Immerse yourself in the richness of Turkish culture and contemporary society, uncovering the history and traditions that define modern Turkiye while connecting with the people and places of Ankara through language study.

About The Program

This summer program provides students with an introduction to the Turkish language and hands-on coursework in the history, culture, and contemporary society of modern Turkiye. Participants explore the traditions, social dynamics, and political developments that shape daily life while gaining a deeper understanding of the country’s culture, society, and language. The program is hosted by Ankara University in the vibrant capital city of Ankara.

Academic Courses

Students take area studies courses taught in English that provide a deep understanding of modern Turkiye. Contemporary Turkish Society examines social, political, and economic transformations, while Turkish Culture Today explores traditions, cultural practices, and contemporary expressions of Turkish identity. In addition, students engage in approximately three hours of Turkish language instruction per week, designed for all proficiency levels, to enhance their ability to connect with the people and places of Ankara.

Summer Program

The Turkiye Today program offers a comprehensive academic schedule designed to provide both language and area studies instruction:

• 3 hours per week of Turkish language instruction at all proficiency levels.

• 3 hours per week of lectures and discussions on Turkish culture, with a focus on literature, music, art, and film.

• 6 hours per week of instruction in English on Contemporary Turkish Society, covering social, political, and economic developments in modern Turkiye.

This structure allows students to gain a well-rounded understanding of Turkish language, culture, and society, while engaging in both immersive and English-language instruction.

Upon successful completion of the summer online program, participants will receive academic credit equivalent to 8 undergraduate credit hours or 10 graduate credit hours from Bryn Mawr College.

Cultural Activities

While excursion destinations vary from year to year, potential excursions will be:

• Anıtkabir – the Mausoleum of Atatürk

• Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

• Ethnography Museum of Ankara

• Historic neighborhoods – Kızılay and Hamamönü

• Five-day Turkiye highlights trip to places such as Cappadocia, Ephesus, Aegean or Mediterranean coastlines, Istanbul

These excursions provide immersive, hands-on experiences that complement classroom learning and deepen understanding of Turkish culture, society, and daily life.

About Ankara University TÖMER 

is the language teaching and cultural education center of Ankara University. It provides instruction in Turkish and other foreign languages for both international learners and Turkish nationals, along with teacher training, exam preparation, and cultural programs. Functioning as part of the university’s continuing-education and international outreach initiatives, TÖMER serves short-term learners as well as long-term students aiming for academic-level language proficiency.

The center offers structured course cycles—both intensive and regular—that integrate grammar, conversation, reading, and writing practice, often enriched with cultural modules on contemporary and historical aspects of Türkiye. Courses are available in-person at campus branches and frequently online, supported by placement testing and teaching materials aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). TÖMER also issues its own certificates, which are widely recognized across Turkish higher education and employment sectors as valid proof of language proficiency.

Founded as the first institution in Türkiye to teach Turkish as a foreign language, Ankara University TÖMER continues its pioneering mission through an expanding network of branches in Ankara, İstanbul, Bursa, and İzmir—making high-quality language education accessible to learners across the country.

Housing and Meals

Program participants live with local, Turkish-speaking host families. One member of each family will have English speaking proficiency at a minimum.

Living with a host family provides valuable cultural experience to complement the academic program. Host families expose participants to authentic, everyday life in the host country while also providing a supportive environment for students to practice their growing language skills. While staying with a host family, participants are provided with a private room, two meals per day, and keys to the apartment or house. All host families are screened, selected, and monitored by American Councils home-stay coordinators and resident directors.

Financial Aid

American Councils has several scholarships available for students applying to the Turkiye Today program. Applicants can apply for financial aid in the program application. Learn more about financial aid available on this program.

Support Services

All program participants are required to attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation at the start of the program. Orientation sessions address health and safety, academic culture, host-family life, culture shock, and strategies to maximize language gain. Students will also have a chance to meet and get to know their resident directors, fellow participants, and alumni during the orientation. Lodging and meals will be provided. Upon arrival in the host country, participants attend an in-country orientation.

While overseas, participants have access to in-country program staff that provide around-the-clock emergency support. A full-time resident director/overseas staff person monitors the academic and cultural program; assists participants in academic, administrative, and personal matters; and coordinates activities with the host institution faculty. During the program, the AC Study Abroad Team in Washington, D.C. stays in close contact via email and telephone with in-country program staff and provides updates as needed to study abroad offices, university partners, and family members.

Participants are enrolled in comprehensive overseas health, accident, and evacuation insurance through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) for the duration of the program. CISI provides medical coverage of up to $250,000 per accident or illness. Enrollment in the CISI plan also provides full coverage for emergency medical evacuation.

All participants are provided with a single-entry visa to the host-country for the duration of the academic program. It is the student's responsibility to obtain any other visas required by their individual itineraries. Visa application information and forms are provided upon acceptance to the program.

Program Snapshot

Location

Ankara University

Ankara, Turkiye

Language of Instruction

Turkish and English

Program Dates

Summer 2026

June 15 - August 7

Program Cost

$8,950

Applications Deadlines:

February 15

Program Eligibility

• Minimum GPA of 2.7

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old by the application deadline