An invigorating experience in KDU
KDU College is the first education institution to introduce the American Degree Transfer Program ( ADP) to Malaysians in 1983. As a pioneer in the American higher education learning experience, KDU has enabled thousands of students to transfer to over 500 universities and colleges across the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand for over 30 years.
A year or two in KDU’s American Degree Transfer Program provides a good foundation for continuing studies in the US at a university of the student’s choice.
The programme implements the American curriculum, teaching methods and culture, resulting in the students being well- prepared – personally, academically, socially and mentally – to adapt to university and life in the United States.
“The programme itself was different from what we were used to in school,” said Vivienne Beh, 1984 alumnus, vice- president, corporate and marketing communications for Etiqa Insurance and Tafakul.
“The exposure to subjects not normally offered in Malaysia, like sociology, anthropology and philosophy, helped shape my thinking and my approach to issues and challenges,” said Beh.
ADP’s academic department head Dr Tang Wen Jiunn added, “This approach is designed to produce well- rounded graduates who know how to think critically and independently and communicate confidently.”
KDU College’s ADP senior lecturer Karen Lee said having received an American education at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, she was well acquainted with the US higher education system.
“Starting university with two years of ‘ liberal arts’ studies before I transferred to the US gave me the opportunity to enjoy a broadly based education,” said Lee.
KDU lecturers, with their vast experience in the American higher education, use methods and examples similar to those of American universities, which include a wide variety of on- campus and off- campus projects and activities.
The teaching methods develop students’ ability to think critically and independently, and at the same time, KDU students have the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential and are able to thrive in multicultural environments that celebrate diversity on a global setting.
“I’m able to step out of my comfort zone because my lecturers encouraged me to do so,” said student Danial Imran.
KDU’s ADP differs from other institutions in several ways:
Small class sizes are common and there may be as few as 10 students in a class, giving each student the personal attention they need to succeed. There are times when the discussion sessions and exchange of ideas are conducted over coffee. This close relationship between students and lecturers serves to motivate students and foster a personal approach to the curriculum.
Academic freedom is one of the hallmarks of an American university. This is immersed in the students’ learning experience.
Students are trained to observe and analyse a problem, then solve it. They will be expected to listen to their classmates and challenge their points of view.
The goal is pragmatic, so that students will gain confidence and the ability to organise and present an argument.
Another unique feature of the programme is the introduction of the KDU- ADP WOW – College Success Series ( CSS) to new students.
This programme eases the transition to college life, creates an open communication platform to engage students with college life, faculty and peers and develop a strong sense of belonging.
Alongside academic studies, students are encouraged to organise and take part in a range of extracurricular activities – community services, field trips, sporting events and American celebrations.
Students can choose courses from a wide variety of fields, ranging from applied sciences to the liberal arts.
The curriculum at KDU offers opportunities for students to develop intellectual breadth of several fields of knowledge in preparation for an in- depth pursuit of a specific discipline in the US.
Students will complete approximately half of the degree requirements in KDU while the remainder of their studies will be completed in the US university of their choice.
Starting at KDU and transferring to the US, the options are wide, the education is excellent and the cost- savings are significant.
To find out how you can hit the ground running with KDU, visit www. kdu. edu. my or call 03- 5565 0538 ( KDU University College, Utropolis, Glenmarie) / 03- 7953 6688 ( KDU College, Damansara Jaya).