Program Overview

Bordering seven different nations (Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, Iraq, and Syria), Turkey is a fascinating country with many influences. Turkey is a country of diverse cultures, beliefs, ideas, nature, and history and is often considered a nation at the crossroads, not only in a geographic sense but also politically and economically. This eighty-year-old democratic republic has a vibrant business sector and is an active participant in international trade and investment. Turkish culture represents an interesting mix of the east and west with a strong heritage of modernization over the past several decades. Students will be exposed to a highly rigorous and competitive higher education system that has risen to meet the challenges of this modern democracy. Istanbul is located on the Bosphorus Strait, straddling Europe and Asia. It is the only metropolis in the world situated on two continents and, with 11.4 million inhabitants, it is also the most populous city in Europe.

Program Focus

In effect since 1982, the annual international summer program in Turkish Language and Culture is an accredited program which offers courses at three basic levels of language instruction taught by university staff specialized in teaching Turkish as a foreign language.The program provides intensive instruction in Turkish to adult learners while offering them an opportunity to have first-hand experience with the Turkish culture.

Courses are offered at elementary, lower and upper intermediate and advanced levels with a minimum of 5 students. Class size is limited to approximately 10 students. Each level receives 160 hours of instruction during the  program. Classes are held on weekdays 9am - 1pm. Students meet with their teaching assistants for one hour in the afternoons for free conversation. Weekly Turkish / English lectures are given by scholars specialized in their fields on various aspects of the Turkish culture ranging from economics, history, literature, fine arts, architecture and others. Weekly Turkish film sessions are scheduled for Monday afternoons. Participation in cultural events in the city and daily excursions to historic and/or recreational sites may be organized on demand and interest. The cost of these excursions is not included in the course fees.

Please note that intermediate through advanced level classes are going to be offered as previous summers. 

This summer, we will offer the beginner level if there is sufficient interest. Please contact the administration at tlcp@boun.edu.tr for further inquiries about the beginner class.