International Student Profile
Currently, Thursina International Islamic Boarding School accommodates 66 international students—comprising 30 boys and 36 girls—representing approximately 4.7% of Thursina’s total student population.
The presence of international students plays a vital role in fostering a multicultural, adaptive, and globally-minded learning environment, all while upholding Islamic values and the distinctive character of an Islamic boarding school (*pesantren*).
International Student Categories
International students at Thursina fall into several categories:
Foreign National Students
Students who officially hold foreign citizenship and pursue education in Indonesia via student visa mechanisms and international education administrative procedures.
Dual-Citizenship Students
Students holding dual citizenship who choose to pursue their education within Thursina’s international, Islamic-based boarding school environment.
Indonesian National Students with International Educational Backgrounds
Indonesian students with international educational experience—coming from schools with international curricula and/or possessing English proficiency qualifications—as part of their global academic readiness.
Learning Community from Various Countries
Thursina has served as a learning home for both current students and alumni from various countries around the world, creating a learning community rich in cultural perspectives and global experiences.
The countries of origin for international students include:
Southeast Asia
Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam
East Asia
Japan, China
Middle East
Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia
Amerika & Oseania
Canada, United States of America (USA), Australia, Fiji Island
Europe & Africa
United Kingdom (UK), Netherland, Ireland, Libya, Egypt
This diversity enriches the students' learning experience, broadens cross-cultural perspectives, and fosters a more global, inclusive, and collaborative educational atmosphere at Thursina.
International Student Curriculum
At Thursina International Islamic Boarding School, international students study through an integrated educational system that combines academic strengthening, Islamic education, character building, and global competency development. The curriculum is designed to shape students who are not only academically excellent but also possess a strong Islamic foundation, cross-cultural adaptability, independence, and readiness to face global challenges.
International & National Academic Curriculum
Thursina implements an academic education system that integrates the national curriculum with an international educational approach.
Junior High School (SMP / Grades 7–9)
Students study through the Cambridge Checkpoint Curriculum as part of an international academic enhancement program focusing on:
Senior High School (SMA / Grades 10–12)
Students study through the Cambridge IGCSE & AS Level Pathway, which supports readiness for global higher education and international universities.
In addition, all students take national subjects in accordance with Indonesian education regulations to ensure comprehensive academic integration.
Islamic Education and Boarding School Learning
As an Islamic boarding school (*Pesantren*), Thursina provides structured Islamic education through Pesantren-based learning, including:
- Al-Qur’an (*Tahsin*, *Tahfidz*, and *Muroja’ah*)
- *Aqidah* (Creed) & *Akhlaq* (Character/Ethics)
- *Fiqih* (Jurisprudence) regarding worship and Muslim life
- Arabic Language
- Islamic Leadership & Character Building
- Cultivation of daily acts of worship and an Islamic lifestyle within the *Pesantren* environment
This learning aims to shape a Muslim character that is strong, disciplined, and independent, and capable of implementing Islamic values in a global context.
Language Development Program
As part of global preparation, students also receive language enhancement to support academic success and social adaptation.
Language programs include:
- English Language Enrichment Program
- Arabic Language Development
- Indonesia Language for International Students (BIPA)
- Cross-Cultural Communication & Adaptation
Character & Global Competence Development
Thursina’s curriculum focuses not only on academic achievement but also on strengthening character and 21st-century competencies.
Students are encouraged to develop in the following areas:
Through a holistic and balanced educational approach, Thursina prepares international students to grow into a generation of global Muslims who are academically excellent, spiritually strong, culturally adaptable, and ready to pursue further education or contribute to the international community.
International Student Graduate Profile
Thursina International Islamic Boarding School is committed to producing international student graduates who are not only academically excellent but also possess strong Islamic character, global adaptability, and the readiness to pursue further education and contribute to the international community. Through an integrated educational system combining academics, pesantren, character building, and global competence development, international students are expected to embody the following graduate profile:
Strong Islamic Identity & Qur’anic Character
Students possess a solid understanding of Islamic fundamentals, are disciplined in their acts of worship, and are capable of implementing Islamic values in their daily lives within a diverse global environment.
Students are also equipped with structured Quranic instruction, enabling them to recite the Quran proficiently, maintain their memorization, and adopt Quranic values as the foundation for their character and way of life.
Academic Readiness
Students possess strong academic readiness through mastery of national and international standards, critical thinking skills, and preparedness to pursue higher education—whether in Indonesia or abroad.
Multilingual Communication Skills
Students possess cross-linguistic communication abilities that facilitate global interaction, including English (as an international language), Arabic (as the language of Islam), and foundational Indonesian language skills for international students.
Global & Cross-Cultural Adaptability
Students are capable of adapting to multicultural environments, understanding cultural diversity, and demonstrating strong social and communication skills within international communities.
Independence & Boarding Life Skills
Through the experience of living in the pesantren, students develop into disciplined, independent, and responsible individuals with strong problem-solving and self-management skills.
Leadership & Positive Contribution
Students possess leadership qualities, a spirit of collaboration, social awareness, and a readiness to make positive contributions within academic, societal, and global communities.
Expected Long-Term Outcome
Thursina aspires for international students to grow into a generation of global Muslims who are:
Qur’anically Grounded
Deeply connected to the Qur’an through *tahsin* (proper recitation), memorization, and the embodiment of its values.
Academically Competent
Excelling in education and scholarship
Spiritually Grounded
Strong in Islamic values and identity
Globally Adaptive
Capable of living and interacting across cultures
Future Ready
Prepared to face educational and global challenges
Student Activities and Boarding Life
The boarding life for international students at Thursina International Islamic Boarding School is structured to foster a balance between spirituality, academics, character, physical health, creativity, and emotional well-being. In general, the daily activities of international students follow the same boarding school system as those of regular students, thereby naturally encouraging social integration, character building, independence, and cultural adaptation.
Daily Boarding School Activities
Early Morning Spiritual Development
The students' day begins in the early hours with a routine of worship and spiritual strengthening. Activities include:
- Waking up at 03:30 WIB
- Preparation for and performance of the *Tahajjud* (night) prayer
- Congregational *Subuh* (dawn) prayer
- Morning Qur’an memorization (*Tahfidz*) to reinforce retention and foster a close connection with the Qur’an
This routine aims to build discipline, spiritual resilience, and Islamic lifestyle habits from an early age.
Academic Learning
Academic learning activities take place from 07:20 to 14:00 WIB, integrating national and international academic curricula with Islamic education. Students learn in an academic environment that fosters academic excellence, critical thinking, global communication, and character development.
Sports & Arts Development
In the afternoon, students participate in various sports and arts activities to develop their interests, talents, physical health, and creativity, while also maintaining a balanced boarding school life.
Evening Qur’anic & Study Session
Between the Maghrib and Isha prayers, students participate in evening Qur’an memorization (*tahfidz*), recitation refinement, and Qur’an review (*muroja’ah*). Afterward, they engage in independent study until 8:45 PM (WIB) to foster academic responsibility and the habit of self-directed learning.
Once all activities conclude, students rest to maintain physical well-being and ensure readiness for the next day's activities.
Monthly & Annual Student Enrichment Program
To support student well-being and strengthen social bonds, Thursina offers various refreshment programs and shared experiences for international students.
Monthly Outing Refreshment
Monthly outings designed to provide recreational and relaxation experiences while strengthening camaraderie among students in a fun and educational atmosphere.
Mabit & End-of-Year Staycation
End-of-year bonding programs featuring *Mabit* (an overnight spiritual retreat focused on faith and piety) and staycations, serving as opportunities for reflection, spiritual bonding, character building, and shared relaxation.
Gathering, Tadabbur Alam & Shared Iftar
Communal activities—such as shared *iftar* (breaking the fast), refreshment programs, and nature reflection—play a vital role in fostering emotional closeness, a sense of family, and meaningful learning experiences within the Thursina community.
By balancing worship, academics, physical activity, character development, and healthy recreation, Thursina strives to create a holistic, purposeful, and memorable boarding school experience for every international student.
International Student Admission Requirements
Thursina International Islamic Boarding School has established admission requirements for international students to ensure that each prospective student possesses the necessary foundational readiness to participate in the boarding system, academic curriculum, and Islamic guidance programs at Thursina.
These requirements have been formulated with due regard for the diverse educational backgrounds of prospective students—particularly those from abroad—while upholding the standards of educational quality, discipline, and Islamic character development that define Thursina’s identity.
Administratif
Administrative documents include:
- Copies of personal identification (passport, national ID card, or birth certificate)
- Diplomas, certificates, or report cards from the previous year of schooling
- Other supporting academic documents (optional), such as certificates of merit, achievement, or competition results
Health
Prospective students must be in good physical and mental health to fully participate in the boarding school education system. Health status may be verified through:
- A certificate of good health issued by a healthcare facility or authorized body
- A recommendation letter or health declaration from the previous school or the student's guardian
- Psychological assessment results, whether from a test administered by Thursina or an independent assessment conducted by a professional institution
Islamic Values
As an Islamic boarding school, Thursina accepts Muslim students who possess a fundamental readiness to lead an Islamic lifestyle. Prospective students are expected to:
- Possess a foundation in Islamic creed (*aqidah*)
- Able to perform daily acts of worship independently
- Possess basic Quran reading skills
Academic and Language Requirements
Prospective students are expected to possess the academic readiness and English proficiency required to participate in an educational program that utilizes an international approach and English as one of the mediums of instruction.
As proof of English proficiency, prospective students may submit one of the following documents:
- TOEFL iBT with a minimum score of 45
- TOEFL iTP with a minimum score of 337
- IELTS with a minimum score of 4.0
- CEFR Certificate (minimum level A2)
Guardian approval and commitment
Guardians are expected to understand and commit to the boarding school education system at Thursina.
To formalize this agreement, guardians are required to sign an official statement confirming their willingness to comply with all regulations, policies, and educational terms in effect at Thursina International Islamic Boarding School.
Bridging program
The Bridging Program is a preparatory program organized by the Thursina International Office (TIO) to assist prospective international students in adapting before commencing regular studies at Thursina International Islamic Boarding School.
This program is intended for prospective students with "Conditional Acceptance" status, students coming from different educational systems, and those requiring the strengthening of specific competencies prior to the start of the academic year.
Who should participate?
The Bridging Program is designed for:
Program scope
English Preparation
Strengthening English language skills based on the participant's initial proficiency level, using an approach aligned with CEFR standards.
Islamic Worship & Character Building
Guidance on daily acts of worship, strengthening prayer recitations, cultivating proper etiquette (*adab*), and adapting to an Islamic lifestyle within the boarding school environment.
Qur’anic Learning
Strengthening *tahsin* (recitation quality), *tahfidz* (memorization), *tajwid* (rules of recitation), and *muroja’ah* (review) based on each student's initial proficiency level.
Flexible & Personalized Learning
The Bridging Program curriculum is designed to be adaptive and personalized; learning materials, achievement targets, and program duration are tailored based on the results of the prospective students' initial assessments.
This program is conducted separately from the regular school curriculum and reflects Thursina’s commitment to ensuring that every international student is ready to learn, adapt, and thrive within the boarding school environment.