After six years of teaching English in a public school, Abdul Aziz Arsyad followed the advice he often gave his students – to work for their ambitions and believe that dreams can come true.
The Sabahan secured a Chevening scholarship to pursue his master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (Tesol) at the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom.
The scholarship, which enables outstanding Malaysians to pursue a one-year master’s degree in the UK, has helped him fulfil his dream of pursuing his studies and contributing towards the future of Malaysia’s education system.
Aziz has been able to gain new knowledge as well as opportunities to meet scholars from around the world. But the best part of his experience, he says, was that he was able to hop on trains and explore the country.
“I once took an eight-hour trip from Liverpool to Belfast on a solo vacation in the winter of 2019, visited various filming sites of the television series ‘Game of Thrones’, and got acquainted with many new friends along the way,” he says.
Aziz also recommends the robust music and art scenes.
Opportunities for East Malaysians
Aziz was one of a handful of Chevening scholars from East Malaysia. He believes there are many bright Sabahans who desire to study in the UK but are unaware of the opportunities available, such as Chevening.
Living abroad, he says, has helped him develop mental-emotional resilience, especially when the first wave of Covid-19 hit the UK and affected face-to-face teaching and learning.
“I completed my dissertation despite not having the opportunity to physically meet my supervisor or use library facilities due to the pandemic,” he shares.
The overall experience has also made him realise there is no place like home. Being abroad has allowed him to develop an even stronger appreciation for his own heritage and everything he holds dear as a Malaysian.
Aziz is thankful for the Chevening experience, which has opened doors for him. Upon his return, he was offered a job as a lecturer at the Institute of Teacher Education in Sabah.
Asked what advice he would give Malaysians who are considering a postgraduate degree in the UK, Aziz recommends they follow their passions and apply for scholarships.
He is looking forward to working with more Chevening scholars in the future, “to bring about change, not just in the education field but beyond”.
Chevening is a fully funded scholarship and students are free to choose their field of study. Applications, which are open until Nov 2, can be made here.
Afterschool.my is Malaysia’s no 1 higher education website that provides helpful information on courses, institutions and scholarships for students transitioning from secondary school to university level.