Author: Duke Paopathon Pardede (2461001) | Editor: Ambarwulan, S.T.
On Saturday, March 7, 2026, the International Relations Office (IRO) of Universitas Internasional Batam organized its annual Monitoring and Evaluation (Monev) gathering with international students, combined with a communal iftar event. The activity served as a platform to evaluate the academic and social experiences of international students while also fostering a warm and inclusive atmosphere through shared cultural and social interaction. The event involved international students from the 2024 and 2025 cohorts who are currently studying at the university. Nearly all international students attended the event, with only one student unable to participate due to being in their home country at the time. Overall, the activity successfully brought together students and the IRO team in a relaxed yet meaningful setting.
The gathering began in the late afternoon when participants departed together from the university campus at 17:00. The iftar event was held at Born Yesterday Restaurant, located in the Park Avenue Mall area. Upon arrival at the venue, the participants engaged in several light and interactive games while waiting for the time to break the fast. These activities were designed to create a friendly and engaging atmosphere among the students, allowing them to interact more closely with each other and with the organizing team. The games encouraged teamwork, laughter, and informal conversation among participants from different cultural backgrounds, strengthening the sense of community among international students at UIB.
The event was attended by the full team from the International Relations Office, including the Head of the International Relations Office, Theodesia Lady Pratiwi, along with three other IRO staff members who actively supported the coordination of the program. Their presence reflected the university’s commitment to maintaining close communication and support for international students studying at UIB. Throughout the gathering, the IRO team also used the opportunity to informally discuss students’ academic progress, experiences, and overall well-being while studying in Batam. This interaction allowed students to share their perspectives in a relaxed environment outside the formal academic setting.
As the time for iftar approached, participants gathered together to break the fast in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The shared meal created an opportunity for meaningful cultural exchange, as students from different countries experienced the communal tradition of breaking the fast during the Ramadan period. The iftar session became a moment of togetherness that strengthened mutual understanding and appreciation among participants. Conversations during the meal reflected the positive relationships that have developed between international students and the university community.
Following the iftar session, the program continued with a creative activity involving the production of short video content that will later be featured on the official Instagram platform of the International Relations Office. Students and the IRO team collaborated in capturing moments of the gathering to showcase the vibrant international student community at Universitas Internasional Batam. The video production activity added an element of creativity and digital engagement to the program and allowed students to share their experiences through social media platforms.
Another highlight of the evening was the gift exchange activity, where all participants brought small gifts to be exchanged among one another. This activity created an exciting and joyful moment as students randomly received gifts from their peers. The exchange not only added an element of fun to the gathering but also symbolized friendship and appreciation among the participants. The lively reactions and cheerful atmosphere during the gift exchange further strengthened the sense of camaraderie within the group.
Overall, the Monitoring and Evaluation gathering combined with the iftar event successfully achieved its objective of strengthening the relationship between international students and the International Relations Office at Universitas Internasional Batam. Beyond its evaluative purpose, the activity fostered a supportive and inclusive community environment where students felt valued and connected. Through initiatives such as this, UIB continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing a welcoming and enriching experience for international students while maintaining strong interpersonal engagement within its global academic community
International Relation Office
Universitas Internasional Batam
