Exploring the experiences of international Muslim students navigating Islamic diversity in Indonesia

Research on international Muslim students has largely focused on Muslim minority host societies, while less is known about experiences in Muslim majority contexts. This study examines how international Muslim students in Indonesia experience everyday religious life, how they adapt to intra religious and cultural differences, and what institutional support they consider necessary for their well being. Semi structured interviews were conducted with 21 international Muslim students from 14 countries. The findings indicate that shared Muslim identity does not remove adjustment demands automatically because students still negotiate differences in worship routines, gender interaction norms, and local expectations of correct practice. The findings also highlight the need for universities to provide orientation on Islamic diversity in Indonesia, strengthen peer community support, and organize support during religious holidays to reduce isolation.