News Detail

Language Camp Madinah (LCM) is one of the agendas in the Thursina Global Outreach series with the theme "Discovering New Horizon". The program focuses on two languages, Arabic and English. The English program was held in Australia, while the Arabic language training invited students to learn in the Islamic University of Madinah (UIM), Saudi Arabia. The students stayed in the holy city from the 1st of February to the 4th of March, 2025.

Mohamat Taufik, M.Ed., the Deputy of Study Abroad for Middle East and Türkiye of Thursina International Office, explained that LCM is intended for students in grades X and XI. There were six female students and eleven male students, participating in the agenda. The purpose of LCM is to provide basic understanding of Arabic directly from the center. "The knowledge will be a provision for students who wish to  study in the Middle East. In addition, the certificates (after completing the program) would be an excellent portfolio to enroll to further studies," he said.

LCM offers classroom learning, as well as talaqqi with the preachers in the Nabawi Mosque. The students learn khath (the art of writing), tahsin (improvement of makhraj letters), and memorisation of the Quran. They also had a chance to receive certificate from the UIM as a recognition for their achievements.

Previously, Thursina International Islamic Boarding School (IIBS) had held a similar program in Egypt. However, this year was the first collaboration with UIM. "Symbolically, the agreement of cooperation was given in the International Short Course Conference. Furthermore, to strengthen relationship with UIM, some students were sent to take part in the Arabic language program there," he added.

One of the main reasons for selecting Medina is to feel the atmosphere of learning in the city of the Prophet Muhammad SAW. In the morning, they attended classes at UIM, while in afternoon, they attended talaqqi. Those activities have provided deeper and more meaningful learning experience. In addition to academic learning, they participated in various non-academic events, visited library to understand more about Islamic literacy there, and  various historical spots in Medina. 

Uniquely, the tour guides of the program were native residents of Medina who communicate in Arabic, therefore students had learnt to understand history in the language they was learning. They performed Umrah pilgrimage  as well for their spiritual experience. "The first Umrah was done in the first week, while the second Umrah undertook on the first of Ramadan to be rewarded like the Hajj, Insya Allah," said Ustadz Taufik.

For the convenience and focus on learning, Thursina IIBS provided some amenities, including apartments, shuttle buses, and three meals a day. In considering experience and distance, to visit Mecca, they used the fast train, to be more efficient and comfortable.

Ustadz Taufik added that LCM has its own challenges. Besides cold weather, students have to adapt to cultural differences. The lifestyle in Saudi Arabia is contrasting from Indonesia, especially Javanese culture. Therefore, Thursina IIBS mentors have played a significant role, helping students filter experiences and adjust to new environments. Thankfully, they were able to adapt well within a week.

During the program, the development of students was able to be observed through daily reports in Arabic, collected every night. The mentors wrote notes and signatures as evaluation.  The students were required to use Arabic daily while in UIM. Positive changes have been seen from the improvement of conversational skills and vocabularies.

Lastly, the participants would be able to advantage their experiences as a stepping stone to continue study in the Middle East, especially in Saudi Arabia, for those who plan to take major in religion, as well as in science and other fields. All priceless opportunities and experiences during the LCM program have been a persistent commitment of Thursina IIBS to provide the best education and extensive learning opportunities for students on international stage. (sls/lil)