Alifatus Zahroh, a student of the Undergraduate Program in Sharia Economics (EKSYAR) at the University of Muhammadiyah Lamongan (UMLA), has completed a series of activities in the International Community Service Program (Kuliah Kerja Nyata / KKN) in Thailand. The program took place from November 2025 to January 2026.

The International KKN joined by Alifatus was the result of a collaboration between the University of Muhammadiyah Lamongan and the University of Muhammadiyah Gresik (UMG). A total of 11 students from various Muhammadiyah universities in Indonesia participated in this program.

The participants came from five campuses: four students from the University of Muhammadiyah Surabaya, two from the University of Muhammadiyah Lamongan, three from the University of Muhammadiyah North Kalimantan, and one student each from the University of Muhammadiyah Kendari and the University of Muhammadiyah Sorong.

The eleven students were divided into five groups and placed in different regions. Alifatus was assigned to Suntisart Wuttaya School in Kabang District, Yala Province, Southern Thailand.

During the KKN program, Alifatus and her colleagues carried out various activities, one of which was teaching English. Despite facing challenges in adapting to cultural and environmental differences, their spirit of service remained strong.

“Adapting to a new environment is certainly not easy. There is homesickness and loneliness. However, I am grateful to be part of this experience because an opportunity like this does not come twice,” said Alifatus.

Alifatus taught English from Primary 1 (equivalent to Grade 1) to Secondary 3 (equivalent to Grade 12). Her different academic background became a challenge in itself.

“Usually, I study financial planning, financial technology, and Islamic economics. Here, I have to play the role of an educator. I have to work extra hard to adapt and ensure that students understand the material I deliver,” she explained.

In addition to teaching, Alifatus also initiated halal literacy education for junior high school students. Based on the pre-test results, she found that students’ understanding of halal and haram concepts was still limited.

“I just learned that halal literacy in Southern Thailand, even though the majority of the population is Muslim, is still relatively low. Many students do not fully understand the concepts of halal and haram. In fact, some fast-food restaurants such as McDonald’s and KFC in Thailand are not yet halal-certified,” she revealed.

The Head and Advisor of the English Club Forum at Suntisart Wuttaya School, Firdaus, expressed his appreciation for the presence of the KKN students from Indonesia.

“I would like to thank Alifatus and her colleagues. Our students gained new insights that they had never received before, including knowledge about the concept of halal. This is a good step forward for future development,” he said.

A similar sentiment was expressed by the KKN Program Coordinator as well as a teacher at the school, Ustaz Ismail. He hoped that the International KKN program could continue in the future.

“Alifatus and her colleagues were only here for two months. However, the knowledge they shared will hopefully remain long in the memories of our students,” he said.

At the closing and farewell ceremony of the International KKN, the Principal of Suntisart Wuttaya School, Nur Fitri, represented by Ustaz Ismail, expressed gratitude and hope that the bonds of friendship would remain strong.

“The distance between Indonesia and Thailand is indeed far, but knowledge and experience can become a bridge that brings us closer,” he concluded.