Thursina IIBS Sends Students to 9 Countries, Strengthening Identity and Competitiveness Through Pre-Departure Sessions
Thursina International Islamic Boarding School (IIBS) once again held a briefing for students to go abroad (2/6). Through pre-departure agenda, they receive some advantageous knowledge and skills before leaving for destinated countries, to prepare both mentally and spiritually, besides academic preparation. This year, Thursina IIBS students departed for various regions, including Australia, England, the United States, Canada, Malaysia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan.
Mohamat Taufik, M.Ed., the Deputy of Study Abroad for Middle East and Turkey of Thursina IIBS, said the event has major purposes, the administrative aspect, character, and strong global insight. "They are not only ambassadors of Thursina IIBS, more than that, Indonesian young males and females, the hope of the nation," he explained.
The pre-departure event presented two main speakers, Hamzah Assuudy Lubis, Special Staff of the Vice President of Republic of Indonesia who once led international Indonesian Student Association (PPI). He talked about "Preparation for the Departure of Santri to Study Abroad and Become Part of Indonesian Diaspora". Meanwhile, the following session was delivered by Mr. Ali Abdullah, a professional from Australia by the theme "Preserving Faith in a Secular World: Challenges and Strategies for Muslims in Non-Muslim Countries".
Before the departure, students have gone through a long and dedicated process, strict academic selection, foreign language coaching, soft skill training, and Islamic values enrichment, the main foundation of education in Thursina IIBS. "They are also guided in the application process to foreign universities, including document preparation, interviews, and strategies for choosing the right major and universities," said Ustadz Taufik. It is carried out to ensure that students are truly fully prepared.
The courses in pre-departure sessions are technical, touching on the value and character. Wherever they are, they will always be santri. They learn about cultural and academic adaptation, time and stress management, as well as cross-cultural communication ethics.
Furthermore, various challenges will adorn the journey of students abroad, such as cultural differences, a foreign education system, to the temptation of lifestyle. Thursina IIBS has equipped students with the skills to adapt, spiritual resilience, and support from alumni networks who have previously studied abroad.
Ustadz Taufik hopes after completing their studies, they will return to the homeland with a spirit of development, caring, and becoming intelligent leaders with real impact. Being a great generation in the world, actively taking a role and contributing to the nation.
"Be a person who brings light, not only knowledge but also the character, combining Islamic values, humility, integrity, ready to contribute, and adhere to the values of identity as proud children and representatives of the predecessors of Thursina IIBS Islamic boarding school," said Ustadz Taufik. (sls/lil)