Thursina Global Outreach Series to West Europe: Thursina IIBS Students Broaden Their Knowledge and Explore the European Continent
Thursina International Islamic Boarding School (IIBS) once again held the Thursina International Global Outreach to West Europe. It is managed to provide international experience to students, broadening their horizons about the academics, culture, and Muslim life in various countries. The trip was led by Ustadz Qoirul Mansur Darajat, M.Pd., as Chief of Thursina International Office, who emphasized the importance of firsthand experience abroad. "We would like to offer students with broader perspective, not only from books, but also from interactions with global community," he said before the departure.
The group departed from Juanda Airport and stopped by Changi Airport, Singapore, before arriving at Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam. On the first day, they explored Volendam and Zaanse Schans, and prayed in Taqwa Westpoort Mosque in Amsterdam before exploring the city further. In addition, to have an overview of the college, they visited Constructor University Bremen, Germany. "The campus has showed an interactive and multicultural learning experience. They are able to see how higher education system in Europe emphasizes research and international collaboration," explained Ustadz Qoirul. They visited the Fatih Mosque in Bremen as well, to meet the local Muslim community.
The following journey headed to HAN University of Applied Sciences, Arnhem, learning how practice-based education approach implemented. "We would let them understand that knowledge is not only obtained in class, but also through real experience and application," he added. Afterward, Thursina students visited Leiden University College, The Hague, and interacted with international students. They also stopped by The Hague Muslim Association Noeroel Islam to discuss the role of Muslims in Europe.
In Belgium, on the fifth day, they explored the Grand Place, Manneken Pis, and enjoyed Belgian chocolate before visiting the Brussels Grand Mosque & Islamic Cultural Center. On the next day, the group arrived in Paris and visited the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and prayed in the Grande Mosquée de Créteil. Moreover, they went to Switzerland, visiting the United Nations Office in Geneva, and discussing with the Muslim community in Bashkësia Islame Shqiptare, Bern. "Seeing worldwide institutions like the UN is inspired them to contribute more in the global arena," said Ustadz Qoirul.
The highlight of the journey was enjoying the beauty of Mount Titlis and visiting Dzemat Luzern before exploring the city of Lucerne. After eight days full of valuable experiences, they returned to Indonesia with the novel perception. “We hope the trip is a tour as well as learning experience, strengthening their vision to become Muslim leaders with global perspective,” concluded Ustadz Qoirul.
Through the program, Thursina IIBS has committed to build muslim generation who are competitive, open-minded, and have actual contributions to the world. (rnw/lil)
