Exchange Program Students Started The Spring Semester With Orientation
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Istanbul Ticaret University welcomed exchange program students joining the campus in the spring semester with a two-day program focused on academic information, cultural experience, and social integration; students made a safe and planned start to university life.
Istanbul Ticaret University welcomed exchange program students arriving on campus under the Erasmus+ and Orhun Exchange Programs for the Spring Semester of the 2025-2026 Academic Year with a comprehensive two-day orientation program. Students from 13 countries made a conscious and safe start to their new semester with information and interaction-focused activities ranging from academic processes to social life.
STRENGTHENING ACADEMIC TIES WITH THE TURKIC WORLD
With the Orhun Exchange Program, which was actively implemented for the first time this year, Istanbul Ticaret University has become a new part of the academic cooperation network between universities in the Turkish world. With the acceptance of Orhun Exchange Program students for the second time in the 2025-26 academic year under the program, cultural diversity on campus will expand, and the internationalization vision will be taken to a concrete stage.
FIRST DAY: STEP BY STEP ADAPTATION TO ACADEMIC LIFE
The program, which began at the Sütlüce Campus in Sâdâbâd, started with an opening speech by Exchange Programs Coordinator Dr. Elif Nuray Yıldırım. Dr. Yıldırım emphasized the importance of the cultural richness that exchange program students bring to the academic environment and encouraged students to take an active role in both their education and social life.
The program continued with comprehensive information for students on topics such as the academic calendar and course selection processes, use of the Student Information System (OBS), campus services, residence permit procedures, and daily life in Istanbul. In addition, student clubs were introduced, providing a detailed perspective on the university’s social structure. Through the introductory activities and campus tour held during the day, students had the opportunity to see the classrooms, library, and social areas for themselves.
DAY TWO: CULTURAL EXPERIENCE AND INTERACTION
The second day of orientation took place at the Ahi Çelebi Campus in Eminönü. Beginning with a traditional Turkish breakfast, the program offered students both a cultural experience and an opportunity for social interaction. Following the campus tour, a Kahoot quiz allowed students to reinforce what they had learned about Turkey and the university in a fun way.
FAST ADAPTATION WITH THE BUDDY PROGRAM
For two days, students were paired with volunteer Turkish students as part of Istanbul Commerce University’s Buddy Program. This initiative aimed to help exchange students adapt more quickly to academic and social life. The program concluded with the presentation of university-branded commemorative gifts.
A STRONG START THROUGH INTERCULTURAL INTERACTION
The orientation program provided a comprehensive start that facilitated students’ adaptation not only to the university but also to Istanbul and Turkey. The process, which combined academic information with social interaction, contributed to the development of an international campus culture based on sharing and solidarity.
