Exemplary Cooperation between IUE and Cervantes
Izmir University of Economics (IUE) has added a new one to its international collaborations by signing a protocol with the Spain-based Instituto Cervantes. The agreement, aimed at providing students with new educational opportunities and organizing joint artistic and academic events reflecting the cultures of both countries, was signed by IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu and the Director of the Instituto Cervantes in Istanbul, Fernando Martinez Vara de Rey.
Within the scope of the protocol, a roadmap will be determined through strategic studies to accelerate the personal development of academics and students. Initiatives will be launched to increase cooperation and dialogue with universities in Spain. Joint efforts will also be carried out to increase the number of certificates obtained in Spanish language exams (DELE). In addition to science, cultural events such as exhibitions, panels, and talks will be organized to bring Turkish and Spanish cultures to a wider audience.
BROAD PARTICIPATION AT THE SIGNING CEREMONY
The ceremony, hosted by Izmir University of Economics, was attended by Cristina Latorre Sancho, Ambassador of Spain to Ankara; Emre Kızılgüneşler, Vice Chair of the Izmir Chamber of Commerce and IUE Board of Trustees Member; D. Gilberto Terente Fernández, Director of Educational Programs at the Spanish Embassy in Ankara; Muharrem Hilmi Kayhan, Honorary Consul of Spain in Izmir; Prof. Dr. Mehmet Efe Biresselioğlu, IUE Vice Rector; Hülya İncekara, Director of Office of International Affairs; Özge Coşkun Aysal, Vice Director of School of Foreign Languages; Mehmet Şenbağcı, International Affairs Representative; Dilek Amet, Spanish Language Coordinator; and Spanish Language instructors.
“ACADEMIC PRODUCTION WILL INCREASE”
Speaking at the ceremony, Rector Prof. Dr. Abacıoğlu stated that the University works to prepare students and academics for the dynamics of the global World. The Rector said, “The cooperation protocol we signed with the Instituto Cervantes, one of the world's most respected cultural and language institutions, is an extremely valuable and strategic step for our University's internationalization vision. Through this protocol, we are not only offering our students the chance to learn a new foreign language but also the opportunity to get to know different cultures and join international academic and cultural networks.”
“THEY WILL GAIN A MULTICULTURAL PERSPECTIVE"
Prof. Dr. Abacıoğlu continued as follows: “Universities are institutions that build bridges between cultures. Through cultural activities like exhibitions and panels, we will help our students gain a multicultural perspective. I sincerely believe this partnership with Instituto Cervantes will provide long-term and lasting benefits for our University."
“IZMIR HOLDS A SPECIAL PLACE”
Fernando Martinez Vara de Rey, Director of the Instituto Cervantes in Istanbul, expressed great happiness regarding the protocol stating that this strong academic and cultural bond is very valuable to them. Vara de Rey said, “Izmir always holds a special place with its rich history, cultural diversity, and dynamic young population. The vision of Izmir University of Economics and the value it places on internationalization makes this cooperation even more meaningful. I believe that through this agreement, we will bring Turkish and Spanish cultures even closer together through the youth. We will take effective steps to enable students to learn languages, engage in cultural interaction, and gain international experience. I hope this protocol will be long-lasting and productive, yielding positive results for both countries.”
