Makassar (ANTARA) - The International Office (IO) of Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) has successfully launched the Host Family Program: Experiencing Ramadhan Like Home, providing international students with an immersive cultural experience during the holy month of Ramadhan. Held from 21 - 23 March 2025, the program allowed participants to stay with local families in Bantimurung and Tompobulu, Maros Regency, offering them a firsthand experience of Ramadhan traditions in South Sulawesi.
To ensure a well-organized and enriching experience, IO held a preparatory meeting via Zoom on 18 March 2025, led by Andi Masyitha Irwan, Ph.D. (Head of IO), and attended by Muhammad Ridwan, M.A. (IO Secretary), Saaduddin, M.Sc. (Task Force & Project Manager), and IO staff members. The meeting covered key logistical aspects, including transportation arrangements utilizing UNHAS services and pairing international students with local student volunteers from IO UNHAS.
The selection of Bantimurung and Tompobulu as host locations followed an official audience with the Regent of Maros, Dr. H. Andi Syafril Chaidir Syam, S.IP, M.H., on 10 March 2025. The Regent welcomed the initiative, recognizing its potential to foster cultural exchange and promote Maros as a destination for international engagement.
The program followed a structured timeline, beginning with participant registration from 10 to 17 March, followed by the selection process on 18 March. The official announcement was made through IO UNHAS Instagram on 19 March, and a pre-departure briefing took place on 20 March to introduce students to local customs and their host families. On 21 March, the participants departed for Maros, where they spent three days immersing themselves in the local culture before returning to UNHAS on 23 March with valuable experiences and insights.
This inaugural Host Family program featured four international students: Kumar Apurvakant Gautam from India (Faculty of Public Health), Muhammad Furqan from Pakistan (Faculty of Dentistry), Tashfeen Amir from Pakistan (Faculty of Medicine), and Said Sadallah Said from Tanzania (Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences). They were paired with local IO student volunteers, Muh. Naufal Fahri Salim and Muh. Adam Rezky, who helped them adapt to their new surroundings and facilitated cultural exchanges.
The participants shared memorable experiences and reflections on the program. Said Sadallah Said expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to learn about palm sugar production and explore the natural beauty of Bonto Somba village. He emphasized that the hospitality of his host family and the warmth of the local community made his stay truly special.
Muhammad Furqan suggested that future programs include more cultural workshops, such as traditional cooking, weaving, or palm sugar making, to enhance participants' engagement with the local community.
Tashfeen Amir recalled his favorite moment of the program, which was attending a Musabaqah Tilawatil Quran (MTQ) event. He was unexpectedly invited on stage to speak in front of 300 people, making it an unforgettable experience. He also enjoyed watching a kids' fashion show and Quran recitation competitions.
Kumar Apurvakant Gautam discussed the challenges of adjusting to the Ramadhan routine, particularly waking up early for Suhoor. However, sharing these moments with his friends and host family made it much easier and more enjoyable. He also highlighted how simple Bahasa Indonesia and non-verbal communication helped him overcome language barriers.
The Host Family Program successfully fostered cross-cultural understanding and provided international students with an authentic Ramadhan experience. With overwhelmingly positive feedback from both participants and host families, IO UNHAS hopes to continue and expand this initiative in the future, strengthening the university’s commitment to internationalization and cultural exchange.
