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On this occasion, two international students shared their perspectives on studying at ITB and how IRO’s activities have supported their adaptation to life in Indonesia.

An Inclusive Space for Collaboration and Creativity

Waleed Wahid, a doctoral student in the Doctor of Science in Management program at the School of Business and Management (SBM ITB) from Pakistan, expressed that his experience studying at ITB has far exceeded his expectations.

“ITB is very welcoming to new students, especially international students. The warmth of local culture also makes us feel accepted,” he said.

He noted that IRO’s programs are consistently well-organized despite involving participants from diverse cultural backgrounds.

“IRO manages to make everyone feel comfortable. The previous activities were very creative, we learned Indonesian traditional dances and even made artworks from simple materials,” he added.

According to Waleed, creativity plays an important role for international students as they adapt to a new environment. He also appreciates the calmness and friendliness of Indonesian society, which he believes creates a more relaxed and tolerant living experience.

Waleed further emphasized Indonesia’s strong potential to attract more international students. He encouraged broader promotion of Indonesian higher education globally to enhance academic diversity.

“If Indonesia wants to expand diversity, educational promotion needs to be strengthened. Collaborations such as the recent visit of the Indonesian President to Pakistan can open new opportunities for more international students to come,” he explained.

Cultural Experiences and Global Interaction that Enrich Campus Life

Boolein Najjar, a doctoral student in Geodesy and Geomatics from Jordan, also shared his experience. He said he always looks forward to IRO activities, which are filled with creativity and togetherness.

“Even though our voices during karaoke were not great, we still enjoyed the moment together,” he said with a smile.

Boolein appreciated the cultural initiatives organized by IRO, ranging from traditional dance classes and local music sessions to cultural trips to Bali and various locations in West Java. These activities, he said, enable international students to understand Indonesian culture more deeply.

One of his biggest hopes is the revival of International Day at ITB a cultural festival where students from various countries showcase their food, art, and traditional performances.

“With the growing number of international students, ITB has great potential to host an International Day presented by the students themselves,” Boolein noted.

ITB’s Commitment to Strengthening an International Ecosystem

Through events like Hangout & Jam at IRO, ITB continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and diversity-supportive campus environment. Such creative spaces serve as important bridges for promoting cross-cultural collaboration, expanding international networks, and enriching the academic and social experiences of students from around the world.

Reporter: Merryta Kusumawati (Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering, 2025)