Journey of a Muslim (JOM) 2018: A Predeparture Programme for Prospective UK-Eire Students

Alas, it was near mid-August. The realization finally hit me. It was about time to depart - about a month away from the anticipated date. Ironically, despite the anticipation and excitement, a microscopic view of my mind revealed a disarray. It was utterly chaotic: "What should I do?" "Where should I go?" "What should I bring?" "How much would this cost?" - all the mini-questions which combine to form a huge question: "HOW PREPARED AM I?"

Fortunately, the dates 10-12 August 2018 also meant another thing. A key to finding the answers desperately sought by my mind came to avail: Journey of a Muslim (JOM) 2018. It was a predeparture programme for prospective UK-Eire Students organized by IKRAM UK-Eire and supported by Education Malaysia UK.

Before the rest of my write-up, here are some contact details regarding the programme:
https://www.instagram.com/journeyofamuslim/

jomjourneyofamuslim@gmail.com

The 3-day and 2-night programme was held at Kem Bumi Jati, Shah Alam. Let me tell you, for RM10 (if registered in a group of 3-4, otherwise, individually it was RM15), it was very very worth it! In fact, I don't think the fee was sufficient for such a good venue! I mean, although they had a water tank to scoop water out from instead of regular showers (camp-style la of course!), the other facilities were amazing.

Let me prove it to you through highlights via bullet-points:

• The room was air-conditioned.
• The food was quite luxurious (WHO WOULD GET SUP TULANG OR AN IKAN SIAKAP DISH AT CAMP?)
• The halls were air-conditioned.
• The surau/musolla was spacious and comfortable

Moving beyond the materialistic (uhuk uhuk, ini semua duniawi) perspective, the enlightenment received was invaluable. Not only were my questions answered, knowledge beyond my expectations were received, shared and discussed. 

Let me share you the highlights:

• The talks and sessions were mainly more interactive than passive. 
• WE GOT BOOKLETS AND HANDOUTS WHICH WERE SUPER USEFUL :') "So which of the favours of your Lord would you deny?" (Surah ar-Rahman)
• A checklist of things to bring from Malaysia, and things that can be bought in the UK
• A list of contact numbers of seniors which were classified according to uni and location
• Clear tips and steps regarding VISA application, financial preparation, and more!
• Okay. here is the main booklet:
• https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lVCYQZzWGlQHhMRB-FTdjQAD7YmH0QvV/view?usp=sharing
• A ted talk and Q&A regarding life and financial management from the CEO and co-founder of Arba Travel, Ammar Roslizar! (Trust me, having the opportunity to listen to this talk was super enlightening esp to those who are nervous about handling living allowances including rent for the first time!)
• A talk and Q&A regarding traveller fiqh: musafir, khuf, and suggested approaches to mind-boggling and common questions regarding Islam from curious people.
• Ted talks from seniors, a psychologist (Dr. Akif Farhan) and Education Malaysia: their insights gained from knowledge and experience were beneficial.
• Last but not least (in fact this might be the highlight among the highlights), the BONDING and NETWORKING formed. Uniquely, this programme had a lot of AJKs and facilitators (almost the same amount as the participants if not mistaken, or was it more?). They used fun ways to share info and create mutual understanding and care among each other: games, drama, explorace, tazkirah and informal Q&As. 

And hey, even after nearly a month, while writing this post now, the same SUPPORT SYSTEM is helping me sort out my preparation to go to the UK!

Imagine suddenly having friends spanning across Malaysia, the UK and Ireland from not  knowing anyone in a faraway foreign land. 

What a blessing.

Thank you Allah.

Salam sayang,

Anis.