'Asian-African Conference': 2 UIN Jakarta International Students Share Social and Cultural Experiences in Indonesia
Jakarta, UIN Online News — Choosing to pursue higher education at Indonesia’s best state Islamic Religious Universities (PTKIN), two international students shared their stories full of meaningful challenges and cultural shock.
Fatou Sanneh, an international student from Gambia in West Africa, began her studies at UIN Jakarta in 2023 and stayed at Mabna Syarifah Fatimah Ma’had Al-Jami’ah UIN Jakarta. She says that the dormitory instilled discipline while giving her a warm sense of belonging and comfort.
Starting her education in Indonesia made Fatou feel the differences between Gambia and Indonesia; she notes that Indonesian culture features performing arts and written traditions, while Gambia relies on storytelling traditions and oral history.
Indonesia boasts performing‑arts cultures such as Wayang Kulit, Gamelan, traditional dance, and traditional ceremonies. In comparison, Gambia’s culture centers around storytelling for children and village residents, with expressive tales of ancestors, heroes, and life lessons conveyed by parents or tribal chiefs.
The ubiquitous Indonesian dish Nasi Goreng captured Fatou’s attention. It is typically smoky and spicy, offering an exotic taste distinct from the savory flavors common in Gambian cuisine.
Fatou explains that the greatest advantage of studying in Indonesia is her ability to adapt, learn Indonesian, and adjust to the Asian culture.
“UIN Jakarta gave me the intellectual tools and confidence to use my voice on a global level,” she conveyed.
In contrast, Mahjoba Hasina Wardak from Afghanistan, an international student at the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), experiences cultural differences in gender dynamics and learning styles. She explains that Afghanistan is a conservative Islamic state where gender interaction is highly restricted even in formal spaces like the workplace, whereas Indonesia allows greater freedom of expression all around.
“Meanwhile, here in Indonesia I’ve noticed more freedom, particularly in speech, education, and social interactions,” she clarified.
Highlighting the Indonesian academic system, Mahjoba notes that one unique aspect of her experience is the distinct personalities and teaching methods of lecturers.
“In Indonesia, students are expected to be independent in their studies. Most materials and coursework must be completed individually, and not all subjects rely on written exams; some use projects or extras instead,” she explains.
Unlike Afghanistan, which predominantly uses a written system for learning—especially during exams—she says the teaching methods previously encountered were more traditional, focusing on writing and memorization.
“Lecturers explain the material, and students focus on memorizing it for the exam. If you memorize everything, you’re usually safe,” she mentioned.
Mahjoba explains that UIN Jakarta has provided her with a platform and support to broaden her perspective and skills in computer engineering. She sees great opportunities because UIN Jakarta covers a wide range of fields as a venue for developing interests, expertise, and talent.
According to her experience, she received lots of support for students’ growth in shaping character and discovering student talents. UIN Jakarta successfully met her expectations with many opportunities for participation in various activities, such as student activity units (UKM), seminars, and competitions that build confidence.
“Moreover, being able to apply what I’ve learned here is very valuable. Hopefully, if I get the opportunity, I can bring this knowledge back to my country or at least contribute to the improvement of the IT field there,” she shared.
(Meisa Aqilah N.H./ Fauziah M./Zaenal M./Muhamad Arifin Ilham)