Summer Institute
. English Access Summer Institute and Day Camp Program - June 2008
. English Access Summer Institute and Day Camp Program - June 2007
. English Access Summer Institute and Day Camp Program - June 2006
English Language Programs
English Access Microscholarship Program
The English Access Microscholarship Program is a Department of State initiative aimed at providing English language instruction and future prospects for underprivileged secondary school students. During the 2004-2005 academic year schools selected by U.S. embassies in 39 countries enrolled 3,600 students in the English Access Microscholarship Program. In Turkey during academic year 2005-2006, approximately 340 students participated in the program. The program provides an American-style classroom experience using US books and materials. In that same year, the program also included teacher training sessions.
In 2006-2007, the Turkish-American Association in Ankara started to administer the program in eight different cities with 250 students participating. The English Access program has continued in 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 with some additional students. These students have participated in English classes as Access groups in Ankara and in TAA's franchisees in Konya, Izmir-Buca and Denizli. Upon entering and after finishing the Access Program, students are given certificates during a special ceremony at their school. At the end of each year, beginning in 2006, there have been summer day camps for the successful graduates of the program. Students also receive a special completion certificate at the end of the summer camp.
In 2009-2010, the administrator of the program changed to Turkish Education Association. Throughout the program, 175 students in 7 cities (Polatli, Mersin, Batman, Malatya, Afyon, Isparta and Karabuk) will receive 360 hours each of after school English instruction from March 16, 2009 to June 15, 2010. At the end of the program, the successful students will attend a 2 week English language residential summer camp somewhere in Turkey. The Access courses and summer camp will be administered by the Turkish Education Association. The instructional materials, teacher training, examinations and program monitoring will be conducted by the Public Affairs Section’s English Language Office. The most successful Access graduates will be encouraged to apply for YES scholarships (11th or 12th grade study in the US scholarship program run by American Field Service (AFS) and funded by the U.S. Department of State) and other relevant youth exchange programs.
English Tolerance and Cultural Sharing Summer Camp
July 2009
The U.S. Department of State, in collaboration with Canakkale Koleji organized and facilitated the Teaching English Through Tolerance Summer Camp in Canakkale, Turkey. From July 19-31, 45 Turkish, Armenian and American high school students worked, played and shared experiences, beliefs and dreams during the “Teaching Tolerance through English” residential camp in Canakkale, Turkey. The program was opened by Counsel General Sharon Weiner and organized, facilitated and supported by the Public Affairs Offices in Ankara and Yerevan. In addition to the student program, 12 teachers from Armenia, the US and Turkey participated in a teacher training program focusing on cross-cultural communication facilitated by English Language Specialist David Malatesta. The teachers implemented their “lessons” during the formal English lessons at the camp. Students were engaged in a wide array of athletic, artistic and cross-cultural sharing activities facilitated largely by Youth Exchange and Study (YES) alumni who, along with a number of American university level students studying in Turkey, worked as camp counselors. The camp opening and closing sessions received electronic and print media coverage. At the end of the camp, campers will receive certificates of participation from the U.S. Department of State.
English Access Summer Camp Program - July 2009
Residential Access Microscholarship Camp
Karabük, 5-18 July 2009
The U.S. Department of State, in collaboration with the Turkish American Association and the Turkish Education Association(TED), have organized and facilitating the English Access Microscholarship Camp in Karabük, Turkey. This camp was residential for 65 students and 10 teachers and included a professional development component for the teachers and interactive/experiential English learning opportunities for the students as well as opportunities to participate in various artistic and athletic activities. The objective of the camp was to improve student language skills, provide teachers with interactive approaches to language learning, expose students to aspects of US society and culture, help students learn about other cultures, provide students with opportunities to learn to respect and preserve our environment and, most importantly, to have FUN.
Under the guidance of the camp director, the English teachers, and counselors from both Turkey and the United States, campers have learned games to build relationships, practiced English through new fun and interactive techniques, and participated in activities including dance, football, kickball, volleyball, arts and crafts, photography and film-making music, and acting. Everyone at the camp had the chance to share their experiences with other campers from different regions in Turkey. In addition, campers had the opportunity to learn from the experiences of their counselors (YES Alumni), who participated in programs where they lived for one year in the US.
Participating in the summer camp have provided campers the opportunity to practice their English everyday for two weeks in a row. They have also gained valuable experience meeting and developing friendships with other students who come from all parts of Turkey. The camp featured day trips to both Amasra on the Black Sea, and Safranbolu. At the end of the camp, campers received certificates of participation from the U.S. Department of State.
U.S. Ambassador opens Access at TED Polatli
March 30, 2009
On March 30, US Ambassador to Turkey James Jeffrey officially opened the Access Microscholarship program in Polatli, Turkey. The Polatli program is one of 7 new locations for Access programs. During his presentation to students, teachers and host institution administrators, Ambassador Jeffrey emphasized the role Access can play in opening various doors of opportunity to economically disadvantaged students. He also discussed his own experience in learning and using Turkish and how it helped him in his career and life in general.
Access Microscholarship Program Opens with Fanfare in Malatya
The Access English microscholarship program opened in the city of Malatya, demonstrating collaboration with Turkish organizations and USG involvement beyond the large metropolitan areas.
The ceremony included speeches by English Language Officer Dr. Craig Dicker, the Head of the Ministry of Education for Malatya Mehmet Bulut, the Deputy Rector of Inonu University
Dr. Turgay Seckin, the Dean of the Faculty of Education Dr. Nevzat Battal, students, parents, and various local educators. All speakers noted how English opens doors to international educational and employment and the significance of embassy collaboration with the local ministry of education and the Turkish Educational Association in promoting shared interests. The 24 students, selected from a pool of over 150 applicants from Malatya state sector secondary schools, will receive a quality English course over the next 18 months. These students will be well prepared to compete for USG-sponsored exchange programs.