Rongkong, June 13, 2026 — The International Office of UIN Alauddin Makassar, in collaboration with international students from various countries, successfully held a cross-cultural inspiration class for students at UPT SD Negeri 068 Manganan, Rinding Allo Village, Rongkong District, North Luwu Regency, on Saturday, June 13, 2026. This activity is part of the Global Cultural Immersion Program (GCIP) series organized by UIN Palopo from June 11 to 14, 2026. Through this initiative, students were introduced to cultural diversity, encouraged to broaden their global perspectives, and inspired to build the confidence to pursue their dreams through a shared learning experience with international students.
The Head of the International Office of UIN Alauddin Makassar, Dr. Serliah Nur, M.Hum., M.Ed., who also serves as a lecturer in English Language Education, led the international students in delivering this inspirational class. The initiative aimed to motivate students to dream big and explore various future career paths. The young students engaged in direct interactions with the international delegates, who introduced professions aligned with their respective academic backgrounds, including teachers, dentists, agricultural experts, and other fields. The interactive sessions generated high enthusiasm among the students, as the international participants shared not only professional insights but also firsthand stories about the culture, language, and academic life in their home countries.
The program brought together participants from eight countries, including Thailand, Sudan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Timor-Leste, Syria, and Indonesia. The participating international students represented several higher education institutions, namely UIN Alauddin Makassar, UIN Palopo, Hasanuddin University, Bosowa University, Palopo Muhammadiyah University, and Cokroaminoto Palopo University.
In this collaborative effort, UIN Alauddin Makassar deployed six international students, while Hasanuddin University involved four students from Pakistan, Nigeria, and Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Bosowa University contributed two students from Syria and Timor-Leste.
The Head of the International Office, Serliah Nur, expressed her hope that similar initiatives can be sustained in the future. She noted that the involvement of international students not only broadens the horizons of young learners but also provides a meaningful contribution to local communities. She emphasized that such community service programs should ideally become an annual agenda, as the diverse backgrounds of international students enrich the community service process and bring fresh perspectives for societal advancement.
Through this activity, the International Office of UIN Alauddin Makassar reaffirms its ongoing commitment to advancing the university’s internationalization agenda in a way that directly benefits the public. The presence of international students in primary school environments is expected to open global horizons, foster tolerance, and inspire the younger generation to pursue unlimited aspirations.
