From fear to belonging

Learning experiences of Muslim minority international students in Islamic education in Indonesia

Authors

  • Ismail Ismail Universitas Islam Negeri Walisongo Semarang, Indonesia
  • Suja’i Universitas Islam Negeri Walisongo Semarang, Indonesia
  • Mohammad Ridwan Universitas Islam Negeri Walisongo Semarang, Indonesia
  • Novita Siswayanti Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional, Jakarta, Indonesia
  • Umi Masfiah Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional, Jakarta, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/5qwbd524

Keywords:

academic shock, international students, Islamic education graduates

Abstract

This study explores the academic shock experienced by international students from Muslim minority countries in Asia—Thailand, China, and Cambodia—who enrolled in an undergraduate Islamic Education program in Indonesia. Using a qualitative narrative inquiry approach, data were collected through unstructured interviews with participating students. Findings reveal a significant shift in students’ perceptions during their studies. Initially influenced by media portrayals of terrorism and conflict, many students arrived with fear and uncertainty about studying in Indonesia. Over time, however, their academic and social experiences challenged these assumptions. Through inclusive interpretations of Islam, local cultural engagement, and dialogical learning, students encountered values of tolerance, hospitality, and mutual respect. This transformation encouraged them to promote religious moderation, interfaith dialogue, and humanistic education upon returning to their home countries. The study extends the concept of academic shock across intellectual, psychosocial, and spiritual dimensions.

Author Biographies

  • Ismail Ismail, Universitas Islam Negeri Walisongo Semarang, Indonesia

    Ismail is a senior lecturer in the Department of Education and Teacher Training at Walisongo State Islamic University in Semarang, focusing on research on Islamic education and learning. He can be reached at ismail@walisongo.ac.id

  • Suja’i, Universitas Islam Negeri Walisongo Semarang, Indonesia

    Suja’i is a senior lecturer in Arabic at UIN Walisongo Semarang. Given his proficiency in Arabic, he is very interested in researching the adaptation of international students, especially Muslim students. He can be contacted at sujai@walisongo.ac.id

  • Mohammad Ridwan, Universitas Islam Negeri Walisongo Semarang, Indonesia

    Mohammad Ridwan. He is a doctoral student in Islamic studies at the Postgraduate Faculty of UIN Walisongo Semarang. Focuses on research in Islamic Economics and international student adaptation management. He can be reached at mohammadridwan@bungabangsacirebon.ac.id

  • Novita Siswayanti, Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional, Jakarta, Indonesia

    Novita Siswayanti is a senior researcher at the National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta, Indonesia. She is an expert in religious education, particularly in the study of multiethnic Islam. She can be contacted at novi037@brin.go.id

  • Umi Masfiah, Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional, Jakarta, Indonesia

    Umi Masfiah is a senior researcher at the National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta, Indonesia. She is interested in gender issues and the adaptation of foreign students in Indonesia. She can be contacted at umim001@brin.go.id

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2026-03-18

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Vol. 16 No. 11 (2026): Journal of International Students

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Rethinking Mobility, Belonging, and the Role of International Students in Global Societies

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Copyright (c) 2026 Ismail Ismail, Suja’i, Mohammad Ridwan, Novita Siswayanti, Umi Masfiah

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Ismail, I., Suja’i, Ridwan, M. ., Siswayanti, N. ., & Masfiah, U. . (2026). From fear to belonging: Learning experiences of Muslim minority international students in Islamic education in Indonesia. Journal of International Students, 16(11), 157-186. https://doi.org/10.32674/5qwbd524