Thursina International Islamic Boarding School (IIBS) once again presents an international program entitled Global Outreach Series to West Europe, a 10-day academic and cultural journey on February 3–12, 2026. This program is aimed at Thursina's commitment to build graduates who are internationally minded and ready to be part of the global network, as well as have a world-wide perspective.
The journey began from Surabaya and headed to Amsterdam, the Netherlands, as the starting point for the exploration of Western Europe. Upon arrival at Schiphol Airport, the students immediately embarked on a cultural immersion experience, visiting Zaanse Schans, a Dutch heritage village representing the rich history, architecture, and local European identity. Direct interaction with the cultural landscape served as the first step in developing intercultural awareness.
Thursina IIBS Global Outreach Manager, Ustadzah Khusnul Ifada, MA, stated that one of the main pillars of this program is campus visits to higher education institutions in Europe. In Bremen, Thursina students visited Constructor University Bremen, followed by an admissions talk session with the university. The forum opened up insights into the European education system, international student admission pathways, and global study opportunities. The journey continued to the University of Amsterdam, Netherlands. They gained international exposure in the academic atmosphere of a world-class research campus, understood the dynamics of lectures, and discussed opportunities for collaboration and international mobility.
"This experience strengthens their orientation as future global citizens who are able to adapt to the international education ecosystem," explained Ustadzah Khusnul.
In addition to the academic agenda, a series of trips across European cities such as Brussels, Paris, and Zurich presented a comprehensive cross-cultural experience. In Brussels, they explored the Atomium and Grand Place as part of a European heritage trips. In Paris, visits to the Eiffel Tower and Disneyland Paris offered perspective on how global cities blend history, innovation, and the creative industries.
Meanwhile, exploration of Mount Titlis and Lucerne in Switzerland enriches their understanding of the geographic diversity and social character of European society. This cross-country series is not just a tour, but a contextual learning process, encouraging students to develop a cross-cultural mindset, expand global network awareness, and develop adaptability in a multinational environment.
Ustadzah Khusnul added that the Global Outreach Series to West Europe aims to train independence, cross-cultural communication, and self-confidence in a global context. Through a combination of academic engagement, cultural immersion, and international exposure, Thursina students not only see the world but also learn to understand it.
"This program is a concrete manifestation that education at Thursina IIBS extends beyond the classroom to the international stage. With firsthand experience in various centers of European civilization, students are projected to grow into a generation with global thinking, intercultural competence, and readiness to contribute to the international stage," she concluded. (lil)
