A journey of an exchange student teacher under the 10th Batch SEA Teacher Program by SEAMEO
ABOUT THE
HOST UNIVERSITY AND
COOPERATING SCHOOL
Host University: Unissula - Universitas Islam Sultan Agung, Jl. Kaligawe Raya No.Km.4, Terboyo Kulon, Kec. Genuk, Kota Semarang, Jawa Tengah 50112
Cooperating School: SMP Al Azhar 14, Jl. Klentengsari No.1, Pedalangan, Kec. Banyumanik, Kota Semarang, Jawa Tengah 50268
UNISSULA-Host University
UNISSULA stands for Universitas Islam Sultan Agung and its is our host university. It is located at Jl. Kaligawe Raya No. Km.4, Terboyo, Kulon, Kec. Genuk, Kota Semarang. I am fortunate that I am an exhange student teacher at World Class Islamic University. While state universities often dominate the spotlight, private institutions like Sultan Agung Islamic University (Unissula) in Semarang are emerging as leading educational destinations for students across Indonesia and beyond.
It is driven by four standout strategies:
Islamic Academic Culture (BudAi): Unissula emphasizes character building alongside academic excellence, nurturing students with strong moral values and professional competence.
Global Language Proficiency: The university prioritizes language skills, requiring students to meet a minimum TOEFL score of 450 and offering instruction in English, Arabic, and Korean to meet international standards.
International Collaboration: Through partnerships with universities in over a dozen countries—including the Netherlands, South Korea, India, Japan, and Malaysia—Unissula facilitates student and faculty exchanges, research collaborations, and more.
Diverse Academic Clusters: The Unissula campus now stands majestically on 35 hectares of land and has four leading study clusters, namely the health cluster, engineering cluster, social cluster and education cluster. Unissula is one of the private universities that has a complete study cluster with 12 leading faculties, namely the Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Economics, Faculty of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Industrial Technology, Faculty of Psychology, Faculty of Languages, Faculty of Nursing, Faculty of Communication Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, and Faculty of Teacher Training and Education.
Admission and Opportunities at UNISSULA
Sultan Agung Islamic University (UNISSULA) maintains a highly selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of approximately 12%. This competitive entry reflects the university's commitment to academic excellence and its goal of nurturing students who are not only intellectually capable but also aligned with the institution's values rooted in Islamic principles.
To support outstanding students, UNISSULA offers a wide range of scholarships, both for local and international applicants. These scholarships aim to reduce financial barriers and promote access to higher education for deserving individuals from diverse backgrounds. International students, in particular, are welcomed through tailored programs that provide academic and cultural support, helping them adapt and thrive in a new environment.
Vision
As the leading Islamic Universities in raising the khaira ummah generation, developing science and technology on the basis of Islamic values and building Islamic civilization toward a prosperous society blessed by Allah SWT in the framework of rahmatan lil a’lamin.
Mision
Organizing Islamic higher education in the framework of da’wah Islamiyah oriented towards quality and universal equality by:
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Reconstructing and developing science and technology based on Islamic values.
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Educating and developing Islamic human resources at all educational strata through various disciplines in order to build a Khaira ummah generation and cadres for Ulemas (taffaquh fiddin) by prioritizing the nobility of morals, the highest quality of intellectuality and of expertise, and the readiness to perform the duties of leadership and da’wah.
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Developing community services in building Islamic civilization towards a prosperous society blessed by Allah SWT in the framework of rahmatan lil’alamin.
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Developing ideas and activities to be dynamically ready to constantly make institutional improvement in accordance with the results of the reconstruction and development of science. and technology and the development of the community.
SMP Al Azhar 14- Cooperating School
SMP Islam Al Azhar 14 Semarang is our Cooperating School, and we have heard that it it is a luxury school. It is located at Jl. Klentengsari No.1, Pedalangan, Kec. Banyumanik, Kota Semarang, Jawa Tengah 50268. It is founded in 2002 by the Bina Manusia Utama Foundation in partnership with YPI Al Azhar Jakarta, is part of a nationwide network of over 200 Islamic schools envisioned by Buya Hamka. From the start of its 2002/2003 academic year, it has adhered to Al Azhar’s vision of nurturing devout, morally upright, physically and mentally healthy, and socially responsible Muslim scholars.
The school implements Indonesia’s Merdeka Curriculum, which gives teachers and leaders autonomy to craft student-centered, project-based learning that balances literacy, numeracy, character, and the six dimensions of the Pancasila Student Profile (e.g. Faith and Piety to God Almighty, and Noble Character, Independent, Mutual Cooperation, Global Diversity, Critical Reasoning, and Creativity). Daily religious practices and adab (Islamic manners) are woven into lessons, while qualified principals and teachers drive continuous improvement. Co-curricular programs such as Qur’anic memorization and recitation, Islamic character workshops, morning du’a and reflection, and Pancasila-based community projects—directly reinforce both academic content and spiritual growth.
A rich array of extracurricular clubs invites students to explore talents, build confidence, and develop teamwork. Existing offerings include language clubs (English, Arabic), science and math Olympiad teams, ICT/Robotics, arts groups (calligraphy, theater, Hadrah/Nasyid), sports teams (futsal, badminton, basketball, archery), leadership organizations (OSIS, Pramuka, PMR), environmental stewardship, and entrepreneurship. In addition, students can join:
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Debate & Public Speaking to hone research, critical thinking, and confidence
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School Newspaper & Journalism to report on campus life and master writing and publishing
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Photography & Videography to document events and learn editing techniques
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Music Ensemble & Choir for nasheeds and instrumental performance
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Astronomy & Science Exploration for stargazing and hands-on experiments
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Chess & Strategy Games to sharpen concentration and sportsmanship
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Model United Nations (MUN) to simulate diplomacy and global problem-solving
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Coding & App Development for web/mobile workshops and hackathons
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School Garden & Environmental Stewardship to grow produce and lead eco-initiatives
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Book & Literature for discussions of novels, poetry, and Islamic texts
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Peer Tutoring & Mentorship to foster leadership through academic support
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Health & Wellness promoting fitness, nutrition, mental health, and first-aid
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Cultural Heritage & Language Exchange exploring Javanese arts and international partnerships
Al- Azhar Education Vision
To develop Muslim scholars who are devout and of noble character, physically and mentally healthy, intelligent, capable and skilled, self-confident, with strong personalities and a warrior spirit, who can advance themselves and their families and are responsible for the development of the ummah and the nation.
Vision of SMP Islam Al Azhar 14
To build an Islamic school culture that excels in achievement and is environmentally conscious.
Mission of SMP Islam Al Azhar 14
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Enhance students’ profile as those devoted to Allah SWT.
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Implement adab-based learning through habituation in behavior—speech, writing, and actions.
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Improve the quality of graduates who are well-mannered, intelligent, and globally competitive.
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Foster social piety through daily infaq (charitable giving) and empathy for others.
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Deliver engaging, enjoyable, character-building learning that strengthens the six dimensions of the Pancasila Student Profile.
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Develop talents and interests to achieve both academic and non-academic excellence.
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Cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit and independent learning through project-based achievement.
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Grow a literacy culture supported by adequate facilities.
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Strengthen nationalist spirit through programs introducing local and national cultural wisdom.
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Foster environmental awareness and care.
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Implement school management focused on top-quality educational administration and services.
