Japanese Woman's Studying Abroad in Malaysia: Concerns

Showing posts with label Concerns. Show all posts

Full of Mysteries: Malaysian Toilets - Are They Dirty? Are They Really Pay-To-Use? What Travelers Need to Know

The Toilets in Malaysia

Back when I used to write articles aimed at high school students as a college student writer, I always emphasized checking out the toilets first when visiting an open campus. To me, a toilet that I can't stand using every day is something that would make me feel uncomfortable during travels or studying abroad.

Having lived in Japan, where toilets are always exceptionally clean, I had this preconceived notion that Malaysia, being a Southeast Asian country, would have somewhat dirty toilets. But is that really the case?

Malaysian Toilets: Surprisingly (??) Clean!

I usually use toilets in Kuala Lumpur city, and for the most part, they are quite clean.

However, as anyone who has experience staying in Malaysia knows, Malaysians use a shower next to the toilet instead of toilet paper for cleaning themselves. So, it's quite common to find toilets that are wet.

As a result, even in places where tourists go, toilet paper might not always be available. Therefore, it's recommended to carry pocket tissues when traveling.

By the way, even in big shopping malls in the city, you might encounter squat-type toilets. While I prefer sitting toilets, there are situations, especially in rural areas, where squat toilets are more convenient than using a soaking wet sitting toilet.

In Japan, some people might say, "I can't use squat toilets, so I'll wait for a sitting toilet," but if you find yourself in a place without sitting toilets, you'll have to look for another restroom.

The Mysteries of Malaysian Toilets

Overall, I don't have trouble using toilets in Malaysia. However, there are some mysterious aspects of Malaysian toilets that I'd like to share. Here are a few:

No Toilet Seats for Some Reason

This happened in a souvenir shop's toilet in Malacca. It was a Western-style toilet in the women's restroom, but oddly, it didn't have a toilet seat (the part that men lift when using the toilet). I had to hover over the toilet because sitting on it would have been precarious. I don't really understand why this is the case, but I assume it might be easier for cleaning.

Pay-To-Use Toilets

Some upscale shopping malls have pay-to-use toilets. However, I've never used one. Once, I was about to enter a paid toilet but realized I wasn't in a hurry, so I turned around and went to a free one instead. Even within the same mall, you can find both paid and free toilets. It might be a good idea to ask friends for toilet information or follow the locals to find the free ones.

Weak Water Pressure in Bidets

When I visited China, I encountered a system where used toilet paper had to be disposed of in a bin next to the toilet. In Malaysia, it's generally okay to flush toilet paper as long as it's not excessive. However, some water flush toilets have weak water pressure, so sometimes, it takes a few flushes to clear the paper. In most city toilets, this isn't an issue, but in some smaller establishments, you might experience the flush making a loud gushing sound after pressing the button a few times. Malaysia has trash bins in restrooms, so if you're concerned, it's recommended to dispose of paper in the bin, especially if you use a lot.

When You Find a Good Toilet, Use It

What I'm cautious about during my time in Malaysia is that when I find a toilet spot that I know is free and reasonably clean, I make sure to visit it. Even if I don't particularly feel the need to go to the restroom at that moment, I consider whether I'd be okay if I missed this opportunity and had to wait until I got home or back to school.

For travelers coming to Malaysia on an overseas trip, I think it's essential to maintain the habit of properly using the restroom because you're probably drinking more water here than when you're in Japan.

Smooth Sailing in My Study Abroad Journey

My study abroad life started off quite smoothly. After finishing my language school classes, I've made it a point to explore new places as often as possible.

I heard from my short-term stay classmates (mostly college students) that they only visit familiar places like Starbucks or McDonald's. In response, I excitedly mentioned, "I had a great time here!" and "This place was fantastic!" whenever we met, and it led to us bumping into each other frequently.

If I were a college student right now, maybe I wouldn't be as eager for adventures. But in my current situation, I'm financially independent, not worried about money, in my early thirties, and have acquired the skill of saying, "I don't know, please teach me!" after enduring years of academic life, including graduate school. It's not about pretending to be carefree; rather, it's about embracing the idea that it's okay not to know everything, especially in a foreign country. So, I've been enjoying exploring shopping malls, tourist spots, and taking train adventures, even when faced with uncertainty.

However, there's a slight source of stress for me.

Stress During Study Abroad and Its Cause

In my first week of studying abroad, I've been dealing with an unexpected source of stress: loose bowel movements since I arrived here! (Not the most pleasant topic, I know.)

While preparing to leave home each morning, I often experience sudden stomachaches that send me running to the bathroom.

Once I've relieved myself, I feel fine, and considering my history with severe constipation and my husband's concern for my bowel movements, this might actually be an improvement. I briefly thought it might be due to "MILO" or something similar, but I can't recall such issues when I used to drink it in Japan.

For the past five days or so, I've been puzzled about the cause of this issue. Finally, I've figured it out.

The reason I've been experiencing stomachaches and loose bowel movements since coming to Malaysia is the "hard water" here.

Malaysia's Hard Water

Japan has soft water, while Malaysia and many European countries have hard water rich in minerals. Some individuals in professions related to entertainment and beauty actively consume hard water to obtain those minerals.

However, hard water can sometimes cause loose bowel movements due to its magnesium content. While you can find over-the-counter magnesium laxatives in pharmacies, drinking hard water can have a similar effect.

Now that I think about it, I once experienced something similar when I was in Japan and drank Evian water. Evian was the largest and cheapest bottled water in my university's vending machines, so I tried to save money by drinking it. However, it was hard water, and for several days after switching, my stomach was sensitive.

So, is there a way to mitigate this?

After some research, it seems that the easiest solution is to get accustomed to it over time. Even people who drink hard water for dietary purposes, such as for weight loss, recommend transitioning gradually instead of suddenly changing water types.

By the way, for those studying in Europe, some install filters to have soft water with their landlord's permission. But in Kuala Lumpur, it doesn't seem like you can drink water directly from the tap, so I don't think that's an option. I'm mostly buying water from convenience stores.

Some information suggests that washing hair with hard water can make it feel rough, but I haven't noticed any issues personally. In fact, my hair feels even smoother than when I was in Japan. This could be due to the fact that my hair is short and that I switched from using a single bottle of shampoo and conditioner (Ma & Me) in Japan to using two separate products since coming here.

If the rough texture is a concern for you, you can find various hair care products, including Japanese and Korean brands, at drugstores. You should be able to find something that suits your needs.

I hope my body gets used to the local water by the end of this month.

My Beloved Snack: Stem Wakame

I absolutely adore stem wakame, a popular Japanese snack. In fact, I have a habit of keeping a big bag of stem wakame, a type of seaweed snack, on hand at all times in Japan. Before I realize it, the bag is empty; that's how much I enjoy it.

Over the past year, the burning question for me was whether I could survive without stem wakame or at least other seaweed snacks like regular wakame or konbu (kelp). To be honest, I can do without natto rice or tamago kake gohan (rice with raw egg) for a year (although I'm not sure about raw eggs, but I did find natto in the supermarket). However, stem wakame is absolutely essential in my life. I've even taken it with me when I went to China for a Cabinet Office project and during a homestay in New Zealand.

I did bring some stock from Japan just to be safe, but after spending a few days in Malaysia, I explored some stores to see if I could find any stem wakame. Here's my report.

Don Don Donki at Lot 10, Bukit Bintang

There's a Don Don Donki (Don Quijote) at Lot 10 in Bukit Bintang. By the way, everyone here says "Roten," but the guidebook "Lonely Planet" writes it as "Lot 10." Maybe "Roten" is how locals refer to it, and it seems more authentic (laughs).

First, I checked if they had the familiar stem wakame here.

They had many Japanese snacks and cosmetics, including dried squid and peanut snacks, but stem wakame was nowhere to be found. Perhaps it contains alcohol or something?

Since I had already made the trip to the store, I ended up buying facial cleanser, which can also serve as a makeup remover.

This store has self-checkout counters, which was quite convenient as I could take my time with the payment. However, when I was unsure which payment method to use among various options for card payment, one of the store staff came over and helped me complete the transaction.

Perhaps it's because this place is a tourist area, or maybe it's because it's a Japanese store, or possibly because I seemed a bit clueless. Many times in Malaysia, I encountered shop staff who were either very cool or laid-back, so this interaction stood out to me.

Seven-Eleven and FamilyMart

In Malaysia, there are also Seven-Eleven and FamilyMart stores.

At Seven-Eleven, they had Disney's 100th-anniversary merchandise displayed not long ago, making it quite tempting.

It seemed like FamilyMart had more Japanese products or international versions of Japanese products. I also searched here, but no luck.

Daiso at LaLaPort Mall, Bukit Bintang

Next, I headed to Daiso in Lulu Mall. While Daiso in Japan is known for its 100-yen products (plus tax), here it's RM5.90. I usually approximate with the sense of around RM1 = 30 yen (it's actually a bit cheaper, I think), so it turns out Daiso is a bit more expensive than in Japan.

But, Daiso has handy items that sometimes make you think, "I want that!" So, I ended up shopping there to get some essentials for daily life.

Japanese Daiso stores usually don't carry snacks, but this one had a section with Japanese snacks and food items.

And there it was! "Miyako konbu" series of "Oshaburi Konbu (Hamakaze)." It's not exactly stem wakame, but Oshaburi Konbu is another favorite snack of mine. I can easily finish a bag of these in no time.

So, the problem of wanting seaweed snacks seems to be temporarily solved. It's a bit more expensive than buying in Japan, but I'm thrilled that I can still enjoy similar snacks here.

The Quest for "Stem Wakame" Continues

While I've found seaweed snacks, I'm still on the hunt for stem wakame. It's not something I can't live without, but it would be a delightful addition to my snacks.

I haven't checked Japanese supermarkets known for their Japanese food selection yet, so I'll keep my eyes open and search for it when I have the chance.

My Main Bank is...

My main bank is Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC). I've been using the account my family set up for me since I was young. Recently, when I went to reflect my change of name due to marriage, I was happy to see that the card design had been updated. This made me even more attached to it.

By the way, I also have a Wise account set up to withdraw money overseas.

This time, I learned that a proxy cash card that my husband could use could be created, so I went ahead and made one.

Proxy Cash Card

A proxy cash card is a service where the account holder (in this case, me) can apply in advance at the bank to issue a cash card for a proxy (in this case, my husband). It's worth noting that the proxy can be a second-degree relative or closer.

With this proxy cash card, the proxy can use ATMs just like the account holder.

I had assumed this service was mainly for elderly family members, but it seems that it can also be used for couples who want to share a joint account, not just for elderly relatives.

I used to think it might be tricky just for cohabiting couples or partners (I haven't thoroughly researched common-law marriage situations, so make sure to check), but I realized that marriage has legal implications.

Procedure at the Bank

To create a proxy cash card, you need to bring the following three items to a Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation branch:

Personal identification documents
届出印（Hanko, name stamp）
Passbook or cash card

When you visit a Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation branch, you can easily inquire about the requirements at the reception desk. Let them know that you want to create a proxy cash card.

Although it's called a proxy cash card, it's more like printing an additional cash card under my name. Since I was personally present at the bank, they didn't ask for a reason beyond "It's a cash card for my husband."

I had recently changed my hanko, so I was aware of it, but if you're not sure, you can bring a few potential stamps and have them confirmed on the spot.

Maybe because I didn't have a reservation, there were few open windows during weekday afternoons, and some windows were busy, so I think I waited for about 30 minutes. During that time, I filled out the application form and completed the procedure at the called window.

During the procedure, they verified the account information I had written on the application form and whether the name written in the proxy section was that of a family member. I also set the PIN number for the proxy card (it can be the same as my own cash card).

If there are no issues with this procedure, the card is said to arrive at your home in about 10 days.

Even though I had just reissued my own card when changing my name, I completely forgot that it wouldn't be issued on the same day (it might vary by branch).

Points to Note for the Proxy Cash Card

By the way, there are a few points to note for the proxy cash card. If any card-related procedures are required, such as changing the PIN number, the account holder (myself) needs to perform the procedures at the bank, not the proxy.

While immediate card-related procedures are unlikely, it's important to be mindful so that if the need arises, you won't make a mistake.

Also, since my name is written on the card's surface, I need to explain this to the proxy (my husband). I also need to make sure not to confuse it with my own card.

Conclusion: About the Proxy Cash Card

Although I had been preparing for this for a while and went to the bank with the attitude of "Let's do it!", I surprisingly managed to create the card quite easily.

Although there are some points to be cautious about, having a family card for "just in case" situations with trustworthy family members brings a sense of reassurance.

This time, I went to make a cash card with the idea of having it for cases where my husband could assist if there were delays in my transfers while studying abroad. However, since it could also be useful in scenarios where I might be hospitalized or unable to access the bank for an extended period in the future, it might become a lifelong card.

Even though I had been a Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation user for many years, I didn't know about the possibility of creating a proxy cash card. If this article can be helpful to someone in a similar situation, I would be happy.

Menstrual Concerns

The other day, I visited a drugstore to buy some medicines for my upcoming study abroad in Malaysia. I wanted to bring headache and gastrointestinal medicines from home, but since my husband will stay back in Japan, I plan to leave those at home for him to use. (I couldn't bear the thought of my lonely husband being troubled if he needed a medicine that I thought we had...)

While looking around the store, I stumbled upon the issue of what to do about menstrual products in Malaysia.

During my time in New Zealand, I experienced menstruation, and the symptoms were severe, leading to slight anemia. As it was summer vacation when I visited, and New Zealand being in the Southern Hemisphere meant that it was winter, my body was surprised, and my menstrual pain became worse than usual.

Fortunately, it was only a two-week stay, so I managed using the menstrual products I brought from Japan. Since I only needed them for those two weeks, it was worth occupying some space in my luggage.

Menstrual Products in Malaysia

Considering that menstruation can be influenced by travel or changes in the environment, I planned to pack the menstrual products I have at home. However, I was a bit unsure whether I should buy additional products in Malaysia until I get used to the new environment.

Amidst this dilemma, I came across an article like this.(*Japanese only)

The article compared the menstrual pads available in Malaysia, offering practical insights into thickness and comfort. As long as they function well, I should feel reassured.

In Japan, I often consider portability and noiselessness when buying menstrual products, but experiencing life abroad with the products available there also seems like an exciting part of my study abroad journey.

Uniqlo & GU's Absorbent Shorts

Speaking of which, I use (Uniqlo's) Airism shorts, and during menstruation, I wear a pad with these absorbent shorts. Although I don't usually take full advantage of the absorbent feature in Japan, having these shorts might be useful if menstruation unexpectedly arrives during my initial period in Malaysia when I'm not familiar with the surroundings.

A Possible Experience Report!

I have a hopeful observation that the regular lifestyle at the language school might positively influence my hormonal balance. However, considering my past few years, my gynecological hormonal balance hasn't been smooth, so my new lifestyle during the study abroad might cause irregular menstruation.

If my body rhythm adjusts well, I would like to try various types and brands of menstrual products available locally.

Only one more month until I depart! Since social study abroad leaves only weekends for preparation, I'll continue with my luggage preparations!

Introduction

Speaking English in front of Japanese people can make me quite nervous. Even with the flexibility of online English conversation classes like "NativeCamp," I've rarely taken lessons from Japanese teachers. I prefer chatting with teachers from the Philippines or Serbia.

There are practical reasons for this, like Japanese teachers' classes often being fully booked and the difficulty in choosing them, but I've also enjoyed experiencing different cultures and ways of life through foreign teachers' stories.

However, reflecting on my past experiences, I've come to realize that I have a fear of speaking English in front of Japanese people.

Fear of Making Mistakes

The most significant reason for my hesitation is the anxiety about making mistakes. I worry about mispronouncing English words, using expressions that may not be suitable for the situation, or accidentally using phrases with poor etiquette. It feels like a never-ending cycle of overthinking when I start considering all these things.

When conversing with an online English teacher or foreign friends, they often clarify if I make a mistake by asking, "Do you mean [this]?" However, when speaking with Japanese people who are proficient in English, they tend not to provide this kind of assistance.

I find that when I speak with someone who is less confident in their English skills, I tend to question if my corrections might hurt their feelings or if I'm making a mistake in pointing it out. People who don't ask me to clarify might also lack confidence in their own English abilities.

Fearing English-Speaking Returnees

Speaking with English-speaking returnees is also intimidating for me. Lately, there are many YouTubers and TikTokers with international backgrounds who create videos like "This Kind of English Won't Work!" Such content suggests that only high-level English skills are worth considering. While I've reached a point where I can hold conversations unless they involve highly complex topics, my past self would consider it an achievement to respond in English at all.

I've encountered situations where I had to speak English in front of English-speaking returnee friends. These friends were expected to be fluent in English, yet they didn't seem to engage in the conversation at all. We ended up having awkward exchanges in broken English. I couldn't help but wonder if they thought I was incompetent.

Insecurities of Returnees

Conversely, I've also been approached by returnee friends who had the opposite concern, saying, "I'm a returnee, and I can speak English better than those who grew up in Japan. I don't want people to think I'm looking down on them."

I was genuinely surprised by this perspective because I had no problem with them or their English skills. In fact, they were always supportive and corrected me when I stumbled in English. One of them even praised my knowledge of Japanese and Japanese literature, which was my strong suit.

To be honest, unless someone's English skills are terribly inadequate, some people don't seem to care about the level of their friends' English. I tend to get nervous about speaking English in front of Japanese people, whether they speak English well or not. I think it's a confidence issue.

Building Self-Confidence

Of course, people's reactions vary. Some might indeed look down on the English spoken by Japanese people, but others won't. I believe that we shouldn't forget that there are people with both perspectives.

Online English teachers at NativeCamp have often told me, "You need more self-confidence!" I agree; self-confidence is what I need. So, I plan to continue with online English lessons until I go abroad to build my confidence by increasing my communication experiences.

In conclusion, although I feel anxious about speaking English in front of Japanese people, I've learned that I shouldn't worry so much about it. Building self-confidence in my language skills will be my key to overcoming this fear.

The Toilets in Malaysia

Malaysian Toilets: Surprisingly (??) Clean!

The Mysteries of Malaysian Toilets

No Toilet Seats for Some Reason

Pay-To-Use Toilets

Weak Water Pressure in Bidets

When You Find a Good Toilet, Use It

Recommended Reading!!

Smooth Sailing in My Study Abroad Journey

Stress During Study Abroad and Its Cause

Malaysia's Hard Water

Recommended Reading!!

My Beloved Snack: Stem Wakame

Don Don Donki at Lot 10, Bukit Bintang

Seven-Eleven and FamilyMart

Daiso at LaLaPort Mall, Bukit Bintang

The Quest for "Stem Wakame" Continues

Recommended Reading!!

My Main Bank is...

Proxy Cash Card

Procedure at the Bank

Points to Note for the Proxy Cash Card

Conclusion: About the Proxy Cash Card

Recommended Reading!

Menstrual Concerns

Menstrual Products in Malaysia

Uniqlo & GU's Absorbent Shorts

A Possible Experience Report!

Recommended Reading!

Introduction

Fear of Making Mistakes

Fearing English-Speaking Returnees

Insecurities of Returnees

Building Self-Confidence

Recommended Reading!!

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