UNAIR NEWS – Observing the Ramadan fast abroad presents a distinctly different experience. This was the case for Nauval Syahferi, a 2022 student in the Data Science Technology program at the Faculty of Advanced Technology and Multidiscipline (FTMM), 51动漫. He observed Ramadan while studying in South Korea through the UNAIR Student Outbound Mobility, EQUITY exchange program, facilitated by Airlangga Global Engagement (AGE).
During the program, Syahferi spent one full semester at Jeonbuk National University in Jeonju. While there, he took several courses, including Korean for Foreigners (Beginner) and Reading Contemporary Korean Society through Technology.
Experiencing Ramadan as minority
Syahferi felt grateful for being able to experience the spirit of Ramadan despite being far from Indonesia. One factor that helped maintain the Ramadan atmosphere was the presence of the Korea Islamic Centre Association Jeonju mosque, located about an hour from his campus.
淎t the mosque, we performed various forms of worship during Ramadan, including tarawih prayers, Friday prayers, and communal iftar gatherings. It felt comforting to meet fellow Muslims from different countries, each with their own cultural and linguistic backgrounds, he said.
According to Syahferi, the diversity of the Muslim congregation also created a unique experience. He heard sermons delivered in several languages, English, Korean, Arabic, and Turkish, which left a lasting impression during his Ramadan in South Korea.
Challenges of fasting
Although he was able to observe Ramadan well, Syahferi acknowledged that fasting in South Korea came with several challenges. One of the main difficulties was the limited availability of halal food. As a Muslim student, he had to be more selective when choosing meals for both suhoor and iftar. He usually prepared suhoor by heating instant rice and pairing it with simple side dishes such as seaweed or fish-based snacks.
In addition, the distance between his dormitory and campus also affected his daily routine. He had to walk about 15 to 20 minutes from the dormitory to the campus buildings. As a result, he had to manage his time carefully to ensure he could still perform prayers on time while keeping up with his class schedule.
Valuable experience
For Syahferi, the exchange program provided more than just academic experience; it also broadened his perspective on life. He encountered new cultures firsthand, including different educational environments, social practices, and natural surroundings compared with those in Indonesia. According to him, studying alongside international students was one of the most motivating aspects of the program.
淚 met friends from China, Uzbekistan, and Ukraine. Seeing their strong academic work ethic motivated me to study more seriously, he said. The experience has also strengthened his plans. Syahferi said he hopes to pursue further studies in South Korea and believes the exchange program will serve as valuable preparation for the next stage of his academic journey.
Author: Maia Chaerunnisa
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
