Sophomore Year Exchange Program

Are you passionate about learning about new cultures and sharing your own? If so, consider applying for Bryn Mawr’s Turkey Exchange Program. This opportunity will allow you to travel to , Turkey and attend Robert for three weeks (depart mid-May) and then host an exchange student from Robert College for three weeks (arrives late- August).

Istanbul, a transcontinental city straddling both Europe and Asia, is the largest city in Turkey. It has a population of more than 14 million and is known as the economic, cultural, and historical center of the country. Robert College of Istanbul was founded in 1863. It is a private coeducational with a population of 1036 students. English is the instruction language in science, mathematics, literature, , art and music. Turkish is the instruction language in social sciences and /literature courses. Almost 100 clubs are offered to students each year, including visual arts, performance arts, culture, academic learning, physical fitness, and service learning.

Core Values of the School: Excellence: Robert College strives to serve Turkey as a model of educational excellence with the highest academic standards and quality of teaching. Responsibility: Robert College expects students to accept the responsibilities imposed by freedom; to work hard in every aspect of school life and behave with integrity. Leadership: Robert College prepares students to be leaders in their community and nation, committed to making a contribution to society. Multiculturalism: Robert College believes in educating a diverse student body with a multilingual, multicultural approach stressing tolerance and respect for the views of others. Balance: Robert College offers a curriculum balanced between science, humanities and extracurricular activities.

Learn more at http://www.robcol.k12.tr/

Robert College

Image retrieved from: http://urp3001istanbul.wordpress.com/2010/07/20 /istanbul-turkey/ Turkey Exchange Program

Who? The exchange is open to any member of the current sophomore class. Two students will be selected.

What? The opportunity to spend three weeks as an exchange student at Robert College and host your exchange sister for the same length of time.

Where? Istanbul, Turkey

When? Bryn Mawr students will travel to Istanbul in mid-May of their sophomore year and host at the end of August through September of their junior year.

Cost? FREE. You will only need personal spending money (airfare is covered by Bryn Mawr).

Why? To become more aware of cultural differences (which include but are not limited to language, beliefs, values, and views of the world), to expand your world view by being exposed to new thoughts and perspectives, to become more independent by stepping outside of your comfort zone, to develop life skills that can’t be learned in the classroom alone, to learn more about yourself and your home culture, and overall, to be more prepared to live in an ever-increasing global society.

What to consider: Before applying, you should ask yourself some important questions: Am I excited about the chance to open my home to an exchange student, making her feel a part of my social group and my family? Am I ready to spend three weeks away from my family and friends? Am I prepared to live with a host family? Am I willing to attend classes and participate actively in them during my summer vacation? Am I willing to accept the responsibility to be an ambassador for my school and my country?

It is recommended that you visit the websites of the school, talk to Ms. Galambos, who recently visited Robert College, do research about Turkey, discuss this opportunity with your family, review the Exchange Student Responsibilities form, and see the Director of Global Programs with any questions. The application and all forms are available online on the Upper School Webpage under Global Education Opportunities. In addition, there will be an informational meeting on December 4 during lunch in Howell 110.

How to apply: The application is online and due by Monday, December 15, 2014 by 4 p.m.