Writer: Duke Paopathon Pardede (2461001) | Editor: Ambarwulan, S.T.
From September 22 to 26, 2025, Universitas Internasional Batam (UIB) proudly hosted the Visiting Lecturer and Community Service Program in collaboration with Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC) from the Philippines. The five-day program served as an enriching platform that combined academic exchange, cultural immersion, and community engagement. This initiative highlighted the commitment of both institutions to developing sustainable international collaboration and fostering mutual understanding through shared learning experiences. The program reflected UIB’s dedication to becoming a global campus that not only values education but also encourages meaningful connections across cultures.
The event officially began on September 23, 2025, with a Welcoming Ceremony attended by representatives from both universities, including faculty members and students. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and excitement as participants from CSPC were greeted by their UIB counterparts. The ceremony was led by Theodesia Lady Pratiwi, S.Pd., M.Hum., Head of UIB’s International Relations Office (IRO), who extended her gratitude and appreciation to the visiting delegates. She highlighted the significance of the program as part of UIB’s long-term vision for academic internationalization and cultural partnership.
“This collaboration is more than just an academic exchange,” said Theodesia Lady Pratiwi, S.Pd., M.Hum. “It is about learning from one another, fostering mutual understanding, and building friendships that go beyond national boundaries. We hope that this collaboration will continue to grow stronger and inspire future joint programs between UIB and CSPC.”
Following the welcoming session, the Visiting Lecturer Class also took place on the same day. Faculty members from both UIB and CSPC delivered insightful lectures, sharing knowledge and expertise across disciplines. The class encouraged interactive discussions between the participants and showcased the depth of academic engagement that both institutions strive for. Through these sessions, both universities were able to explore ideas for joint research, curriculum development, and cross-border academic innovation. The collaboration during the class also provided a valuable opportunity for lecturers and students to gain fresh perspectives on education and sustainability.
On September 24, 2025, the program continued with a Community Service activity at Elyora Beach, Pantai Bahagia, Nongsa. Faculty members and students from both institutions worked together in a beach clean-up activity that symbolized their shared commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation. The participants enthusiastically collected litter along the coastline, transforming the event into a meaningful moment of teamwork and environmental awareness. Beyond the physical effort, the community service became a reflection of the participants’ compassion and cooperation. The activity successfully promoted a sense of responsibility and unity, showing that collaboration can have a positive and lasting impact on both nature and society. 
Another memorable highlight of the program was the interaction between the CSPC students and UIB buddies who accompanied them throughout their stay. The buddies played an important role in helping the visiting students adjust to their new environment, guiding them during classes, activities, and cultural trips. As the days went by, the relationship between the CSPC participants and the UIB buddies grew even closer. They shared laughter, exchanged stories, and discovered cultural similarities and differences in a fun and heartfelt way. Many of the CSPC students expressed their joy and gratitude, saying that they did not want to return home yet because they had built such strong friendships with their UIB buddies. This touching connection became one of the most memorable parts of the program, leaving both sides with lasting memories.
As the program concluded on September 26, 2025, reflections and farewells filled the air. Participants from both institutions shared heartfelt messages and expressed hope for future collaborations. The UIB x CSPC Visiting Lecturer and Community Service Program proved to be more than just an international partnership, but a bridge of friendship and understanding between Indonesia and the Philippines. It demonstrated how education, compassion, and cooperation can unite people from different backgrounds to create positive change. Both UIB and CSPC look forward to continuing this collaboration through future programs that promote academic excellence and cross-cultural understanding.
International Relations Office
Universitas Internasional Batam
