Q1: What services does the Center offer for international students coming to Malaysia regarding lodging and accommodation?
A4: Al-Diwan (M) Center is pleased to offer its international students the following special services:
a. Welcoming students at the airport and lodging them in a hotel near the Center
b. Hotel room reservations
c. Assistance in finding a suitable apartment

Q2: Do you have a residence system where an Malaysian family can host my children and I will pay for their food and lodging during the study period?
A12: At the moment, no we do not.

Q3: Do you have a “Guest Family” system, where my family and I can be hosted during the duration of my stay?
A13: Presently, we do not have such a system in place. Nevertheless, should there be a demand for this service, we will develop a database of Malaysian families who might be prepared to accept long-term guests to live in their home.

Q4: What language do Malaysians speak?
A1: The official language in Malaysia is Malay or Bahasa Melayu. However, English is widely spoken, and is in fact the language of commerce. At the same time, you will find Malaysians whose mother tongue is Cantonese, Hokien, Tamil or Punjabi. Arabic, though not spoken on the streets, has a special place because Islam is the  official religion, and also due to its proximity with mainstream Malaysian culture.

Q5: If Malaysians do not use Arabic in their everyday interactions, what will be the benefit in learning Fus'ha in Malaysia?

A2: Among the benefits of studying Arabic in Malaysia is that you will be afforded the opportunity to attend classes daily in Al-Diwan (M) Center, thereby speaking and listening to Fus'ha for an extended period of time daily. Moreover, the Center provides a modern library of tapes and CDs to use at your convenience. You will also undoubtedly befriend students who will prefer to communicate with you in the linguistic medium of Fus'ha.

Q6: How will I live among Malaysians without knowing Malay. Should I learn that too?
A3: Not necessarily. At Al-Diwan (M)  center, the students will attempt to communicate in Fus'ha Arabic. Outside, English should suffice in helping you to get what you need.

Q7: What are the rental prices for furnished apartments near Al-Diwan (M)  center?
A4: Rent varies with respect to the number of bedrooms, the value of the furniture, and the price that the owner feels they can get for the apartment. Usually, rent near Al-Diwan (M) Center ranges from RM1200 to Rm2500 for 2 to 4 bedroom apartments. Most of the time, property agents take their commission from the landlord, not the tenant. You need to pay the first month rent plus a 2-month security deposit and another month as utilities deposit. The security deposit is refunded when you move out minus any property damages. If you leave the apartment before the tenancy contract expires, you will most likely lose the security deposit. However, keep in mind that each landlord and contract is different, so make sure to read the contract carefully and ask all questions before putting your signature on it.
 

Q8: Is it possible to share an apartment/room with someone, and share the rental expense?
A5: Yes, our students frequently decide to room together. We help them get acquainted with each other, so their time here can be the most optimal.

Q9: Can you make an apartment reservation for me so that I can immediately move in upon my arrival in Malaysia?
A6: This is not possible unless you have studied at Al-Diwan (M) Center before. Our normal procedure is to receive students at the airport and accompany them to a hotel. Then, we can arrange a property agent to accompany them to choose an apartment at their own discretion.

Q10: How long does it take to retain an apartment with your assistance?
A7: It takes around 48 hours on weekdays. On holidays and weekends, it might delay a little..

Q11: What are the prices for meals in Malaysia?
A8: Of course, cooking at home and eating out vary in terms of expenses. If you cook, you may spend an average of RM400-500 per month, but if you eat out at a medium class restaurant, a decent lunch or dinner will cost about RM8 including a cup of tea/coffee or a soft drink. Choices vary from Malay to Chinese or Indian. Western cuisine is widely available, and of course, there are numerous  McDonalds and KFC outlets along with a dozen other brand names.

Q12: What is the standard of health care in Malaysia, and what are the prices of medicine?
A9: Hospital care differs in Malaysia. On the whole, there is an excellent network of government hospitals and private clinics throughout the country. In the capital Kuala Lumpur and all the larger cities, modern private hospitals offer state-of-the-art medical services. Medicine is extremely affordable.

Q13: Is there any hospital near Al-Diwan (M)  center?
A10: In fact, there are several. The  center is located in a strategic location within easy reach of all emergency services.

Q14: Are Internet services available in Malaysia?
A11: Yes, Malaysia is home to the Multimedia Super Corridor, where scores of multinational corporations offer the best in information and communications technology services. There are broadband services, dedicated lines, wireless services and a host of other sophisticated offerings, all at affordable prices. There are also a myriad of Internet cafes everywhere with prices as low as RM1.50 per hour.

Q15: How much does it cost to buy a mobile (Cellular) phone? How much does it cost to make a call to a mobile phone number from any store or a public place?
A12: Regarding mobile lines, they are almost standardised by now. If you possess a mobile phone, you can find a line for less than RM10. Mobile calls range from 7 sen to 15 sen per minute; while SMS can go as low as 1 sen.

[Note: 1$ USD is about RM3.40; and RM1 = 100 sen]