Dili (15/11/2025) – The President of the Higher Education CUIS, Dr. Edmundo Viegas, officially bid farewell to ISFIT student interns heading for an International Research program in 2025. The research will take place in the border area of Atapupu-Batugede.
In his speech, Dr. Edmundo Viegas stated that “all students and lecturers involved in the research should use scientific methodology and tools to observe. This program can develop professors and university students, enabling them not only to learn theory but also to practice it within the community through dedication.”
The Coordinator of the International Research, representing the ISFIT Rector, Prof. Ligorio Borromeu, explained that the “international community research serves as a moment for scientific investigation. ISFIT integrates this into the curriculum of the Faculty of Philosophy and Theology through field internship discipline, thereby promoting and bringing together theory and practical experience.”
The general objective of this international internship is to further improve students’ knowledge on how to understand life within the border communities.
The 2025 research is being conducted along the border between Timor-Leste and Indonesia, specifically in Atapupu and Batugede.The research theme is “In illo, uno unum” (In that one, one thing).Over one hundred participants are taking part, including students from UNWIRA and ISFIT.The research will last for two weeks, with one week in Atapupu and one week in Batugede.
Upon arrival in Atapupu, the ISFIT team was warmly welcomed directly by the community at the Stella Maris Atapupu Parish, which included a traditional ceremony involving the tara tais (scarf presentation) and tebe (traditional dance). (Media ISFIT)