Today was truly special as we had the chance to meet and connect with international students currently studying at Universitas Muria Kudus (UMK). These students came from various countries such as Nigeria, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and others. Though we all came from different parts of the world, we quickly found common ground through meaningful conversations and genuine curiosity about one another’s cultures.

It started with simple introductions and friendly exchanges. As we talked, we naturally began to share the differences in our cultures, from our languages, clothing, and daily habits to the way we celebrate holidays, eat meals, and show respect in our home countries. It was eye-opening to hear about life in Nigeria or Thailand or Timor-Leste—and it made us reflect on the richness of our own culture as Filipinos too.

We discovered many interesting things—how greetings vary from country to country, how some students were adjusting to the spicy Indonesian food, and how others celebrated Ramadan, Christmas, or New Year differently back home. We laughed as we tried mimicking each other’s traditional dances or practicing basic words in different languages. Though these were just small moments, they were full of warmth and learning.

This informal yet heartfelt sharing allowed us to see the world through one another’s eyes. What made the experience even more valuable was how open and respectful everyone was. We didn’t only talk about what made us different—we celebrated those differences and found beauty in them. There was no competition, no pressure to impress—just a true interest in understanding and connecting.

By the end of the day, what started as a simple meeting turned into a meaningful bond. We exchanged social media accounts, took group pictures, and promised to keep in touch. We came from different continents, but in that short time, we felt like part of a shared community—a family built through respect, friendship, and cultural understanding.

Reflection:
Meeting international students here in Indonesia reminded me of the importance of being open-minded and embracing diversity. Each of us carries a story shaped by our homeland—and when we listen to each other, we grow. Today, I learned that cultural exchange doesn’t always need a formal stage; sometimes, it happens naturally through conversations, smiles, and kindness. The friendships we formed today will be one of the most treasured parts of this exchange journey, and I’m grateful to be part of something so globally unifying.