Atatürk University, which is making significant progress towards becoming a global university with over 11,000 international students from 91 countries, of whom 3,000 are formal students, is committed to strengthening its relationship with guest students in accordance with its internationalisation mission.


In this context, the event, which was hosted by Atatürk University in collaboration with the Federation of International Student Associations (UDEF) Erzurum Branch, was attended by approximately 200 students from each country. During the event, which was held in the Manege Area and Equine Coordination of the University, guest students were served fish and engaged in horseback riding.

The event was attended by the following: Atatürk University Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Atilla Keskin, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Sözbilir, Prof. Dr. Turgut Göğebakan, Director of Turkish Language Teaching Application and Research Centre (TÖMER) Prof. Dr. Bahadır Gücüyeter, Manege Area and Equine Coordination Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gökhan Öztürk, UDEF 7th Region President Halis Ergün, Erzurum International Student Association President Ertan Aksakal, and students.

"Guest Students Contribute to Friendship Ties Between Countries"

Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı, Rector of Atatürk University, initiated his address by stating that he has been addressing foreign students as guest students since the day he assumed office. He further stated that the university is their home and they are their families, and in this context, they endeavour to meet all of their needs during their educational journey. "Our guests are students from various countries with cultural and historical connections to Turkey who specialise in the geography of the heart." By selecting Turkey as their educational destination, our distinguished students enhance both their academic careers and the friendships between our nations. After acquiring the education and experiences they have acquired in Turkey, they serve as voluntary ambassadors of the country upon their return to their respective countries. In this manner, they enhance Turkey's international relations and its global image.

They were afforded the chance to participate in an activity that is distinctive to Turkish culture.

Rector Çomaklı emphasised that the purpose of organising the event was to prevent students who are away from their families during the holiday from feeling bitter. He stated that the objective was to further strengthen the heart bond that had been established. He further stated, "We organised this event to demonstrate the hospitality and generosity of the Turkish people to our guest students in the best possible way." The students were able to experience an activity that is exclusive to Turkish culture through the horse riding activity, while the salmon treat provided an opportunity to sample the flavours of Turkish cuisine. The students were not only academically but also socially and culturally enriched as a result of the event. We greatly appreciate the contributions of our guest students. When they return to their countries, they will represent Turkey in the best way and share their good memories here. Such events help our students feel at home here and increase cultural cohesion."

"We are very happy to be a part of Atatürk University"

Guest students shared their feelings at the end of the event and expressed their pleasure to be in Turkey and to be a part of Atatürk University. Stating that such events should continue, the students thanked the Turkish people for their hospitality and sincerity.

The students stated that this meaningful event once again demonstrated the value that Atatürk University and Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı give to the guest students and the contribution they make to their educational lives, and that it is an organisation that shows how important cultural and social interactions are as well as academic achievements, and that the university has reinforced its position as an attractive education centre for international students.

The event ended with the guest students spending pleasant moments by participating in various activities.

DIRECTORATE OF CORPORATE COMMUNICATION - 20.06.2024