A Blend of Education and Culture Boğaziçi University & Kadir Has University, Istanbul | May 5–10, 2025
From 5 to 10 May 2025, students from the Department of English Language and Culture at the Faculty of Education, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra participated in a one-week internship in Istanbul. The internship was supervised by doc. Mgr. Elena Kováčiková, PhD., Head of Department, doc. Mgr. Zuzana Sándorová, PhD., and Mgr. Dorothea Bagalová. As part of the Erasmus+ programme, the students visited Boğaziçi University, where they had the opportunity to attend classes and collaborate with local students from the Department of Foreign Language Education. Throughout the week, the students were actively involved in the teaching process. On Monday, they attended their first classes, during which they observed presentations by local students and actively participated in the activities of several courses. On Wednesday, the programme continued in a similar manner, and on Thursday, the Slovak students had the opportunity to introduce their country to Turkish students and teachers through a collaborative presentation about Slovakia. Turkish students responded with strong interest, engaged in discussion, and created a pleasant and inspiring atmosphere.
In addition to the academic programme, the students also had the chance to explore Istanbul’s historical and cultural landmarks. They visited iconic sites such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and other significant locations of the ancient city. These experiences deepened their understanding of Turkish culture and history. The highlight of the internship was the students’ participation in the international conference CLIL Days, held on Saturday, 10 May 2025, at Kadir Has University. Professor Yasemin Bayyurt, who guided the group throughout the week and provided organisational support, played a key role in the preparation and implementation of the conference programme. Prof. Bayyurt is a professor of Applied Linguistics at the Department of Foreign Language Education at Boğaziçi University.
The week-long stay in Turkey was an exceptionally enriching experience for all participants. In addition to improving their language skills and academic knowledge, the students gained new contacts, friendships, and a deeper understanding of another culture. Such international mobility programmes are considered an invaluable part of modern education.
Text: Diana Pénzešová, Mgr. Dorothea Bagalová
Foto: Mgr. Dorothea Bagalová, doc. Mgr. Zuzana Sándorová, PhD.