Exchange students had to get to know each other in a short span of time. At right is Rees-Goodings.

Politics and sociology major Earl Ree-Goodings made an instant decision to study in Malaysia - and he is glad he made the decision.

“I have never really done any travel by myself. So when I had a friend who said ‘you should come to Malaysia with me’, I right away said ‘yes’,” the 20-year-old from the Caulfied campus said.

Ree-Goodings was among 73 students at the Exchange Students Welcome Dinner recently.

Like the others, he is looking forward to making new friends and experiencing more of Malaysia, having already spent a few days in Langkawi soon after he arrived.

“I am looking forward to a different experience,” he said.

Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Chris Messom, who welcomed the students, said with the batch of 73, inbound exchange students had surpassed outbound exchange students for the first time.

“Make the most of your trip here and enjoy the experience,” he said. “You will get to experience a new country,” he said.

In an icebreaker, the exchange students were given sheets of paper with random information about individuals, and had to find who among them was a match to the information given.

They were also treated to a well-spread buffet of various types of local delicacies.

The 73 who will call Malaysia home.