Antalya Bilim University: English Learning Beyond the Classroom

The School of Foreign Languages at Antalya Bilim University has been operating since the 2012–2013 academic year and is now part of the Eaquals community. Its work brings together English language education, academic preparation and student support. With a diverse student body and initiatives that extend beyond the classroom, the School offers an interesting example of how language learning connects with the wider university experience.

Preparing students for university life

The School takes a student-centred, task-based and communicative approach to English teaching. Its programmes develop reading, writing, listening and speaking, while classroom activities also encourage critical thinking, collaboration, digital literacy and problem solving. The aim is to help students become confident, independent learners who are prepared to continue learning throughout their lives.

Alongside its compulsory preparatory programme, the School offers Bridge, which prepares B2-level students for their faculty courses. Every student who completes the programme receives a certificate before moving on to degree studies.

Bridge provides a connection between English language preparation and the next stage of students’ university experience, helping them prepare for the demands of their academic courses.

Helping students find their confidence

Supporting students as they progress through their studies is another part of the School’s work. Its orientation programme welcomes new students in five languages: Turkish, English, French, Arabic and Russian. This helps students access important information as they begin university life and reflects the range of backgrounds represented in the School’s community.

The School has also developed a dedicated motivation programme for A1-level students who need to repeat the level. Working with the university’s Psychological Counselling and Guidance (PDR) unit, the team designed a plan to strengthen both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Each participating student was supported by a mentor instructor.

According to the School, all students who took part progressed successfully to the next level and regained their confidence. The initiative highlights how language teaching and student support services can work together to address learners’ needs.

A diverse community with English at its centre

Around 1,000 students make up the School’s community. They come from countries across Central Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Europe, bringing different experiences and perspectives to their learning.

English is the language taught, giving students opportunities to communicate with people from different backgrounds. This diversity also creates opportunities for cultural exchange in the classroom and across campus.

The School sees this multicultural environment as one of its strengths and aims to reflect it in both its teaching and campus life. Learning English becomes not only a matter of developing language skills, but also an opportunity to communicate across cultures.

Creating opportunities for the ELT community

The School’s work extends beyond its own students. Its annual English Language Teaching (ELT) Conference is in its tenth year, bringing together ELT professionals from neighbouring provinces and welcoming international speakers.

The conference gives teachers and other professionals opportunities to exchange ideas, encounter different perspectives and engage with developments in English language teaching. Preparations are already underway for the eleventh edition.

The School is also a Cambridge English Educational Partner. Its involvement in professional and international networks reflects an interest in connecting local practice with wider conversations about language education.

A shared commitment to quality

The School’s membership of Eaquals brings it into an international community of language education professionals who share an interest in quality and continued development. For the team at Antalya Bilim University, this connection reflects a vision of language education that combines recognised standards with opportunities to learn from others.

Dr Demet Ceylan, Director of the School of Foreign Languages at Antalya Bilim University, explains:

“Eaquals shares our vision of aligning quality language education with international standards. It inspires and encourages all its members towards excellence, and we are delighted to be part of this community.”

From preparing students for faculty courses to supporting learners who need extra encouragement, the School’s work reflects the different ways language education can support students throughout their university experience. Its multilingual orientation and annual ELT Conference also show how that work connects with a wider community.

We are pleased to welcome Antalya Bilim University School of Foreign Languages to the Eaquals community.

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