Turkeyintroduces Turkish language curriculum for young international students
In Turkiye, the Turkish Education Ministry has launched a new initiative, the Turkish Teaching Program for Foreigners (YTÖP), designed to help thousands of foreign students learn Turkish effectively. The program is part of an effort to enhance the overall educational experience of foreign students in the country.
The YTÖP adopts a communicative and action-oriented approach, following the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), and integrates sociocultural elements from the Türkiye Century Maarif Model (TYMM). The program prioritizes the comprehensive development of individuals — mentally, socially, emotionally, physically, and morally — and supports positive educational and social integration outcomes for foreign students living in Turkiye.
The program is aimed primarily at school-aged international students at primary, secondary, and high school levels, focusing on two specific age groups: 7-10 years old and 11-15 years old. It covers language learning stages from pre-A1 to B1 CEFR levels, with age-specific learning goals tailored to these groups.
Besides YTÖP, there is also the KatipAta Turkish Language and Culture Program, a fully funded immersion program lasting about eight months based in Ankara. This program is designed mainly for public officials, diplomats, academics, and researchers, but it is also open to international students. It offers deep cultural integration through Turkish language training (ranging from A2 to B2), seminars, cultural excursions, institutional visits, and professional development. The KatipAta program emphasizes immersion in Turkish society and culture, further supporting integration and understanding of Turkey beyond language skills alone.
In summary, the Turkish Teaching Program for Foreigners (YTÖP) and the KatipAta Turkish Language and Culture Program offer a dual approach to language learning and cultural integration, ensuring a broad and holistic strategy for the linguistic and social integration of foreigners in Turkiye. The programs are designed to support the social integration of young learners and facilitate their active participation in Turkiye's social life.
[1] Turkish Education Ministry website [2] Turkish Teaching Program for Foreigners (YTÖP) brochure [3] KatipAta Turkish Language and Culture Program brochure [4] Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website [5] Anadolu Agency article on KatipAta Program
