“It’s really a mark of excellence internationally,” Wake said.
As part of his award, LeBlanc traveled to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia to teach two graduate-level courses – Human Rights in International Relations and International Organizations and Law. While the bulk of his work has not yet started, LeBlanc said via e-mail that he was enjoying the Malaysian climate and food and that the change to his new home in Malaysia had not been as different as some might think.
“The use of English is quite widespread, which made it easy for (me and my wife) to move around and shop,” he said. “The country seems very highly developed and the infrastructure is in great shape.”
Among other amenities, LeBlanc said there was a “good symphony and thriving theater scene” in Kuala Lumpur. He also said there were several “thriving restaurants” in the capital.
In comparing Malaysian graduate students with American graduate students, LeBlanc said it was still too early to tell which was better, but said that his first impression of the students in Malaysia was “very good.”
“Most are Malaysian, but some are foreign students who are enrolled in a program run by the Institute for Diplomacy and Foreign Relations in Kuala Lumpur,” LeBlanc said. “I am working with two students from that group, one from China and the other from Oman.”
LeBlanc also said despite hostility toward Americans in many parts of the world, his reception had been amiable.
“University officials had a nice little reception for my wife and me, and they have helped us in many ways on practical but important matters, like housing, banking, transportation, communication and getting the appropriate visas,” he said. “The Malaysian Fulbright Commission in Kuala Lumpur is a marvel of efficiency and good order and has been extremely helpful and supportive. The U.S. Embassy, up to and including the ambassador, clearly supports the Fulbright program and has even co-sponsored a couple of seminars and symposia in which I have been invited to participate.”,”Brian O’Connor”
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