Writer: Duke Paopathon Pardede (2461001) | Editor: Gilang Ananda, S.Kom.,M.M
Universitas Internasional Batam (UIB) sent 14 students to join the UiTM Negeri Sembilan Summer Program 2026 in Malaysia. Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Cawangan Negeri Sembilan organized the international program from 10–14 August 2026.
The UIB delegation travelled to Malaysia from 9–15 August 2026. During the program, students explored Malaysian culture, visited popular destinations, and met participants from different universities and countries.
More importantly, the program gave UIB students an opportunity to learn beyond the classroom. They gained firsthand international experience while developing new friendships and cultural understanding.
Four UIB Study Programs Join the International Program
The UIB delegation consisted of 14 students from four study programs.
Students from English Language Education included Nasya Amelia Putri, Hiqmi Handayani, Mutia Aliqa Islami, Gati Cahyaning Pertiwi, Nadira Nurul Faiqah, Johnathan Evans, Iffani Junita Tambunan, Inne Dasilva Angel, and Ririn Lynn Gaydenh Suherman.
Meanwhile, She Linna and Dayang Amanina Nalingga represented Information Technology. Engelica and Shanti Paramita represented Law Studies, while Saskia Suci Ramadhani represented Management.
The summer program also welcomed students from Heilongjiang University of Finance and Economics (HUFE), China, and Universitas Andalas (UNAND), Indonesia. Students from UiTM Negeri Sembilan joined them as the host institution.
This diverse group created a multicultural learning environment. Participants exchanged ideas, discussed their backgrounds, and learned about different cultures.
Exploring Malaysia through Cultural and Educational Activities
Throughout the five-day program, participants joined cultural, educational, and social activities.
One of the highlights was a visit to Melaka Heritage Studios, followed by a HOHO Bus Tour. Students also explored Kuala Lumpur through a city tour that included KLCC and Pavilion.
In Putrajaya, participants enjoyed a cruise on Putrajaya Lake. They also visited Putra Mosque and Putrajaya Botanical Garden.
These activities introduced students to Malaysia’s cultural heritage, modern cities, and public landmarks. At the same time, they created opportunities for students to interact outside formal academic settings.
Learning Malaysian Culture through Direct Experience
The program encouraged students to experience Malaysian traditions directly.
Participants joined an Interactive Malaysian Cultural Experience, an Interactive Cooking Session, and a Traditional Dance Workshop.
Instead of simply observing Malaysian culture, students actively took part in each activity. They also shared elements of their own cultures with international participants.
As a result, the program became a two-way cultural exchange. Students learned to understand cultural differences while appreciating the traditions of others.
Building Friendships across Countries
For the UIB delegation, meeting students from other countries became one of the most valuable parts of the program.
Five days of shared activities gave participants plenty of opportunities to communicate and build friendships. Informal conversations also helped them understand different perspectives.
UIB students interacted closely with participants from China and other Indonesian universities. Although they came from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, students quickly developed strong connections.
Nasya Amelia Putri described the experience as memorable, especially because it was her first time travelling abroad.
She enjoyed discovering life in another country while meeting new friends from different universities.
“The activities were really fun and enjoyable, especially because it was my first time travelling abroad. I got to experience something completely new by seeing what life is like in another country,” Nasya said.
She also appreciated the warm interaction between participants despite differences in language and culture.
Cultural Exchange Creates a Memorable Experience
For Nasya, the cultural exchange performance became another memorable moment.
Participants performed a traditional dance together during the program. Although the schedule could be tiring, the performance brought students closer.
“Even though the summer camp could be tiring, everything felt lighter when we performed a traditional dance for the cultural exchange,” she explained.
The activity showed how cultural differences could become a source of connection rather than a barrier.
Through dance, conversations, and shared experiences, participants learned to appreciate each other’s traditions. They also created lasting memories together.
Developing Global Skills beyond the Classroom
The summer program offered more than cultural tourism.
Students strengthened their confidence, communication skills, adaptability, and intercultural understanding. Direct interaction with international peers also gave them learning experiences that are difficult to reproduce inside a conventional classroom.
These experiences encouraged students to communicate with people from different educational and cultural backgrounds.
The friendships they developed also made the international learning experience more personal and meaningful.
UIB Encourages International Learning Opportunities
UIB’s participation in the UiTM Negeri Sembilan Summer Program 2026 reflects the university’s commitment to international mobility and cross-cultural learning.
International programs allow students to leave their familiar environment and discover new perspectives. They can also develop greater awareness of an increasingly connected world.
Through these experiences, UIB encourages students to become more confident, adaptive, and globally minded.
The 14 UIB students returned from Malaysia with more than travel memories. They gained new perspectives, international friendships, cultural knowledge, and valuable personal experiences.
Their journey showed that studying abroad is not only about visiting another country. It is also about meeting new people, respecting differences, sharing cultures, and building meaningful connections across borders.
Start Your Global Journey with UIB
Want to experience international learning opportunities and build connections beyond Indonesia?
Join Universitas Internasional Batam (UIB) and become part of a learning environment that encourages students to explore, connect, and grow globally.
Start your journey with UIB today. Register through pendaftaran.uib.ac.id and discover opportunities to take your learning beyond the classroom.
International Relations Office
Universitas Internasional Batam
