Good Neighbors: Influx of Filipino Students at UIII Soars This Year

UIII.AC.ID, Depok - Sharing the same border by the sea, Indonesia has always had a good relationship with the Philippines. While the tie between the two countries appears tighter, this has also been reflected in this year’s remarkable influx of Filipino students at the Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) which witnessed a significant increase compared to previous years.

In the academic year 2023-2024, which is the third year of admission, UIII welcomed nine Filipino students, the largest number since the inception of the university. In the first year of admission, only one student from the Philippines was admitted, while no Filipino student was recorded in the second batch.

The coming of new Filipino scholars represents a diverse mix of backgrounds, adding to the rich diversity of UIII's international community. Seven of the nine students came from the Southern Philippines, specifically the Muslim-majority region of Mindanao, while the remaining two came from the Northern part of the Philippines, Luzon. Interestingly, one of the two students from Luzon is a Roman Catholic, underscoring the university's commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

These Filipino students have been admitted to various faculties at UIII. One student is pursuing a master’s degree at the Faculty of Economics and Business, while three of them are in pursuit of an MA in education program at the Faculty of Education. Meanwhile, five students are accepted into the Faculty of Islamic Studies, one of whom is pursuing a doctoral degree.

This broad range of academic disciplines emphasizes the potential of Filipino students to contribute not only to UIII's academic community but also to the broader academic and social landscape in the Philippines.

Rosda Mangindalat, a Filipino student pursuing an MA in Economics, confessed that she chose to study at UIII because of the institution’s capability to produce high-quality education while considering the opportunity as a self-challenge.

"One thing I realized was that this university is challenging yet exciting. I love to challenge myself, so this is an opportunity for me to showcase what more I can do and improve", Rosda said, adding that the diversity among the faculty, hailing from different backgrounds and nationalities, contributed to the students' challenges while enriching them with a wide range of expertise.

Meanwhile, Sairah Mangulamas, an MA in Education student, concurred with the statement, saying: "It [has] been challenging but also fun. Studying away from home is hard, but meeting new friends with diverse cultures makes me appreciate and embrace life away from home." UIII, being an international Islamic university, continues to embrace diversity, transcending backgrounds, cultures, nationalities, and religions.

In the meantime, Luqman Bin Usman Imam, a doctoral student in Islamic Studies, discussed the challenge of being a father and full-time PhD student, affirming his commitment to study-family balance despite the geographical distance.

"I try to communicate through video calls with my wife and three daughters, even if it's just for a short time after Fajr prayer before they go to school, before Maghrib, and before they go to sleep, as they are one hour ahead of us" Luqman explained. Juggling academic responsibilities with family commitments can be challenging. However, he exemplifies the ability to strike a balance between academic rigor and familial duties.

The surge in Filipino students at UIII signifies the university's belief in the capabilities of Filipino scholars to make meaningful contributions and experiences. As these students navigate their academic journeys, they are not only enriching their own experiences but also adding a distinct Filipino perspective to the global academic community at UIII.

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