Orientation Program for the 2026–2027 Academic Year

“Knowing a Foreign Language Is Not a Choice, but a Necessity”

The program began with a moment of silence and the singing of the National Anthem. Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Erol Yaşar, delivered the opening remarks and congratulated the new students who had earned admission to our university after a grueling exam marathon. Noting that our world is going through a period in which borders have dissolved and knowledge and communication have taken on a global dimension, Prof. Dr. Yaşar stated that, in order to have a voice in this new world and achieve academic and professional goals, knowing a foreign language is no longer a choice but a necessity.

Prof. Dr. Yaşar emphasized that the School of Foreign Languages is working to instill a global perspective in students through its expert faculty and modern educational infrastructure, and urged students to make the most of their instructors’ guidance and to develop themselves socially as well. Prof. Dr. Yaşar, expressing his hope that the new academic year would bring health, happiness, and success to everyone, added that they would always be there for the students.

“Our Goal Is to Connect with the World Through Language”

In his speech, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Zeki Uyanık, Director of the School of Foreign Languages, emphasized that learning a foreign language provides the opportunity to view and think about the world from a different perspective, noting that the School of Foreign Languages aims not only to teach languages but also to enable students to communicate with the world through language. Emphasizing that their doors and hearts are always open to students, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Uyanık expressed his hope that the new academic year would be fruitful.

The Importance of Foreign Languages for Career and Professional Development

Following the opening remarks, the program continued with training sessions. In the first part of the event, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Serdar Ulaş Bayraktar, a faculty member in the Department of Public Administration, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erdem Akkan, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Maritime Sciences, met with the students. The speakers emphasized that proficiency in a foreign language provides a significant advantage not only during one’s academic career but also in the professional life students will embark on after graduation. For professionals working in various disciplines, the discussion focused on the benefits that a foreign language offers in areas such as access to international resources, professional communication, academic development, and taking advantage of international business and educational opportunities. It was also emphasized that a lack of foreign language proficiency can lead to limitations in international communication and professional development processes.

"Dil Bir Pasaport İşlevi Görüyor"

Later in the program, Sharon Barrett, Education Coordinator for International Programs at Sınırsız Eğitim Hizmetleri, met with the students and shared her insights on the language-learning process. While informing the students about various methods and strategies they could use when learning a foreign language, Barrett emphasized the importance of not being afraid to make mistakes and of actively using the language. Barrett, noting that language serves as a passport, emphasized that learning a foreign language offers students the opportunity to discover different cultures, people, educational opportunities, and international prospects.

The Preparation Process and Sharing Experiences

As part of the event, two of our students who took preparatory courses at the School of Foreign Languages last year also shared their experiences with the new preparatory students. Our students discussed the experiences they gained during the preparatory program, the challenges they faced, the strategies that helped them adapt to the process, and the benefits the English learning process provided them The speakers, who guided new students with their candid insights, offered various tips on how to make the most of the preparatory year.

In the next part of the event, Assistant Deans of the School of Foreign Languages, Lecturer Dr. Özge Gül Zerey and Lecturer Dr. Bengü Sezer, provided an overview of the preparatory education system. While providing information about the academic and administrative processes students may encounter throughout the year, the session covered attendance requirements, exams, assessment and evaluation, the use of course materials, and important considerations during the preparatory program. During the presentation, in which solutions to potential problems were shared, students were reminded of the importance of seeking support from the relevant departments and faculty members when needed.

The orientation event, which allowed students to become more familiar with their new learning environment and the preparatory program, concluded with a presentation by the Education Advisor at Sınırsız Eğitim Hizmetleri on the printed and digital learning materials to be used in the preparatory program.