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TMCNet: Turkish 'varsity woos Kuwaiti students

[March 21, 2010]

Turkish 'varsity woos Kuwaiti students

KUWAIT, Mar 21, 2010 (Kuwait Times - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Known to many as the world university in the heart of Istanbul, Turkey, Bahcesehir University participated in the 'Educare exhibition' held at the Kuwait International Fair Grounds in Misref. Students from different schools and colleges flocked to the venue from March 8 to 11, where they were given a chance to meet university personnel and officials. Dozens of international schools participated in the event but Bahcesehir University was the only university to come all the way from Europe to meet Ku waiti students. "I've seen Kuwaiti students interested in Turkey," said Zeynep Yener, Associate Director of International and Corporate Relations of Bahcesehir University after the exhibition.


Geographically speaking we are the closest, but students also consider that we share the same faith in Islam. I found out they're interested in studying in Turkey, as opposed to other universities in Europe, because it is closer to their home. Besides, they want a place where they can freely practice their religious duties and obligations. I think there is no place like Turkey," she added.

The way of life in Istanbul is no different than in other major cities, such as New York, Paris or London. Istanbul is home to hundreds of Kuwaiti students but most of them are enrolled in other universities.

The University was established in 1998, and with just over ten years of existence we have made ourselves the most reputed university back home," said Yener. "University competitions are tough in Turkey and throughout the world, but we have earned a reputation as one of the best.

Bahcesehir University's strength can be attributed to the fact that the most respected and well-established members of academia work at the university. "We employ over 550 faculty members, all of them hired because of their competence, commitment and dedication to equip young minds with excellent education," she said. Currently, Bahcesehir University houses 11,000 students from countries all over the world.

Students can choose from six available faculties. (1) The Faculty of Arts and Sciences offers American culture and literature, computer and instructional technologies, mathematics and computers, psychology, sociology and more. (2) The Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences offers business administration, economics, international and business trade, European Union relations, international finance, political science and international relations. (3.) Faculty of Law (4) Faculty of Communication, whi ch includes advertising, film and television, journalism, photography and video, public relations, visual arts and visual communication design. (5) Faculty of Architecture and Design offers architecture, interior architecture, environment design and industrial design. (6) Faculty of Engineering includes computer engineering, electronic and electrical engineering, energy system engineering, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering and software engineering.

The university also has graduate study programs in the areas of communications, MBA, arts, sciences and European Union Relations. Bahcesehir University relives one of Aristotle's famous principles; 'For things we have to learn before we can do, we learn by doing.' For the first time in Turkey, coop, short for 'Cooperative Education,' is applied at Bahcesehir University with a collaborative efforts between the university and the business world.

The university is linked to leading universities around the world. Cooperative education is an integrated educational program which provides education but also provides practical training and knowhow in the area of a student's studies.

This is like an internship. This is a cooperative effort between the business world and the university. We go to a company and ask them to partner with us. If they agree, we become their partners. The duration changes from case to case, but usually it runs for about three to nine months," Yener added.

The university has about 250 companies participating in these coop programs with partners from all over the world. Well known brands like Microsoft, IBM, Alcatel, Mercedes Benz, and Schneider Electric are among the world's leading brands cooperating in the growing coop programs. In Bahcesehir University they are creating global and future leaders. Coop programs prepare students for the real world. They are prepared to handle real life situations, create a hands-on awareness and feel comfortable wherever th ey are in the world. "We are preparing our students to be citizens not just in Turkey but for the world they live in," she explained.

The great thing about this program is that participants get credit and at the same time experience. They are paid at a minimum level as well, so it can help their expenses at the same time," she said. Cooperative Education is open to all international students. After completion, a company will provide a certificate of completion as well as a reasonable sum of money.

Bahcesehir University offers scholarships to every brilliant and deserving students. "The scholarships offered depend on their academic achievement. Scholarship can be given for 100%, 50% or 20%, of tuition" she said.

Bahcesehir University boasts their cooperative educational agreement with other universities abroad. "We have sister schools in Berlin. We are going to open an architecture faculty in Latvia. We would love to seek cooperation in the Arab world as well. We are open to new markets. We have many students from Iraq, Syria, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Morocco. We want students from Kuwait," Yener said.

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