Contributor: Saemah Shamim | Editor: Supriyono
UIII.AC.ID, DEPOK - Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) becomes a venue for stories that cross boundaries in the complex merge of global minds where ambitions meet in one place altogether. A unique journey driven by the convergence of dreams and ideas begins as students from various countries come together under one roof located in Jakarta’s satellite city of Depok, West Java.
UIII is currently home to hundreds of students coming from different nationalities, such as the bustling streets of Kano, Nigeria, the serene beauty of The Gambia, the untamed landscapes of Afghanistan, the archipelagic wonders of Indonesia, the Philippines, the vibrant communities of Nepal, the hardworking cities of Pakistan, and many more, like Morocco, Egypt, Yemen, Sudan, Tanzania, and beyond.
Students from all around the world travel across national boundaries at UIII, where ideas and dreams meet. Driven by an insatiable need to discover, impart, and participate, these fearless brains bring goals as varied as their cultures to UIII; the intersection of world ambitions and the ambitious atmosphere pushes them to venture outside of their comfort zones and pursue knowledge that goes well beyond the confines of the classroom.
Ambition permeates the air at UIII, resonating throughout the hallways as students worldwide are inspired to explore the unknown. Packed with aspirations and tenacity, these budding academics set off on an international voyage motivated by the urge to share their novel insights and discoveries with the world.
At UIII, the atmosphere is one of encouragement. The philosophy of the university is in line with the notion that learning should not be contained within walls but rather serve as a conduit for innovative ideas to be communicated on a national and worldwide scale. The distinguished mentors who teach at UIII are not only instructors but also guides who inspire these bright young minds to run faster and more boldly toward their goals. Their voices reverberate through lecture rooms, imploring students to become globally recognized and leave their imprint.
The echoes include the outstanding accomplishments of UIII's former students. Not only did the inaugural class of UIII graduates leave the institution with degrees, but their participation both inside and outside of Indonesia was marked by boundless greatness. Their successes demonstrate the educational, transformational power of UIII, as alumni are making significant contributions to academia, research, and the workforce.
These alumni have demonstrated the power of UIII's curriculum in molding future leaders, from ground-breaking research projects to significant positions on the international scene. These outstanding alumni encourage current students to aim high and make a lasting impact that goes well beyond the university's boundaries as UIII's reputation grows.
Nizar, a student from the sun-kissed coasts of Sumba Island, spoke inspiring words amid the colorful tapestry of UIII. His excitement was contagious. "The experience is what drives me, without a doubt," he said, his eyes bright with a thirst for information. "I can interact with a wide range of people from various backgrounds, exchanging ideas and broadening my awareness of global issues. Above all, I can present my points of view or how I interpret particular social occurrences."
Meanwhile, with origins in the bustling streets of Nigeria, Nasir Yahya's story unfolded like a gripping novel. "Scrolling through one of my WhatsApp groups, I came across an announcement for the ISOLEC conference at Universitas Negeri Malang," Yahya said. His voice resonated with excitement. “It's interesting that as I read on, I realized that it would make a perfect fit for one of my papers. The idea of sharing my expertise and learning from authorities in my field of study thrilled me,” he added.
Similar tales of discovery and success reverberated around the UIII campus. The stories that students from vibrant countries recounted were as compelling as a chapter in a book. Although their reasons for doing so differed, they were all driven by the same desire to discover, disseminate, and add to the global fabric of ideas.
With its supportive environment, UIII became apparent as a driving force behind these audacious expeditions. The academics evolved from being merely instructors into mentors guiding these impressionable brains toward their goals. The experiences of students like Nizar and Yahya provided real evidence of the university's educational philosophy, which views education as a bridge to national and international platforms.
UIII remains a lighthouse in the convergent aspirations and ideas of students from all over the world—a place where the quest for knowledge was not only an academic undertaking but also a journey of personal development and transformation. UIII is a beacon for people who dare to dream big and a place where different brains come together to bring the world to a single point of intellectual brilliance. It is an oasis of information, dreams, and inspiration.