Selamat dating (Welcome)! My name is Julia, and I am so excited for you to join me on my adventures in Malaysia this year! I am 24 years old, and grew up in the small town of Mount Wolf, Pennsylvania. From a young age, I dreamed of traveling beyond the borders of my rural hometown to experience the world’s diversity. In 11th grade, I had the privilege of spending two weeks in China. Seeing the Great Wall was a magical moment, and the cultural elements I encountered captivated me.
After high school, I studied environmental studies, Chinese development and environment, and music at Franklin and Marshall College. With two and a half years of Mandarin language classes under my belt, I decided to return to China for a semester abroad. My program included a three-week excursion through Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. Prior to the trip, I knew nothing about Southeast Asia, but its unique architecture, people, food and natural environment charmed and absolutely stole my heart.
Following college, I moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to teach 4th grade and learn about a different part of the U.S. However, my love of travel and intrigue with Southeast Asia continued to bloom, so I applied for a U.S. Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Grant in Malaysia. My job here is to help improve the confidence and English abilities of secondary students at SMK Jerai in Kupang, Kedah. I can’t wait to meet you all and share my journey in Malaysia!
