CIEE Study Center at Active Languages and Middle East Technical University in Ankara, Turkey

  Turkey

Ankara

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring 
Dates: Fall 19 weeks: early Sept-mid-Dec or mid-Jan; Spring 19 weeks: early Febr-mid June; Academic Year 38 weeks: early Sept-mid June.

Description: 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.

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.

Highlights:

• Study in a country that is a unique blend of East and West - rich in history and tradition yet undergoing rapid social transformation
  
• Intensive Turkish language courses at all levels - a language that is spoken in some form from Western China to the Balkans
  
• CIEE elective course on Islam and its impact on society today
  
• Excursions to various parts of the country including Istanbul, Cappadocia, and eastern Turkey

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 Womens 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.

Immersion
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 first-hand glimpse into the lifestyle of their Turkish peers.

Cost in US$: Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing

Experience Required: yes