The role of BIPA in the internationalization of Islamic higher education: academic adaptation in Indonesia

Asri Nuranisa Dewi

doi:10.17509/curricula.v5i1.2

Authors

Asri Nuranisa Dewi Universitas islam Bandung

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17509/curricula.v5i1.2

Keywords:

academic adaptation, BIPA, international students, Islamic higher education internationalization

Abstract

The Indonesian Language for Foreign Speakers (BIPA) program plays an important role in the internationalization of higher education in Indonesia, including Islamic universities. However, research on its support for international students’ academic adaptation remains limited. This study aims to investigate the role of BIPA in the internationalization of Islamic universities, focusing on international student admission practices and academic adaptation through a literature review approach. Data were collected from national and international journal articles, academic books, and relevant policy documents related to BIPA, higher education internationalization, and international students’ academic adjustment. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify patterns, research trends, and gaps. The findings reveal three dominant research patterns: studies on BIPA management, curriculum development, and the integration of Islamic values and the cultural adaptation of international students. Nevertheless, the role of BIPA in developing students’ academic language readiness remains underexplored. This study argues for repositioning BIPA as an academic acculturation program that not only facilitates social and cultural adjustment but also strengthens academic language competence, thereby supporting the academic success of international students in Islamic higher education institutions.

Abstrak

Program BIPA berperan penting dalam internasionalisasi perguruan tinggi di Indonesia, termasuk perguruan tinggi Islam, namun kajian tentang perannya dalam mendukung adaptasi akademik mahasiswa asing masih terbatas. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji peran BIPA dalam internasionalisasi perguruan tinggi Islam dengan fokus pada praktik penerimaan mahasiswa asing dan proses adaptasi akademik melalui pendekatan studi pustaka. Data dikumpulkan dari artikel jurnal nasional dan internasional, buku ilmiah, serta dokumen kebijakan yang relevan dengan topik BIPA, internasionalisasi perguruan tinggi, dan adaptasi akademik mahasiswa asing. Analisis dilakukan menggunakan teknik analisis tematik untuk mengidentifikasi pola, kecenderungan, dan kesenjangan penelitian. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahwa penelitian BIPA di perguruan tinggi Islam terbagi ke dalam tiga pola utama, yaitu kajian manajemen program, kajian kurikulum dan integrasi nilai keislaman, serta kajian adaptasi budaya mahasiswa asing. Namun, peran BIPA dalam membangun kesiapan bahasa akademik mahasiswa asing belum banyak dikaji. Penelitian ini menegaskan perlunya reposisi BIPA sebagai academic acculturation program yang tidak hanya berorientasi pada adaptasi sosial dan budaya, tetapi juga pada penguatan kompetensi bahasa akademik untuk menunjang keberhasilan studi mahasiswa internasional di perguruan tinggi Islam.

Kata Kunci: adaptasi akademik; BIPA; internasionalisasi perguruan tinggi Islam; mahasiswa asing

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