Learning Turkish

While many people in Istanbul, especially younger generations, speak English, learning Turkish can greatly enhance your experience. Outside the campus boundaries you will quickly realize people are not used to speaking English. Simple phrases and greetings can help you in daily life, from ordering food to asking for directions. Ozyegin University offers Turkish language courses for international students, providing structured learning to help you get started. Apps like Duolingo, Memrise, and Busuu are great tools for casual learning, and carrying a phrasebook or using a translation app can also be beneficial in the beginning. Office for Learning and Teaching Enhancement (OLTE) and Office of Intercultural Awareness run the Language Circles program for students to meet and chat in the target language in a casual environment. Turkish is one of the languages which you can practice at Language Circles. Find out more by emailing intercultural@ozyegin.edu.tr

Engaging with locals and practicing daily is the best way to improve. Watching Turkish TV shows with subtitles, listening to Turkish music, and speaking with classmates can accelerate your language skills. Many Turks appreciate when foreigners make an effort to learn their language, and this can help you integrate more easily into the community. Additionally, knowing Turkish will make navigating official processes, such as setting up a bank account or visiting government offices, much smoother.