Four former students of Al-Madinah International University (MEDIU) make a visit to the university premise on Wednesday, 24 April 2013 for the collection of academic transcripts from the Academic Affairs Division.
The former students were the first batch who graduated in MEDIU’s Faculty of Islamic Sciences programs. They are from the State of Kelantan and work as a teacher, administrative officer at the Foundation of The Kelantan’s Religious School.
Below are the excerpts of the interview session with the students.
- 1. Question:
As some of you do have an experience of furthering their studies overseas. Could you tell us the differences between studying abroad and in Malaysia?
Answer:
Abdul Rahman:
Previously, I studied in Karachi, Pakistan from 1987 till 1993. The learning process was in the form of Talaqqi (direct communication with the lecturers-face to face) and more to theory.
Meanwhile here in MEDIU; the learning process was not only delivered in the form of theory but we are able to practice what we have learned. Nonetheless, the lecturers here in MEDIU are more knowledgeable in terms of they are more well-verse, open minded compared to the lectures there.
Mohd Normizi:
I studied in Karachi, Pakistan as well. The learning process in Karachi is more in a conservative (traditional) way.
However in MEDU, the learning method was through online. Apart from its high level of syllabus, the information and knowledge that we obtained are more recent.
- 2. Question:
What is your unforgettable moment while studying in MEDIU?
Answer:
Abdul Kadir:
I was very grateful and proud, when I got accepted to further my studies in MEDIU. I was needed to sit for an entrance exam (MAPT) before being accepted to the lesson.
Alhamdulillah, I was blessed that I passed the exam among my friends as the questions were quite difficult too.
Abdul Rahman:
Getting a scholarship as a result from my excellent results was the unforgettable moment here in MEDIU.
Mohd Faizul:
I have improved my computer skills through the online learning system. My skills have become more efficient from day to day.
Besides that, the syllabus lessons in MEDIU are equivalence with the standards of other international Islamic universities in Egypt and Madinah. Thus, it gave me the chance to revise what I have learned previously during my studies in the religious school years ago.
- 3. Question:
How do you master the Arabic language fluently?
Mohd Faizul:
I learned Arabic language earlier when I was studying in the religious school. While in MEDIU, the environment of the University itself makes Arabic as the intermediate language besides English. Thus, I was able to converse in the language immediately. The existence of students and staff from the Middle East and African region as well contributes to my language proficiency as I need to communicate with them. Due to this factor, I’m sure those students who cannot speak Arabic would able to master the language in MEDIU within a month.
- 4. Question:
What is your view and opinion on MEDIU?
Answer:
Mohd Faizul:
MEDIU is the First Online Islamic University in Malaysia that applies and adapts the latest technology in its learning system. I am very satisfied with the online learning system as it is very flexible, convenient and efficient.
Therefore, I do not have to worry on my studies and working schedule being mixed up. I can focus on my daily work and getting a degree at the same time.
Another added value is MEDIU’s lecturers are excellent in their field of studies and their expertise and knowledge is equivalent to the standard of international scholars.
Abdul Rahman:
MEDIU is the only Islamic University in Malaysia that offers Islamic academic programs through online learning method.
Indeed, it gives me a convenience experience studying here as I did not neglect my job at the school as a teacher as well as an Imam at the community mosque.
Abdul Kadir:
I am a religious teacher in the local school and studying in MEDIU has indeed improved my Arabic language skills. The environment with students and staff from various Islamic continents especially from the Middle East has help nurturing and encouraging the usage of the Arabic language to be widely used.
The program in MEDIU as well are certified by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) and accredited by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).
- 5. Question:
Is there any feedback or suggestion for MEDIU?
Mohd Normizi:
There are so many higher education institutions in Malaysia. However, only MEDIU that provides Islamic programs through online learning for the potential students.
I would like to suggest, to upgrade and improve the facilities at the Learning Centre in the State of Kelantan so that the quality and facilities are equivalent with the Shah Alam Learning Centre.
Abdul Kadir:
More marketing and promotion needs to be advertised on MEDIU especially in the State of Kelantan as there are so many potential students with Islamic studies background but they are not aware of the existence of the University.
Other than that, there should be a proper Learning Centre in Kelantan for easier access and admission for the students in the Northern Malaysian.
- 6. Question:
Is there any advice for school leavers who intend to further their studies?
Answer:
Abdul Rahman:
There are few factors why it is not advisable to further Islamic studies abroad as some of the educational institutions are not recognized in Malaysia as well as the unstable political crisis for some of the Middle East country for e.g.; the crisis in Syria.
Therefore, MEDIU is the best place for the school leavers to choose if they intend to further their studies in the various Islamic programs such as Al-Hadith, Ulum Al-Quran, Usul Al-Fiqh and so forth.
Mohd Faizul:
Studying in MEDIU is very flexible, convenient and efficient.
The technologies used in the learning system are recent and user-friendly. You can perform your daily job and pursue your education without worries.
The lecturers are helpful and their expertise and knowledge are equivalent with the rest of Islamic international scholars.