NSLI-Y 2022 Turkey – Week 6
Fond Farewells
With the last week of the program upon us, it was clear the students’ minds had already begun to wander back home. In between the classes and last minute gift shopping and the many farewells, you could overhear conversations about what each student was taking with them from their time here and what they were headed home to.
Many students felt like their confidence had grown over the course of the program. Living in another country is hard, especially one where you don’t know the language. Students were forced out of their comfort zones many times, but they also surprised themselves with how well they could navigate the challenges. Basically strangers only six weeks ago, the students had each found a niche in their host families and developed close relationships across language barriers and cultural differences. Students had the opportunity to talk to many different kinds of people during their time here, especially during the interviews for their culminating projects, and many were surprised by the perspectives they heard. Difference can sometimes be the source of tension or conflict, but students developed more tolerance and more understanding. Some students were surprised at just how similar their Turkish counterparts could be in terms of lifestyle and opinion. Six weeks is not a long time by most measures, but thanks to their immersive experience, the students had an up-close look at Turkish family life and culture. These are just some of their observations. As they return home, the students will have more time to reflect on their experiences. In some ways, this is more of a beginning than an end.
Some students are returning to high school right away, some are headed to university, some are moving to yet another country, while others still have a few weeks of summer vacation left. Whatever the case, as the Turkish say, “May your road be open.”
After six weeks, students have made a lot of progress with their Turkish. Here Evan reads a local newspaper during a class break.
During the last week, students take advantage of their time to do the things they have been putting off, including riding the paddle boats in the local park. (Pictured: Chelsea, Ferda, Sachleen; Photo credit: Chelsea)
Class photo with both teachers.
Our last lunch together at Yıldız restaurant with our great host Hüseyin.
Students get ready for their culminating project presentations.
Freya presents her project on food culture.
Kathryn shows off her hand-painted tile from our trip to Iznik.
Students and families at our farewell dinner.
Group photo with the host families before departure.
A final group photo at the DC airport.