Study Abroad Programs in Istanbul
Summer Intensive Turkish Language and Culture Program
The Language Center
Bogaziçi University
34342 Bebek-Istanbul, Turkey
The Bogaziçi University summer program began in 1982 on the initiative
of colleagues in the US who, seeing a dire need for language
instruction at the advanced levels, secured a USED grant to start the
program. Over the years, all levels have been introduced. It remains
the best academic program for Turkish language instruction, where
students also earn transferable credits for their studies.
The language program takes place on the campus of Bogazi University
situated in a stunning location in Istanbul, Turkey. Founded as Robert
College in 1863, it has been a public university since 1971. It is one
of the top universities in Turkey. Istanbul, the cultural capital of
Turkey, is easily accessible from campus, and program participants are
encouraged to take advantage of the cultural, educational, and
recreational resources (including the various annual festivals during
the summer months) that this extraordinary city offers.
Class size is limited to approximately 10 students. Each level receives
160 hours of instruction during the 8 week program. Classes are held on
weekdays 9am - 1pm. All four language skills are emphasized. Students
receive 12 transferable credits upon successful completion of the
course. The program includes lectures in both English and Turkish, as
well as excursions to cities such as Bursa and Edirne. Home-stays are
not offered, with students staying at university dorms close to campus
with other Turkish students attending summer school.
It is the most expensive of all programs, yet it fills up quickly, and early application is recommended.
http://www.boun.edu.tr/special/web.html
Bogaziçi University also offers a regular program of "Turkish for
Foreigners" during the academic year in the Turkish Language and
Literature Department.
Ankara University's TÖMER Turkish Teaching Institute
Katip Çelebi Mah. Tel Sok. No: 47, Taksim - ISTANBUL
TÖMER "Turkish and Foreign Languages Research and Application Centre"
was founded in 1984 as an institute of Ankara University for the
purpose of teaching Turkish to foreigners; such leading language and
culture associations as the British Council, Goethe Institut, Cervantes
and Alliance Française were taken as models. In the 1980s, TÖMER was
one of only two institutions to teach Turkish as a foreign language. In
addition to teaching Turkish as a foreign language in Turkey and as a
mother tongue to Turks living abroad, it aims also to promote Turkey
and Turkish culture.
The new TÖMER site in Istanbul is in a pleasant restored building close
to Taksim Square, very much in the old center of European Istanbul.
Class size varies from 5-16 learners; classrooms feature "U-type"
seating plans, and are equipped with essential audiovisual tools;
courses are organized on a one-month or two-month basis. Courses
consist of 12 levels: 4 basic levels, 4 intermediate levels, 4 advanced
levels. All language skills are stressed and tested. Learners who
complete Basic 2 and Intermediate 2 levels receive certificates, and
those who complete Advanced 2 level receive a diploma approved by
Ankara University Rectorship.
The institute has developed its own coursebooks, the HITIT Turkish
Teaching Set 1, 2, and 3; there are also exercise books, listening and
video material, and supplementary material. Students have to make their
own living arrangements although some home-stay is also possible.
http://www.tomer.ankara.edu.tr/english/index.html
Fatih University Turkish Language and Culture Summer Program
Türkçe Progami Türk Dili ve Edebiyati Bölümü, Büyükçekmece-Istanbul, Turkey
The summer program takes place on the Fatih University campus which is
located on the European side at some distance from the center of
Istanbul. Public transportation is however available via the new metro
line and bus connection. Students stay on this well equipped and clean
campus in residences provided. Only beginning and intermediate courses
are offered. Since summer students are free in the afternoons, from
time to time guest speakers are invited to campus, offering seminars
about Turkish culture. Students have a chance to view Turkish films and
take trips to downtown Istanbul. In case of enough demand, cultural
trips and weekend trips to sites near Istanbul are arranged.
They have a conversation partner plan, giving students the opportunity
to practice with the native speakers of Turkish who are attending the
university. The students receive a certificate upon completion showing
they have taken a 9-credit course.
Students who have attended have complained about the relatively remote
location and the conservative nature of the institution; on the other
hand, the fees at $1,500, including room and full board, are very
attractive, and they do take language instruction very seriously.
http://turkish.fatih.edu.tr/
DILMER Language Teaching Center
Inönü Cad. Prof. Dr. Tarik Zafer Tunaya Sk. No: 18, 34437 Taksim-Istanbul, Turkey
DILMER, also in a very central Istanbul location, used to be a TÖMER
branch, but has since developed its own textbook and methods. It aims
to enable students to achieve the four basic language skills, listening
comprehension, reading comprehension, oral performance, and writing, as
well as grammar. They point out that they monitor world developments in
the language teaching area, and the newest and most advanced methods
are examined and adapted to the teaching of Turkish. They offer courses
for all levels, including Advanced. Language certificates are issued.
Well-focused students with good learning strategies do well in this
environment. They do help with home-stays, or finding dorms or
apartments, and have several organized trips and activities.
http://www1.dilmer.com/