Mindanao State University (MSU) – Marawi City – Mindanao State University’s International Affairs and Linkages Office (IALO) hosted an insightful “Exchange Conversation” on Friday, November 14, 2025. The event brought together visiting students from UIN Sayyid Ali Rahmatullah Tulungagung (UIN Saizu), Indonesia, and their counterparts from MSU—specifically, members of the Supreme Student Government (SSG) and selected student representatives.
Held in the OP Conference Room, the program commenced with a warm welcome from Director Melba Angni, IALO Director. Director Angni not only extended a heartfelt welcome to the UIN Saizu delegates but also provided a brief context on the existing MSU-UIN Saizu partnership, underscoring its importance in fostering regional academic collaboration and understanding. She highlighted the main objective of the conversation: to facilitate genuine interaction, build rapport, and exchange valuable insights on university life, academic experiences, and global aspirations.
The exchange was structured into three focused, 15-minute Guided Conversation Rounds, with groups rotating to maximize diverse interaction. Round 1: University Life & Campus Culture involved students discussing their typical day, popular organizations, and engagement in leadership and community service, highlighting universal experiences and unique cultural differences. Next, Round 2: Academic Experiences & Challenges focused on the classroom, covering favorite subjects, faculty influence, research interests, learning approaches (online, blended, etc.), and strategies for overcoming academic hurdles. Finally, Round 3: Values, Aspirations & Global Mindset explored deeper themes such as global citizenship, post-graduation dreams, and how cultural backgrounds shape personal goals and leadership styles, revealing a shared commitment to positive global impact.
The event concluded with an Open Forum / Plenary Sharing where each mixed group shared highlight insights from their discussions. The session led to a collective recognition of similarities in student enthusiasm and academic rigor, alongside an appreciation of differences in campus traditions and cultural practices.
This enriching exchange served not only as a platform for cultural learning but also strengthened the intellectual and social bonds between UIN Saizu and MSU, promising further collaboration and friendship between the two institutions.
