, I already have some experience managing activities and coordinating with students. The trip reminded me that being responsible also means cooperating with others, listening to them, and being flexible when plans change. 

How did collaborating with your ASM peers and local Malaysian students/professionals influence your problem-solving approach during group activities or projects? 

During a trip, even small things like deciding where to go, managing time, or coordinating with everyone require teamwork. Spending time with my classmates helped me understand the importance of discussing things and considering everyone’s suggestions rather than making decisions on my own. I feel this is useful in professional life as well. When people have different ideas, listening to everyone can help us find a better solution. I would like to follow the same approach when working with a team in the future. 

 Looking back, one or two most memorable/fun experiences you carry back ? 

One of my favorite experiences was visiting Batu Caves. The staircase was so long that climbing it became an experience in itself. We even made a reel using the famous Chennai Express dialogue about the stairs, which made the whole thing even more fun. I also enjoyed visiting temples, exploring Malaysia, and spending time with my classmates. We took pictures, explored new places, and had lots of fun together. I think those small moments made the trip special. It wasn’t just about visiting a new country; it was also about the memories we created together.