Studying Turkish Language in Turkey

Your Comprehensive Guide to Studying Turkish Language in Turkey
Studying the Turkish language in Turkey is a vital step towards a deeper understanding of Turkish culture and society, as well as providing excellent opportunities for language skill development.
Language is not just a means of communication; it is a window that opens onto a new world of understanding and cultural interaction.
Situated uniquely between the Eastern and Western worlds, Turkey embodies a rich history and diverse cultural heritage.
By studying the Turkish language, you will be able to effectively communicate with local residents, enhancing your understanding of customs and traditions and enriching your experience in Turkey.
History of the Turkish Language
The history of the Turkish language can be divided into four main periods:
Ancient Turkish Language Period:
This period extends from the 6th century to the 11th century AD, during which the first written texts in the Turkish language appeared.
These texts were initially written in Sumerian script, then in Arabic script, and later in Old Turkish script.
Medieval Turkish Language Period:
This period extends from the 11th century to the 15th century AD and witnessed the development of the Turkish language and the emergence of many Turkish dialects.
These dialects varied in pronunciation and grammar but shared most of their vocabulary.
Modern Turkish Language Period:
This period extends from the 16th century to the present day and witnessed the stabilization of the Turkish language and the emergence of modern Turkish.
The Latin alphabet was adopted for writing the Turkish language in 1928 after the establishment of the Republic of Turkey.
Importance of Studying Turkish Language in Turkey
The Turkish language holds great importance in Turkey as it is the official language of the country and spoken by the vast majority of its population.
It is also the language used in education, journalism, and business. Therefore, studying the Turkish language in Turkey is essential for those who wish to live, work, or study in this country. The importance of studying the Turkish language in Turkey includes:

1. Communication with Local Residents: Turkish is the primary means of communication among local residents in Turkey. 

Therefore, learning it facilitates communication with people and understanding their culture and customs.

2. Access to Higher Education: Proficiency in Turkish is required for admission to most Turkish universities, opening the door for foreign students to study in institutions known for their high educational standards.
3. Employment Opportunities: Turkish language proficiency is a strong asset in the Turkish job market, as Turkish companies prefer to hire individuals who speak the language. 

Therefore, learning Turkish increases opportunities for employment in Turkey.

4. Understanding Turkish Culture: The Turkish language is an integral part of Turkish culture. Therefore, learning it helps in better understanding Turkish culture.

Methods of Studying Turkish Language
There are several methods that can be used to study the Turkish language in Turkey, catering to the needs and preferences of students. Some common methods include:
– Language Courses at Institutes and Universities: Enrolling in Turkish language courses offered by language institutes or universities in Turkey provides the advantage of interaction with the language and daily communication with Turkish students.
– Online Courses: There are many online platforms that offer Turkish language courses, allowing students to participate in live lessons or access self-learning resources.
– Immersion in the Local Community: Being present in the local community and participating in activities and events can be an effective way to improve Turkish language skills.
– Speaking with Native Speakers: Making friends with Turkish speakers and conversing with them can greatly contribute to language development.
– Using Media and Entertainment: Watching Turkish movies and series, listening to music, and reading books in Turkish can help enhance language comprehension.
– Participation in Cultural Language Courses: Attending Turkish language courses that also focus on cultural aspects can have a positive impact on language learning.
– Language Exchange: Joining language exchange events where you can meet people interested in learning your language and offering help with learning Turkish.
These methods provide a variety of opportunities for learning the Turkish language in different ways, offering a unique and fruitful experience when combined.
Requirements for Studying Turkish Language in Turkey
The requirements for studying the Turkish language in Turkey vary depending on the type of program and the educational institution offering it. Some general requirements that may be needed include:
– Meeting the Legal Age Requirement: There may be age requirements for students wishing to enroll in Turkish language study programs.
– Academic Enrollment: You may need to have academic enrollment in one of the institutes or universities offering Turkish language study programs.
– Student Visa: Foreign students are required to obtain a student visa to enter and study in Turkey.
– Health Insurance: Some programs may require students to have health insurance to cover medical care during their studies.
– Language Proficiency Preparation: In some cases, students may need to demonstrate basic language proficiency before joining a Turkish language study program.
– Previous Certificates: Some institutes or universities may require previous academic certificates or other proofs to confirm academic proficiency.
– Financial Requirements: Students should ensure they have the necessary financial means to cover the costs of studying and living in Turkey.
– Pre-Registration: Pre-registration may be necessary to secure a place in the chosen program.
It is always advisable to check the application requirements for each educational institution individually, as these requirements may vary based on the specific policies of each educational institution.
However, instead of doing this research yourself, you can contact us at Alemni Shokran, and we’ll provide you with everything you need.
Turkish Universities Offering Turkish Language Study Programs
Most Turkish universities offer Turkish language study programs for foreign students, whether they are public or private institutions.
Here are some of the most renowned Turkish universities providing Turkish language study programs:
– Ankara University: One of the oldest and largest universities in Turkey, located in the capital city of Ankara. It offers Turkish language study programs at various levels, along with specialized Turkish language programs for professionals.
– Istanbul University: One of the largest universities in Turkey, situated in the city of Istanbul.
– Boğaziçi University: A public university located in Istanbul.
– Yıldız Technical University: A public university located in Istanbul.
– Marmara University: A public university located in Istanbul.
– Sakarya University
– Bilkent University
– Dokuz Eylül University
– Atatürk University
– Çukurova University
– Süleyman Demirel University
– Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University
– Gedik University
Turkish Institutes Offering Turkish Language Study Programs
There are numerous institutes in Turkey that provide Turkish language study programs for international students. Some of the notable ones include:
– TÖMER Institute: A government institute under the Ministry of National Education of Turkey, offering Turkish language courses at different levels in various Turkish cities, including Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.
– Sham Language Institute: A private institute offering Turkish language courses at different levels in Istanbul.
– Avrasya Human Horizon Institute for Language Learning in Istanbul: A private institute offering Turkish language courses at different levels in Istanbul.
– Istanbul Turkish Language Institute: A private institute offering Turkish language courses at different levels in Istanbul.
– Turkish International University: The Turkish International University in Istanbul offers Turkish language study programs through its TÖMER institute.
– Turkish Language Studies Institute (Türkçe Dersi): Located in Istanbul, it offers courses for international students wishing to learn Turkish.
– Turkish Language Institute at Karadeniz Technical University: Provides Turkish language education programs for international students in a culturally diverse environment.
– Aydınistanbul Institute: Offers various Turkish language courses in Istanbul, aiming to provide a comprehensive learning experience.
– Turkish Language Institute at Yunus Emre University: Offers Turkish language programs at different levels for international students.
Information about TÖMER Turkish Language Study Institute
The word “TÖMER” stands for “Türkçe Öğretim Merkezi,” which translates to Turkish Teaching Center.
It’s a renowned institute in Turkey offering courses in Turkish language learning for non-native speakers. Here are some general details about it:
– Language Course Offerings: TÖMER Institute provides Turkish language courses at different levels, ranging from beginner to advanced.
– Multiple Branches: TÖMER Institute has branches in many universities and cities across Turkey, allowing students to choose the location that suits them.
– Level Placement Test: Before enrolling in courses, students undergo a language proficiency test to determine their Turkish language level, facilitating placement in the appropriate class for effective progress.
– Diverse Learning Resources: In addition to theoretical lessons, students can benefit from additional learning resources such as language activities and workshops.
– Preparation for Exams: TÖMER Institute offers preparatory courses for recognized Turkish language exams, such as the YÖS exam required by some international students for admission to Turkish universities.
Details of the TÖMER Turkish Language Study Program
The TÖMER Turkish Language Study Program is an educational program offered by TÖMER Institute, a government institute under the Ministry of National Education of Turkey.
It’s one of the most prominent Turkish language education programs in Turkey, offering courses at different levels in many Turkish cities, including Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.
Study Levels:
The TÖMER program consists of five levels:
– Level 1: This level focuses on teaching the basics of the Turkish language, such as the alphabet, grammar, and vocabulary.
– Level 2: This level focuses on expanding the student’s knowledge of the Turkish language and learning speaking and writing skills.
– Level 3: This level focuses on developing the student’s Turkish language skills and learning reading and comprehension skills.
– Level 4: This level focuses on preparing the student for international Turkish language exams, such as the TÖMER exam.
– Level 5: This level focuses on developing the student’s Turkish language skills and preparing them for studying at Turkish universities.
Duration of Study:
The duration of study at each level of the Tomer program is 80 hours, equivalent to two academic months.
Students can complete Level 1 in two months, Level 2 in four months, Level 3 in six months, Level 4 in eight months, and Level 5 in ten months.
Tuition Fees:
Tuition fees in the Tomer program vary from one level to another and depend on the city where the program is offered.
Admission Requirements:
Admission requirements for the Tomer program vary from one level to another.
However, in general, these programs require students to have a high school diploma, in addition to a proficiency test in the Turkish language.
Examinations:
Tomer Institute offers several examinations in the Turkish language, including:
– Proficiency Test: This test is offered to students who wish to enroll in the Tomer program and helps determine the appropriate level for the student.
– Tomer Exam: This exam is offered to students who wish to obtain the Tomer certificate, an internationally recognized certificate in the Turkish language.
– Tomer major Exam: This exam is offered to students who wish to study Turkish majors at Turkish universities.
Advantages of the Tomer Program:
The Tomer program has several advantages, including:
– International Accreditation: The Tomer program is internationally accredited, offering a certificate approved by the Turkish Ministry of Education.
– High Quality: The Tomer program provides high-quality education supervised by a team of qualified teachers.
– Cultural Diversity: The Tomer program is culturally diverse, with students from various nationalities.
Tips for Studying Turkish in Turkey:
Here are some tips to help you study Turkish in Turkey:
– Engage in daily conversation: Try to speak Turkish as much as possible in daily situations with local people to improve speaking skills and understand colloquial language.
– Participate in local activities: Join local activities and events to interact with the community and expand your network, providing opportunities for conversation and knowledge expansion.
– Enroll in additional courses: Regardless of the official program you’re following, there may be additional courses or workshops you can join to enhance your skills.
– Utilize online resources: There are many online resources available to help you learn Turkish, including smartphone applications and educational websites.
– Read Turkish books and materials: Start reading simple books and everyday materials in Turkish to expand your vocabulary and improve comprehension.
– Practice listening skills: Listen to news, TV programs, and music in Turkish to enhance listening skills and become accustomed to the accent.
– Interact with classmates: If you’re in a study program, be active in interacting with your classmates, as they may have different language levels and can support each other.
– Be patient and persistent: Language learning requires time and effort, so be patient and continue practicing regularly, even if progress is slow at the beginning.
Levels of Turkish Language Study:
Turkish language study follows a common level system similar to many other languages, based on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Here’s the classification of Turkish language levels according to this system:
– Level A1 – Beginner Level
– Level A2 – Elementary Level
– Level B1 – Lower Intermediate Level
– Level B2 – Upper Intermediate Level
– Level C1 – Advanced Level
– Level C2 – Proficiency Level
These levels help understand a person’s proficiency in Turkish language and their ability to speak, listen, read, and write.
Costs of Studying Turkish in Turkey:
The costs of studying Turkish in Turkey vary based on several factors, including the type of program, duration, course fees, accommodation, living expenses, health insurance, and registration and visa fees.
At Alemni Shokran, we’ll be with you step by step to make your learning experience easier. Just reach out to us, and we’ll answer all your inquiries. Register your documents now.