The battle begins!

All approval letters completed after more than 2 months waiting for them to be done. We finally have all the letters and it's time to seek financial assistance to fund our expenses for the programme.

I strongly believe that the whole progress from planning, preparing and during the programme itself are challenges to all delegates. We have tight budget and many things to prepare before and after the event.

Before:

Getting the funds. How are we doing it?

- get contributions from public

- start some small business during University's Convocation ceremony ("Pesta Konvo")

- Corporate entities can request for mini research/ mini website reviews from us. Reviews will be done with the advice from coordinating officer. And in return, financial contribution from the entities.

Prepare accommodation, transportations and food for delegates. How are we doing it?

- we reviewed and compared price with numerous tour agents (even during recent MATTA fair). However, they are pretty costly to take their offers.

- we contacted our lecturers pursuing their studies in Perth. She provided us with some suggestions.

- we contacted a postgraduate association in Perth and they're willing to assist us with some arrangement. However, we are still waiting for their confirmation of the budget.

- we're trying our best to get the lowest fare for the flights but we do not have fund to pay. That's a problem. :'(

During:

Challenges: cultural exchange with the locals. How?

- we are Malaysian. No doubt. But to carry the name of UTM and Malaysia as a whole is a burden. When you are asked to describe Malaysian culture for instance, it may be tough sometimes as we do not describe Malaysian culture in Malaysia. Or when you are asked to describe satay, how to do it? That's the challenge.

- cultural shock. Most of the delegates have never step out of Malaysia to a place like Australia. Some of them may had traveled to the neighboring countries but the culture over there are some or rather similar to Malaysia. 

After:

- Sharing. This is something I think important to delegates. After you gained the experience, share it with your coursemates, friends, families and may be your employers. Many will think GOP is nothing but a tour programme, but we know it best. The sweat and tears before, during and after the programme are challenges. 

- Change yourself. Tell others how you see the world in different perspective and how it change you! Going to a place where language, people and culture is an experience i tag as extraordinary. Every time i come from a place (local/international), spare some time to review the journey. Look at what other people in the world are doing. For the good things we see, learn and change yourself. For those unfortunate things you see, be grateful that you live in a fine country, be thankful to God and pray for the unfortunate things to be better.

- Lastly, urge more students to take part in GOP!

Thanks to UTM's GOP the students are now given a chance to be global ready students.