American Councils (ACTR): Intensive Turkish Summer Program

Discover Turkiye: Where Continents, Cultures, and Centuries meet.

Step into a summer like no other in Turkiye, a country where every street corner holds a story and every conversation opens a window into a rich and dynamic world. In the Intensive Turkish Summer Program, you’ll do more than study a language, you’ll live it! Through daily interaction with your host family, local peers, and the vibrant life of Ankara, you’ll immerse yourself in the rhythms, flavors, and perspectives that define modern Turkiye.

From ancient ruins to sleek modern cafés, Turkiye bridges East and West, history and modernity, tradition and innovation. Based in Ankara, the nation’s political and cultural heart, you’ll experience the best of both worlds: a city steeped in the legacy of empires yet pulsing with the energy of a modern European metropolis.

Whether you’re interested in international relations, global business, history, or cultural studies, studying Turkish opens doors to new academic and career possibilities—and a deeper understanding of one of the most strategically and culturally significant countries in the world. 

Hosted by the renowned TOMER Language Center at Ankara University, this eight-week intensive program offers a powerful combination of immersive language learning, cultural exploration, and personal connection.

You will study Turkish in small, interactive classes of just three to six students, allowing for personalized instruction and rapid progress. No matter your starting level, you’ll gain confidence in listening, speaking, reading, and writing - often completing the equivalent of a full academic year of Turkish in just one summer.

Outside the classroom, you’ll live with a Turkish host family, sharing meals, traditions, and everyday experiences that bring the language and culture to life. Weekly cultural activities, from exploring Ottoman palaces and bustling bazaars to attending local festivals or visiting museums, connect classroom learning with the world around you.

You will also take part in a five-day group excursion beyond Ankara to discover some of Turkiye’s most stunning regions, from the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia to the ancient cities along the Aegean coast. Along the way, conversation partners help you navigate local life, practice your Turkish naturally, and make friendships that last long after the summer ends.