French Teachers Gather at İzmir University of Economics
The “French Teachers’ Summer University,” organized to support the professional development of French language teachers and strengthen cooperation among different institutions, was hosted by İzmir University of Economics (IUE). Held for the sixth time this year, the event brought together 163 French teachers from various cities across Türkiye and from abroad in İzmir. Over four days, participants attended a 114-hour training and workshop program delivered by 24 expert instructors. The program provided opportunities to explore contemporary teaching methods, digital education tools, assessment and evaluation practices, intercultural communication, and innovative classroom approaches.
Başak Çiftçioğlu, French Academic Coordinator at the IUE School of Foreign Languages and a member of the Organizing Committee, said, “In the coming years, we aim to implement similar projects and establish İzmir as one of the leading centers for international educational events.”
THIRD GATHERING AT IUE
Emphasizing that the event held special significance for her, Çiftçioğlu said, “The first Summer University gathering was held at İzmir University of Economics in 2009, followed by the second gathering in 2012. After many years, hosting the sixth edition once again at our university has demonstrated both our institution’s experience in international education and the trust that French teachers place in this organization.”
A STRONG NETWORK OF COOPERATION
Pointing out that the French Teachers’ Summer University goes beyond being an in-service training program and serves as an important gathering that helps shape the future of French language education in Türkiye, Çiftçioğlu said, “This organization enables teachers to share their diverse experiences, develop new collaborations, and connect with international education networks. It also serves as a tangible reflection of the strong cooperation among the Embassy of France in Türkiye, Institut français de Turquie, APFİZ, and French teachers’ associations in various cities across Türkiye. As İzmir University of Economics, we were delighted to once again host such a well-established organization with an international character.”
“WE AIM TO MAKE İZMİR A CENTER FOR EDUCATION”
Çiftçioğlu continued: “Thanks to our university’s academic infrastructure, experience in hosting international events, and global vision, participants had the opportunity to benefit from both a high-quality training program and a strong environment of professional solidarity. In the coming years, one of our main goals is to develop similar projects that contribute to the advancement of French language education and to establish İzmir as one of the leading centers for international educational events.”
