My experience in the MTCP course
One year ago, the Malaysian Government gave me the opportunity to participate in a training course in this country. For more than one month, I went to the Veterinary Research Institute in Ipoh, a northern city in Malaysia. The course included laboratory training, outdoor activities and excursions to wonderful touristic spots.
The training course was very useful. I participated particularly in a laboratory course, in the virology diagnosis department. It was a course with personalized interaction with the staff, in improved facilities and surrounded by professionals with many years of experience in the area.
But visiting Malaysia is much more than this. The personal experience of visiting such a different country is impressive. I shared during this month with people from different countries, especially from Africa and Asia. I and my fellow countryman, Germán Villagrán (participant of Animal Feed Production and Quality Assurance Course) were the only Western people participating in MTCP courses at the Research Institute at that time.
Anything I could write would not be enough to describe such an experience. People were very friendly, devotional and cheery. They had a very different way of living compared with the Chilean style of living. Besides, Malaysia is a very beautiful country, with breathtaking landscapes, beautiful tourist spots and amazing architecture.
In general, people do not know much about Chile. For them, we seem to be from an exotic and distant continent. They have only a few references about our way of life. I would strongly recommend bringing some typical handcraft from Chile as gift. Also it is a good idea to bring some pictures of your family and your job surroundings.
I?m so grateful for the experience. It was beautiful to have been able to grow professionally in a training course and at the same time to visit such a beautiful and amazing country meeting with friends from all over the world. As they say, 'Malaysia, truly Asia'?
Francisca Astorga
Veterinary Laboratory Technologies
20 July ? 19 August 2008
www.kln.gov.my/perwakilan/santiago