Many Arab and international students head to Turkey for their academic future, but a common question arises: Should you learn Turkish before traveling for your studies? The answer lies in the fact that Turkish is a key to academic success and integration into Turkish society. Turkish is the main language in most Turkish universities, and proficiency in it is a basic requirement for many academic programs. While it's possible to study in English in some fields, mastering Turkish is a major advantage after graduation. At the very least, a student’s knowledge of Turkish at an acceptable level greatly facilitates daily life in Turkey and opens broader opportunities for work and communication with the local community after completing studies.
Studying in Turkish vs. English
Many Turkish universities offer their academic programs in English, especially in fields like medicine, engineering, and business administration, making them a suitable option for students who have previously studied in English. However, relying solely on English may limit your ability to adapt to daily life, as most Turks do not speak English. Therefore, learning basic Turkish is essential to avoid communication obstacles in everyday interactions. For example, speaking Turkish helps you understand university lectures better and interact easily with Turkish professors and classmates. It also increases your chances of forming friendships with local students and participating in cultural student activities in their native language.
In short, it is recommended to learn Turkish even if you will be studying solely in English, as it simplifies interactions in markets, public transport, and daily dealings.
When and How Should You Start Learning Turkish?
It's preferable for students to begin learning Turkish before traveling to Turkey if possible. In many countries, there are institutes and cultural centers offering intensive Turkish language courses, most notably the Yunus Emre Institute, which provides beginner-level courses in many countries. Students can register for preparatory Turkish courses before arriving in Turkey through these institutes or online language learning platforms.
After arriving in Turkey, you’ll have access to intensive preparatory Turkish language courses at universities. Most public and private universities offer daily language programs at different levels, from beginner to advanced, including preparation for the TÖMER certificate. It's best to use the pre-travel period to get familiar with the alphabet and basic vocabulary, then continue practical learning through conversation with Turkish classmates after arrival.
Best Turkish Language Learning Resources for Students
Turkish language learning resources vary between smart apps, educational YouTube channels, academic websites, and books. Below are the most prominent ones:
Mobile Applications
- Duolingo: A popular free app offering interactive lessons for beginners. It uses a gamified system to increase vocabulary and listening skills. Duolingo is useful for grasping the basics and memorizing pronunciation rules in an enjoyable way.
- Memrise: A free app that provides interactive lessons based on flashcards and community groups. It’s particularly effective in reinforcing new vocabulary through repetition and educational games.
- Mondly: This app follows a structured learning path similar to Duolingo. It features an attractive interface and fun learning experience, with content ranging from beginner to advanced levels.
Educational YouTube Channels
Video content can accelerate the learning process. Some of the most popular Arabic-language YouTube channels for learning Turkish include: Ruslan Rihan, Turkey: Heaven on Earth, Mohamed El Shami, and Zeynep Masri. These channels simplify Turkish grammar and vocabulary in Arabic. There are also English-language educational channels like TurkishClass101 and Turkishle offering structured lessons for all levels. Following these channels and practicing with them helps students improve listening and pronunciation skills by hearing the language from native-speaking instructors.
Turkish Academic Centers
- Yunus Emre Institute: Offers Turkish language courses inside and outside Turkey. You can register in advance to become familiar with the language and culture before arrival.
- University TÖMER Centers: These are Turkish language centers affiliated with universities such as Ankara University and Istanbul University. They provide intensive courses for international students (levels A1 to C1) after their arrival in Turkey. Registering in these programs helps students learn the language systematically during the preparatory year.
Books and References for Arab Students
There are several books authored by Arab teachers proficient in Turkish, such as “Learn Turkish in 12 Days” and “Turkish for Beginners,” which explain grammar and vocabulary with Arabic explanations. Students can also rely on officially approved references from Turkish language institutes, such as official TÖMER books, for structured learning. These books and references are particularly helpful for Arab learners to understand grammatical differences and similarities between the two languages.
Tips for Continuing Language Learning After Arriving in Turkey
To maintain and develop your language level during your studies, it’s recommended to follow these tips:
- Regular Daily Practice: Try to speak Turkish as much as possible with classmates or Turkish friends. Listen to Turkish songs and watch TV series and news in Turkish. This stimulates memory and helps reinforce new vocabulary.
- Regular Use of Apps and Resources: Continue using mobile apps and educational websites daily to review vocabulary and grammar rules.
- Structured Grammar and Vocabulary Study: Allocate time to gradually study grammar rules (vocabulary, verbs, sentences) and apply them in daily conversations.
- Engagement in Local Community: Join student clubs or cultural activities at university or in the city. These give you practical experience in speaking Turkish.
- Find Language Exchange Partners: Try to find Turkish friends or international students for regular language exchange conversations. This enhances your speaking and listening skills.
- Be Patient and Motivated: Remember that learning a language is a journey requiring commitment and continuous effort. Keep reviewing what you’ve learned and set daily language goals to motivate yourself toward ongoing improvement.
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