SECOND FOREIGN LANGUAGE EXPANDS HORIZONS
Izmir University of Economics (IUE) is expanding the horizons of its students with second foreign language education. Tunç Tatlıcı, who chose Italian as a second foreign language during his associate studies at IUE, completed his undergraduate education in Italy where he was awarded a scholarship. Tatlıcı shared his success with IUE academicians.
Tunç Tatlıcı, a graduate of IUE Vocational School, Foreign Trade Program (major) and Logistics Program (minor), takes pride in getting his diploma from Faculty of Economics of The University of Milan–Bicocca, where only 40% of its students qualify to graduate. Tatlıcı stated that he enjoyed learning Italian thanks to his instructors at Izmir University of Economics and that played a major role in reshaping his future. Tatlıcı, who indicated that learning a second foreign language broadened his horizons, said, “I continued learning Italian even after I graduated. In 2008, I applied to The University of Milan–Bicocca via Italian Consulate, and got accepted. It was very difficult at first with my level of basic Italian. I thought about going back to my country countless times, but never gave up.”
Achieving…
Tatlıcı said that hardly 40% of the students studying at The University of Milan– Bicocca, Italy, qualified to graduate, and that he had to study with the help of a dictionary for many days in order to understand the terminology. Tatlıcı stated the following:
“When I began my education in Italy, I was faced with terms in law, economics, mathematics, and statistics in Italian. It was a difficult period for me both financially and morally. I had to work and study at the same time. Sometimes, I had to live on 10 Euros a week. When I came close to giving up, I reminded myself about my education. I was able to complete my education in November 2013 and came back.”
Creating a difference…
Buket Kasalı, IUE Italian Department Coordinator, also stated that second foreign language education at the University expanded students’ horizons. “IUE graduate Tunç Tatlıcı, chose Italian as a second foreign language. He is a living proof that second foreign language plays an important role. Today, students need to come up with ways that will impact their careers positively,” stated Buket Kasalı.