The following interview with YES alumnus Farhan Kamarzaman ’08 was originally published in MyDeafNews. Farhan was recently selected to attend the 2010 YES Alumni Training of Trainers Workshop in Washington DC. Article translation by Yah Tyng Ng, VP YES Alumni Malaysia.
by Normawati Muhamad Kasim
Farhan Kamarzaman is one of four lucky deaf students who were selected for the YES Program, an exchange program in the United States organized by AFS Antarabudaya Malaysia. The following is the interview between Farhan and MyDeafNews (MD):
MD: Assalamualaikum. Thank for willing to be in this interview
Farhan: Waalaikumussalam. You’re welcome
MD: Can you briefly describe your background? Name, date of birth, where are you from and where are you studying?
Farhan: My name is Mohd. Farhan Kamarzaman, 19 years old born in Kuala Lumpur Hospital on 3rd July 1990. I’m currently studying Form 5 in SMK Desa Perdana.
Farhan: Waalaikumussalam. You’re welcome
MD: Can you briefly describe your background? Name, date of birth, where are you from and where are you studying?
Farhan: My name is Mohd. Farhan Kamarzaman, 19 years old born in Kuala Lumpur Hospital on 3rd July 1990. I’m currently studying Form 5 in SMK Desa Perdana.
MD: How did you know and participated this YES program?
Farhan: I applied few years ago and never thought my dream would come true to participate this program. My teacher informed me that I was selected
Farhan: I applied few years ago and never thought my dream would come true to participate this program. My teacher informed me that I was selected
MD: When you were informed that you are selected for the YESprogram. How do you feel?
Farhan: I have both mixed feelings of excitement and anxiety to participate the YES program because it is also my first time participating program as such. However I am very fortunate enough that I able to get support from my family because my both parents are also actively involved in exchange programs which make it easier for them to understand me.
Farhan: I have both mixed feelings of excitement and anxiety to participate the YES program because it is also my first time participating program as such. However I am very fortunate enough that I able to get support from my family because my both parents are also actively involved in exchange programs which make it easier for them to understand me.
MD: Before going to the US, what kind of preparation that you do?
Farhan: Before going to US, all participants need to attend an orientation camp for 4 days. We have to learn ASL and other things. Alumni members are there to share their experience which is very useful as I can ask them what to expect from my stay there.
Farhan: Before going to US, all participants need to attend an orientation camp for 4 days. We have to learn ASL and other things. Alumni members are there to share their experience which is very useful as I can ask them what to expect from my stay there.
MD: While you are there, what is your most unforgettable experience?
Farhan: When we just arrived in Washington DC, one of the unforgettable moments was when we visited Gallaudet University where everyone there communicates using sign language. Even when I ordering food I don’t need to write to order my food but instead just sign, which is very different from Malaysia. I am amazed with what I had experienced and seen.
Farhan: When we just arrived in Washington DC, one of the unforgettable moments was when we visited Gallaudet University where everyone there communicates using sign language. Even when I ordering food I don’t need to write to order my food but instead just sign, which is very different from Malaysia. I am amazed with what I had experienced and seen.
MD: What are the challenges you had faced during YES program? For example, from communicating with people, friends or any task that did you need to do?
Farhan: Among the challenges that I had faced during YESprogram is communicating with my host parents whom are not deaf. They know little of sign language and I need to write on piece of paper to communicate with them. In that case, I need to be good in English however I had taught them basic sign language such as drink, eat, sleep, shower, thank you and good morning. Other challenges that I had also faced is difficulty in fulfilling the Solat Prayers and getting Halal food.
Farhan: Among the challenges that I had faced during YESprogram is communicating with my host parents whom are not deaf. They know little of sign language and I need to write on piece of paper to communicate with them. In that case, I need to be good in English however I had taught them basic sign language such as drink, eat, sleep, shower, thank you and good morning. Other challenges that I had also faced is difficulty in fulfilling the Solat Prayers and getting Halal food.
MD: Where is your school in US and is the place near to your host family house?
Farhan: I was placed in Indianapolis Deaf School whereby all students are deaf and also most teachers are deaf too. My host family house is quite far from my school, therefore I was placed in the school dormitory. Every weekend, I will live in my host family house which takes about 2 hours of bus ride. Being in a foreign country teaches me to be brave and independent as I am the only student from Malaysia.
Farhan: I was placed in Indianapolis Deaf School whereby all students are deaf and also most teachers are deaf too. My host family house is quite far from my school, therefore I was placed in the school dormitory. Every weekend, I will live in my host family house which takes about 2 hours of bus ride. Being in a foreign country teaches me to be brave and independent as I am the only student from Malaysia.
MD: What challenges do you face in school there compared to the school in Malaysia?
Farhan: At the beginning, my challenges were to understand their sign language, but later I get used to their sign language and able to understand it. The education system is very different between America and Malaysia because in America the education system is more into theory and practical, whilst Malaysia focuses only onto the theory aspect.
Farhan: At the beginning, my challenges were to understand their sign language, but later I get used to their sign language and able to understand it. The education system is very different between America and Malaysia because in America the education system is more into theory and practical, whilst Malaysia focuses only onto the theory aspect.
MD: During your stay, what amazes you the most?
Farhan: I am amazed by the vast technology available there. For example, an electrical device like Video Phone enables me to communicate with anyone by just dialing the phone and later was connected through an operator who can sign. I can also communicate my family through the television at home.
Farhan: I am amazed by the vast technology available there. For example, an electrical device like Video Phone enables me to communicate with anyone by just dialing the phone and later was connected through an operator who can sign. I can also communicate my family through the television at home.
MD: After the end of 6 months there, how do you feel when it is time to go home?
Farhan: I have mixed feelings again because I am sad to leave my host family and friends in America but in the mean time I am happy to see my family again in Malaysia. When I’m in America I felt like a different person because there is too many differences between America and Malaysia.
Farhan: I have mixed feelings again because I am sad to leave my host family and friends in America but in the mean time I am happy to see my family again in Malaysia. When I’m in America I felt like a different person because there is too many differences between America and Malaysia.
MD: What are your future plans?
Farhan: My future plans were to further my studies in engineering or technology information. I hope to obtain excellent results in SPM to enable to obtain scholarships to further my studies.
Farhan: My future plans were to further my studies in engineering or technology information. I hope to obtain excellent results in SPM to enable to obtain scholarships to further my studies.
MD: What is your advice to other youth out there?
Farhan: I hope other youth like me able to participate in programs that able to give them experience and to meet different people in the society. I also hope all youth to be successful and also help the society and the needy.
Farhan: I hope other youth like me able to participate in programs that able to give them experience and to meet different people in the society. I also hope all youth to be successful and also help the society and the needy.
MD: Thank you for willing to be interviewed.
Farhan: You’re welcome.
Farhan: You’re welcome.
Mengiringi dua orang Pelajar Pekak Ke Amerika Syarikat
Pada 13 Januari 2010, 2 orang pelajar Pekak bersama 44 pelajar bukan Pekak meninggalkan Malaysia untuk menjadi ‘Duta Kecil’ di Amerika Syarikat. Mereka adalah kumpulan pelajar yang telah dipilih dibawah program ‘Youth Exchange and Study’ (YES) tajaan ‘Department of State’ Amerika Syarikat. Mereka yang bertuah ini terpilih dari kalangan lebih 100 orang pemohon yang lain yang dikendalikan oleh Antarabudaya Malaysia (AFS Malaysia).
Dari 13 – 15 Januari 2010, semua pelajar menghadiri sesi orientasi anjuran AFS Amerika Syarikat di 4H Convention Centre, Maryland. Sepanjang sesi dijalankan, semua pelajar diberi pendedahan mengenai kehidupan di sana. Pelajar juga dibawa melawat Bandaraya Washington DC seperti ke Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Capitol Hill dan Union Station.
Pada penghujung program, semua pelajar diberikan sijil penyertaan pada majlis penutup.
Laporan oleh Goh Soo Lee
Bersama Duta Malaysia ke Amerika Syarikat, Datuk Seri Jamaluddin Jarjis
(Joint Ambassador to the United States, Datuk Seri Jamaluddin Jarjis)
Bergambar beramai-ramai sebelum perarakan Hari Menmperingati Martin Luther King, Jr
(Pictures crowds before Day parade Menmperingati Martin Luther King, Jr.)
Beh Hui Yun (kiri) pelajar Pekak dari Malaysia turut serta dalam sketsa mengenai hak OKU di Eugene, Oregon
(Beh Hui Yun (left) from Malaysia deaf students participated in the sketch on the rights of OKU in Eugene, Oregon)
Lim Yau Yi (kiri) pelajar Pekak dari Malaysia memberi idea semasa hari Orientasi di Washington D.C.
(Lim Yau Yi (left) Deaf students from Malaysia to the idea during the day orientation in Washington DC)
(Translate Malaysia to English)
Accompanying the two deaf students to the United States
On January 13, 2010, two deaf students with 44 students are not to leave the country for the Deaf 'Small Ambassador in the United States. They are a group of students who were selected under the 'Youth Exchange and Study "(YES) sponsored' Department of State 'United States. They are the lucky chosen from among more than 100 other applicants conducted by the intercultural Malaysia (AFS Malaysia).
Beh Hui Yun (SMK Desa Perdana, Kuala Lumpur) and Lim Yau Yi (Special Education School Penang) will face life with the 'host family' in the United States for six months. But before that, they will be faced with a second orientation in preparation to start a new life there.
From 13 to 15 January 2010, all students attend an orientation session organized by the United States in 4H AFS Convention Centre in Maryland. During the run session, all students are exposed to life there. Students also visited the City of Washington DC such as the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Capitol Hill and Union Station.
Orientation is completed, all students went to their respective destinations except two Deaf students who will attend another session orientation in Eugene, Oregon a special place for all the disabled persons AFS exchange students. There are four Deaf students (one from the Philippines and one from Pakistan, including two from Indonesia), two disabled students (one from Thailand and one from Bangladesh) and two blind students (both from Turkey).
In Eugene, all students are highlighted with the rights and needs of the disabled. They were taken to see accessibility and services for the disabled who are in Eugene. Among the places that we visit the Sheldon High School, University of Oregon, Regional Sports Centre and Valley River Center Mall. Commemorate the day Martin Luther King Jr also happened to fall on all students in Eugene, Mobility International USA (MIUSA) is responsible for this orientation was to bring all the participants marched along with others including the disabled.
At the end of the program, all students were given certificates of participation at the closing ceremony.
Report by Goh Soo Lee
Article translation by Volunteer Deaf Malaysia.
Mobility International USA (2010)
Yau Yi Lim arrived in the U.S. in January to begin her semester as a YES student at the Alabama School for the Deaf. She is excited to improve her American Sign Language (ASL) and English skills this semester and to open her mind to new experiences. She is also excited to get to know her host family and the community where she will live. At home in Malaysia, Yau Yi enjoys a variety of sports and activities, including basketball, badminton, computers and reading.
Beh Hui Yun joined her host family in Arkansas in January to begin her semester as a YES student. This semester, Hui Yun is studying at the Arkansas School for the Deaf where she is excited to improve her American Sign Language (ASL) and English skills and make new friends. Hui Yun enjoyed a trip to the local Pinnacle Mountain State Park, which is located just down the street from her house. She shares “It was freezing, but fun!” She is looking forward to getting involved with activities and community service and is hoping to get involved with a music program. At home in Malaysia, Hui Yun enjoys reading books and magazines, surfing the Internet, and playing badminton and volleyball. She looks forward to trying new activities as a YES student and to sharing her culture with members of her host community!
One Solid Sojourn
Let's you see link address this
( Site news online)http://rage.com.my/writeups/story.asp?file=/2009/9/23/outnabout/20090923120342&sec=outnabout
Mobility International USA(2008)
In January 2008, MIUSA staff met with four new YES students from Malaysia and continuing
YES student, Alhaji “P-Jay” Mohammed, of Ghana, all of whom will be joining the Reentry Workshop in May. Please welcome Farhan, Afiqah, Pooi, and Tim as they begin their YESsemester in the USA!
YES student, Alhaji “P-Jay” Mohammed, of Ghana, all of whom will be joining the Reentry Workshop in May. Please welcome Farhan, Afiqah, Pooi, and Tim as they begin their YESsemester in the USA!
Pooi Yen Leow
Pooi joined his host family in Anderson, Indiana, in January to begin his semester as a
YES student. This semester, Pooi is studying at the Indiana School for the Deaf in
Indianapolis, Indiana. Pooi enjoys basketball, swimming, running and track and field
events, including the long jump, and spending time on the computer. He looks forward
to getting involved in school activities and trying new things this semester, including
baseball.
Mohd Farhan Kamarzaman
Farhan joins Malaysian student, Pooi Yen Leow, this semester at the Indiana School for
the Deaf where he looks forward to meeting his new classmates, learning more about
Deaf culture in the U.S. and seeing snow! At home in Malaysia, Farhan enjoys bowling
and badminton, and is very interested in computers, animation and videography. Above
all, he looks forward to bringing technological know-how and increased opportunities to
the Deaf community in Malaysia upon his return home.
Pooi joined his host family in Anderson, Indiana, in January to begin his semester as a
YES student. This semester, Pooi is studying at the Indiana School for the Deaf in
Indianapolis, Indiana. Pooi enjoys basketball, swimming, running and track and field
events, including the long jump, and spending time on the computer. He looks forward
to getting involved in school activities and trying new things this semester, including
baseball.
Mohd Farhan Kamarzaman
Farhan joins Malaysian student, Pooi Yen Leow, this semester at the Indiana School for
the Deaf where he looks forward to meeting his new classmates, learning more about
Deaf culture in the U.S. and seeing snow! At home in Malaysia, Farhan enjoys bowling
and badminton, and is very interested in computers, animation and videography. Above
all, he looks forward to bringing technological know-how and increased opportunities to
the Deaf community in Malaysia upon his return home.
Tim Choy Liew
Tim arrived in the U.S. in January to begin his semester as a YES student in Colorado
Springs, Colorado. Tim will attend school at the Colorado School for the Deaf where he
is excited to improve his American Sign Language (ASL) skills. At home in Malaysia, Tim enjoys tennis, badminton, basketball and spending time on the computer. As an
exchange student in the U.S., he is very excited to learn how to ski and play golf. Tim
also looks forward to sharing what he learns in the U.S. this semester with the Deaf community in Malaysia upon his return home.
Nur Afiqah Russli
Afiqah arrived in the U.S. in January to begin her semester as a YES exchange student in Talladega, Alabama, where she will attend the Alabama School for the Deaf. At home in the capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Afiqah enjoys badminton and spending time on the computer, as well as spending time with her two sisters. This semester, she looks forward to trying new activities at school and taking P.E., as well as getting to know her new host family and classmates.
