Penang, 14 February 2014 – It was an experience of a lifetime for the 12 exchange students from Gustavus Adolphus College (GAC), Minnesota, United States, who participated in the first multidisciplinary one-semester programme by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

They have a two-day on-site orientation to familiarise with the campus, received briefing, and other activities.

Kory Kolis, a Biology and Studio Art student, found his experience exciting because he was selected for this programme before he finishes his course next year.

He said that at GAC, about 75% of the students would get the opportunity to study abroad and I wanted to be part of that group.

“Previously I was an exchange student in Germany but it was a little too short, three weeks,” Kory added.

When asked about his view about being a Biology student taking up Studio Art at the same time, he said that “it is just looking at an idea in different ways”.

“Studio Art allows you to see biology from a personal perspective while Biology as a subject is very scientific,” he explained, adding that Biodiversity classes are what he was looking forward to.

As it was for now, he found Malaysian food quite agreeable although with much spices.

Jenna Nutzman who is into the second year of her nursing course found a respite from the bitter winter of -30^oC to Malaysia’s warm climate.

“It is so nice to see the trees and the greenery around in stark contrast with the white blanket of snow,” she said.

She is all geared up to experience various cultures in Malaysia as there are not so many different cultures in Minnesota.

“Meeting up with people of different cultures and backgrounds help me learn more about people and this would be helpful in my nursing course,” said Jenna.

She is looking forward to the tropical ecology field trips as she loves to go and explore.

As for her trip here, she said that they had a project to familiarise about Malaysia before their departure, the rest of which will be firsthand experience in Malaysia over the next four months.

“My mother was worried about the warm climate here and reminded me to take more fluid,” she added.

Kory and Jenna were at the briefing for the exchange students at the School of Social Sciences today. - Text: Yong Check Yoon/Photos: Mohd Fairus Md Isa