The 'French Teachers Summer University' event, organized to support the professional development of French teachers and strengthen cooperation among different institutions, was hosted by Izmir University of Economics (İEÜ).
The event, held for the sixth time this year, brought together 163 French teachers from various cities across Turkey and abroad in Izmir. Over four days, participants in the 114-hour training and workshop program, led by 24 expert trainers, had the opportunity to engage in activities focusing on contemporary teaching methods, digital education tools, assessment and evaluation practices, intercultural communication, and innovative in-class approaches. Başak Çiftçioğlu, French Academic Coordinator of the İEÜ School of Foreign Languages and a member of the Organizing Committee, stated, "We aim to implement similar projects in the coming years and make Izmir one of the important centers for international educational events."
Başak Çiftçioğlu, stating that the event held a special meaning for her, said, "The first gathering of the Summer University was held in 2009, and the second in 2012, both at Izmir University of Economics. The fact that the sixth gathering is once again taking place at our university after all these years demonstrates both our institution's experience in international education and the trust French teachers place in this organization."
Çiftçioğlu emphasized that the French Teachers Summer University, beyond being an in-service training program, serves as an important gathering that shapes the future of French language education in Turkey. She stated, "This organization, which enables teachers to share different experiences, develop new collaborations, and connect with international educational networks, also became a concrete indicator of the strong cooperation between the Embassy of France in Turkey, the Institut français de Turquie, APFİZ, and French teachers' associations in various cities across Turkey. As Izmir University of Economics, we were delighted to host such a well-established and international organization once again."
"We aim to make Izmir an education hub"
Çiftçioğlu continued: "Thanks to our university's academic infrastructure, hosting experience, and international vision, participants had the opportunity to access both a high-quality training program and a strong environment of professional solidarity. Implementing similar projects that will contribute to the development of French language education in the coming years and making Izmir one of the important centers for international educational events are among our most important goals." - IZMIR