The internationalization of higher education has increased the presence of international students in multicultural learning environments, creating opportunities and challenges shaped by cultural, linguistic, and religious diversity. Within Muhammadiyah Higher Education Institutions, Al-Islam and Kemuhammadiyahan (AIK) promotes Islamic values, character development, and social responsibility. However, limited research has explored how international students experience and construct meaning through AIK learning. This study examined the meanings and learning experiences of AIK among international students at Muhammadiyah University of Bengkulu. A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed with six international students selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis and analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that AIK was perceived not only as religious knowledge but also as a medium for character formation, self-reflection, intercultural understanding, and internalization of universal values, including honesty, responsibility, discipline, and respect. Although participants experienced language barriers, cultural adaptation, and differences in religious practices, classroom interactions and reflective discussions supported meaningful learning. The study concludes that AIK provides an inclusive framework for religious understanding, character development, and intercultural dialogue in multicultural higher education.
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