EARLY ARRIVAL
Students are asked to arrive at the YWAM base no more than two days prior to the start of their school. Those who would
like to arrive earlier are encouraged to stay at a local hotel or guesthouse
ARRIVING IN PENANG
We will pick up all new students and staff from the airport, train station, or bus station upon their arrival in
Penang. We will return all students/staff to the airport, train station, or bus station at the completion of their
school. If you will be flying into Malaysia, make sure your tickets are booked all the way to Penang Island. The airport
is located about 45-minutes from the base. Whether you will be arriving by air, land, sea, or subterranean tunnels, please
let us know of your travel arrangements (date, flight number, etc.) and estimated time of arrival.
FLIGHT TICKETS
Round trip tickets are recommended when possible. However, for those who know that their stay in Malaysia or the
region will exceed one year, it is acceptable to enter the country with a one way ticket.
CULTURE SHOCK
Be aware that culture shock is very possible for foreigners coming to Malaysia. While Penang is quite westernized and
the YWAM base provides a safe, cross-cultural environment, newly arriving staff and students are advised to allow
themselves adequate time to adjust to their new surroundings prior to intense activity. Jet lag, sleep deficiency,
and dehydration add much stress to body chemistry and can contribute to physical illness, depression, and even
mental breakdowns. If you are feeling anxious or uncomfortable please do not hesitate to talk to your school staff.
In order to lesson the affects of culture shock we highly recommend incoming staff and students read the following
books:
Culture Shock! Malaysia (Heidi Munan, Times Books Intl, 1991)
Foreign To Familiar - A Guide to Understanding Hot- and Cold-Climate Cultures, (Sarah A. Lanier, McDougal
Publishing, 2000)
One World. Two Minds - Eastern and Western Outlooks in a Changing World, (Denis Lane, OMF International, 2000)
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