This program is designed for students with a range of interests from archaeology to engineering to sociology, who would like to combine those interests with study in this ancient and dynamic country.
What You'll Learn
The goals of the Language and Culture program are to enable students to pursue a wide variety of academic fields and gain a deeper understanding of Turkey as a society undergoing rapid urbanization and social transformation. To supplement and conceptualize their studies, students take a multidisciplinary course exploring modern Turkey, which incorporates visits to important historical sites, NGOs, and different regions. Students explore issues of Islam and secularism, development and democratization, and tradition and social change.
Program Snapshot
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Study in a country that is a unique blend of East and West-- rich in history and tradition yet undergoing rapid social transformation
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Intensive Turkish language courses at all levels--a language that is spoken in some form from Western China to the Balkans
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CIEE elective course on Islam and its impact on society today
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Cultural and educational activities such as visits to museums, international film and music festivals, the State Ballet, and opera performances
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Excursions to places such as Istanbul, a Turkish village, and sites in Central Anatolia such as Konya and Cappadocia
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Peer language tutors
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Volunteering
Subjects
Architectural History
Architecture
Art
Biological Sciences
Chemistry
Economics
Education
Engineering & Technology
History
International Relations
Performing Arts
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology
Turkish Language
Turkish Studies
Eligibility
Academic Program
The CIEE Study Center in Ankara, established in the fall of 2000, provides a rigorous academic program through its core course, classes at METU, Turkish language instruction through Active Languages, and an extensive in-country cultural program. METU offers undergraduate courses of high standards in the areas of engineering, physical sciences, biological sciences, humanities, social sciences, educational sciences, architecture, administrative sciences, and business.
Academic Culture
CIEE area studies courses are taught in English and combine lecture and discussion. The small nature of the courses allows for good interaction between faculty and students. The required CIEE core course, Contemporary Turkey: Turkish State and Society, includes a series of guest lectures by faculty and local experts, discussions, and excursions. CIEE language classes are small and focus on communication skills. Extra practice sessions and peer language tutors are available to help students with their language development.
Most courses at METU are taught in English. CIEE students may take any course offered for which they have the necessary prerequisites and permission of the instructor.
METU follows the American university model. The number of contact hours each week is indicated by the credit hours (i.e., 3 credits = 3 weekly contact hours). Class hours are determined at the beginning of the semester, but students should be prepared for changes in scheduling during the first week.
Teaching tends to be through formal lectures, although some instructors require class presentations and encourage discussion. There is a degree of formality in relationships between students and faculty to which Americans may be unaccustomed. Please note that the fall semester ends in mid-January. While it is the practice for many CIEE students to request and receive permission for early exams (prior to the Christmas holiday), CIEE does not guarantee approval of such requests by the University.
Breaks during the semester depend upon the Muslim religious holidays which, following the lunar calendar, change each year. The break between the fall and spring semesters is about one month. Students use this time to travel within Turkey and the region.
Where You'll Study - Active Languages - Active Turkish Language Centre - Bilkent University - Middle East Technical University
Active Languages, a private language school founded in 1987, is one of the most well-respected language schools in Ankara, and is approved by the Turkish Ministry of Education. The school is located in Ankara's downtown.
Bilkent University, one of Turkey's leading private universities, was founded in 1984, and has more than 10,000 students in 7 faculties, including students from 41 countries. The language of instruction is English.
Middle East Technical University, one of the top state universities in Turkey, was founded in 1956 and has a student body of 18,500 including 900 international students. Classes are taught in English and a wide variety of student clubs, recreational facilities, and social events add to campus life.
Program Requirements
Students in their first semester are required to take two Turkish Language courses, the CIEE core course: Contemporary Turkey: Turkish State and Society, and two or three elective courses chosen from CIEE and METU courses.
The first language course and the Contemporary Turkey course begin two weeks before the start of regular university courses and continue with weekly class meetings throughout the first several weeks of the semester. Academic year students may take more advanced Turkish language classes and up to six courses at METU. All content courses are taught in English.
Credit
Total recommended credit for the semester is 15?18 semester/22.5?27 quarter hours and for the academic year, 30?36 semester/45?54 quarter hours. Course contact hours are 45 hours and recommended credit is 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours per course, unless otherwise indicated.
Application Deadlines
Spring 2009: 11/1/2008
Fall 2009: 4/1/2009
Academic Year 2008-09: 4/1/2008
Duration
Spring 2009: 19 weeks: early February - mid-June
Fall 2009: 19 weeks: early September - mid-December or mid-January
Academic Year 2008-09: 38 weeks: early September - early June
The CIEE fees for 2008-09 include tuition, housing, some meals in the homestay option, optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities (such as opera, museums, and galleries), excursions (to Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Konya), host institution identity card, assignment of a Turkish host student to help with settling in, intensive survival Turkish language course and textbook, comprehensive student handbook, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.
Orientation
The mandatory two-week orientation program introduces students to the country, culture, language, and academic program, and provides practical information about living in Turkey. During this period students take intensive Turkish language classes, begin study in the core course, and participate in local excursions in Ankara. Orientation also includes a three-day trip to Istanbul.
Housing and Meals
Most students live in campus dormitories, in double or quadruple rooms with Turkish and other international students. Meals are not included in the dormitory option and are the responsibility of the student. Students can take meals at cafés and University restaurants on-campus, as well as at restaurants in the surrounding neighborhood. There are also grocery stores nearby.
A homestay option is available for students who wish to be more immersed in Turkish language and culture. Students in homestays are provided with breakfast and dinner by the host family, which is included in the program fee.
Internet
Students have access to the Internet at METU. Dormitories also have computer rooms open to all residents. Students have access to the computer lab Monday through Saturday at Active Languages. Participants are encouraged to bring wireless-enabled laptops.
Cultural Activities and Field Trips
Visits to NGOs and places of historical and cultural interest are a regular part of the CIEE program. Students typically visit community centers for women and youth, the Civil Society Development Center, the Turkish Grand National Assembly (Parliament), the Ankara Citadel, Friday prayers at the Kocatepe Mosque, and an Alevi religious service.
CIEE group excursions provide students with the opportunity to explore and compare the varied regions of Turkey. Excursions typically include a day visit to a village, a three-day trip to Istanbul, and, depending on the season and student interest, Konya, Cappadocia, or the eastern regions of the country.
Ankara is home to the State Opera and Ballet, the Presidential Symphony Orchestra, and many annual festivals and cultural events, such as the International Ankara Music Festival, the International Ankara Film Festival, and The Flying Broom Women's Film Festival. Lectures, concerts, festivals, and student club activities are a major part of campus life at METU and students are encouraged to participate in such events.
Volunteering
In consultation with CIEE staff, students may take part in non-credit community service/volunteer opportunities. Students may volunteer in both public and private sector organizations including NGOs, schools, and English language training programs. Placements are competitive and cannot be guaranteed.
Former CIEE students have done a variety of volunteer work including: teaching English to children in low-income neighborhoods, cooking and serving food in a traditional Turkish restaurant founded by a group of women entrepreneurs, developing websites and brochures for local organizations, and working in the laboratory of the University medical center.
Peer Language Tutors
Each semester, CIEE students are paired with local Turkish students for language practice and social activities. Peer tutors assist students with questions about Turkish language assignments and provide CIEE participants with a firsthand glimpse into the lifestyle of their Turkish peers.
