An orientation program for foreign students was organized at EÜ.

An orientation program was organized for newly arrived international students by the Turkish Language Teaching Unit (TÖBİR) of the Turkish World Research Institute (EÜ). The event, held at the Conference Hall of the Turkish World Research Institute, was attended by Institute Director Prof. Dr. Nadim Macit, TÖBİR Program Coordinator and Deputy Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atıf Akgün, academics, and students from various countries.

Institute Director Prof. Dr. Nadim Macit stated that TÖBİR accepts students from many countries, saying, “TÖBİR has been active since 1986 and is the most established Turkish language teaching unit in Turkey. In the new academic year, we started education with 221 students from 30 different countries at ‘full capacity’ in all our classes. Looking at the countries our students come from, we reach as far as distant geographies like the USA, Brazil, Korea, China, Poland, Russia, and Mexico. We have a large number of students from Africa, the Middle East, the Balkans, and Central Asian countries.”

Prof. Dr. Nadim Macit expressed that they put great effort into improving the quality of education at TÖBİR each year and that students have particularly witnessed this change “before” and “after.” He also mentioned that prior to the new academic year, a major renewal initiative equipped the 9 classrooms in TÖBİR with state-of-the-art smart boards and ergonomically designed desks. Prof. Dr. Macit stated, “TÖBİR’s long-standing educational experience is supported by the newest facilities in a physical sense as well. The fact that international students coming to our city prefer Ege University TÖBİR as their first choice for language learning is proof of this. The number of students receiving scholarships from our government institutions in our unit has continued to increase over the last three years. The number of students with scholarships from the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities saw the largest increase this year, showing a 50% increase compared to last year.”

“TÖBİR is the window of our university to the world”
TÖBİR Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atıf Akgün stated, “TÖBİR plays a significant role in making Ege University an international magnet in higher education. In the new academic year, alongside our strong academic staff, we continue to promote and preserve our language and culture in the international arena with robust infrastructure and conditions. TÖBİR, with its international student potential, is the window of our university to the world. We carried out 61 student-centered activities in the 2023-2024 academic year. In line with this, we will continue to increase our unit’s activities in the new academic year in accordance with our university’s goals of internationalization and student-centeredness.”

Addressing the students, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Akgün said, “You have become a member of a very large family. You are in one of the best Turkish language teaching centers in Turkey, with a history of thirty-five years. You will receive education at Ege University, one of the oldest universities with full accreditation and strong infrastructure and facilities. We want you to fully enjoy the opportunities of İzmir, one of Turkey’s three largest cities. We will always be by your side with our teachers. We will communicate with you in the heartfelt language of Turkish. We love you very much. I wish you a wonderful educational period.”

Chahra Khoms, an Algerian student studying at TÖBİR last year and sharing her experiences with the new students, said, “You will have activities with your professors and play educational games, which will be very enjoyable and beneficial. Do not neglect your assignments for success, do not be afraid of making mistakes, practice the Turkish language continuously among your friends, and try to adapt to the community.”

Another TÖBİR graduate, Guinean Niagasso Issiaga, stated, “I believe we have the best language teachers. TÖBİR opens the gateway to our university curriculum at Ege University. There is nothing more beautiful than being with teachers who guide you in learning and who are also like family. When I came here, like many of you, I did not know Turkish. However, my courage, determination, and diligence helped me navigate this process better. Turkey is one of the countries that offers the best conditions for social and academic life. I wish you all good luck.”

The program continued throughout the day with workshop activities held in the Institute Garden and classrooms, dance performances by Kazakh and Turkmen students, and food offerings.