Alhamdulillah... On October 3, 2023, I and 8 of my friends embarked from Yogyakarta to Malaysia to take part in a student exchange program at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) for 1 semester. This program was joined by students from diverse countries including Australia, Japan, Morocco, Brunei, and more. As a globally recognized campus, we have friends from diverse countries, making a universal language, such as English, essential for bridging these differences.

Upon my initial arrival at this campus, I was astounded by the vast area of the campus. In comparison to the campus at UIN, this one is nearly ten times larger. Thankfully, the Kuliyyah of Economics and Management Sciences (KENMS), our faculty, is conveniently located near our mahallah. As the major of Islamic banking or Islamic banking is not offered at this campus, I opted for Business Administration, which closely aligns with the curriculum available at my home campus.

The teaching and learning experience at this campus is, in my opinion, not significantly different from UIN. The main distinctions lie in the language used, the presence of international students from various countries, and the cultural heritage of Malaysia.

We are fortunate that the people here are friendly and welcoming, which creates a sense of calm and safety for us. The food options are also incredibly diverse, encompassing Western, Arab, Bangladeshi, Chinese, local, and Indonesian cuisines. The cafeteria serves not only as a place for dining but also as a gathering spot for football enthusiasts. During big match for football matches, the cafeteria provides a projector for watching the games together.

During our visit to the Gombak campus, we explored nearby campuses, including the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation (ISTAC), which is dedicated to master’s and doctoral students. While there, we had the chance to tour the renowned Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas Library, known for its collection of ancient artifacts and manuscripts. This experience provided valuable insights into the preservation of ancient texts and the intricate process of printing manuscripts using advanced machinery. Furthermore, we participated in classes led by professors and joined ISTAC students in their academic pursuits.

Studying abroad has been an incredibly enriching experience for me. I have gained valuable insights in academia, been exposed to diverse cultures, and engaged in daily interactions with students from various backgrounds. Moreover, I have had the opportunity to expand my network and foster positive relationships with local residents and international peers. I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to represent my campus in this student exchange program and hope that it will thrive even further in the future.