Virginie Ilunga began at Drew virtually as a virtual international student before joining on-campus
October 2026 – Virginie Ilunga T’27 began her journey to Drew Theological School from afar, and has since made her way to The Forest. What has left the strongest impression is the community and care she felt throughout the process.
For Ilunga, the decision to choose Drew’s Master of Divinity program was one partially based on convenience and timing, as Drew Theological School met her where she was in her daily life.
“The MDiv program at Drew was the right fit because it gave me what no other school could—it allowed me to start my calling without delay. While I was waiting for my visa, I was able to complete my first semester fully online and stay on track. For an international student, that flexibility meant everything. It showed me Drew truly cares about its students and not just enrollment. I knew I had made the right choice.”
Ilunga has found the program to be an ideal blend, mixing an ideal structure with quality education.
“The program is flexible but also academically rigorous, rooted in scripture, and focused on real ministry preparation,” she said.
Creating a strong virtual classroom experience does not come without thought and dedication. For Ilunga, she saw Drew Theological School’s care in creating such an environment.
“Drew made distance feel small,” she said. “My professors knew my name, knew I was online, and always made room for me in discussions. My classmates would message me after class, share notes, and include me in group chats. Even with the time zone difference, I had late nights and early mornings on Zoom, but I never felt like I was just watching a recording. Just the fact of receiving email reminders about what to do during my immigration process made me feel part of the community.”
Now that she is on campus, Ilunga is able to speak to the differences—or, more accurately, the similarities—of both sides of the learning experience.
“The heart of the program is the same. It is still rigorous, open, and deeply caring. Drew is still the diverse school I chose, a place that is deeply committed to justice for all and to taking scripture seriously. What is different is the joy of finally being here in person. Now I am living in a community that feels like home. As an MDiv student, that shift from learning about community to living in community has deepened my faith so much. Being on campus is truly a gift I don’t take for granted. The joy of being here will continue to be a testimony and experience I will always share.”
In reflecting on her time at Drew thus far, Ilunga offered words of advice to those in similar situations.
“I just want to say thank you to Drew. To any international student who is starting online and waiting, don’t give up. Your seat in the classroom is already there, even before your visa arrives.”
