On 16th April, IKCU SFL PDU hosted Merve Bako from Oxford University Press to deliver a session on 'Using Online Platforms and AI in Classes'. SFL lecturers enjoyed being a part of an interactive and hands-on session where they had opportunities to discover new AI tools in English Language Teaching.

Second İzmir Universities Student Debate Held at İzmir University of Economics   The Second İzmir Universities Student Debate took place on April 2025 at İzmir University of Economics, bringing together prep school students from various universities for a day of discussion and exchange of ideas. Our school was represented by Rufina Ali, Ceren Koyun, Kerem Hıra, and Selim Zunluoğlu as the main participants, with Mutlu Gürsel serving as the substitute. Eren Katın, Yağmur Karataş, Esma Mutlu, and Ece Nur Altun also attended the event as audience members and supporters. We would like to thank our coaches, Lect. Büşra Kamaz and Lect. Nazlı Civelekoğlu, for their time and guidance in preparing the students. We also extend our thanks to our Director, Assist. Prof. Dr. İrfan Arık, for his support and presence during the event. We appreciate all our students for their participation and contribution to this enjoyable and meaningful experience.

In this week's PDU session, IKCU SFL hosted Reza Vahdani from Oxford University Press. Lecturers involved in testing have received a very fruitful training by working on item writing, analysis and test specifications.

Üniversitemiz Bologna Eşgüdüm Koordinatörlüğü ve Sürekli Eğitim Araştırma ve Uygulama Merkezi ile birlikte yürütülen Formasyona Yönelik Eğiticinin Eğitimi Programı kapsamında eğiticililik görevi yapan Öğr. Gör. Dr. Ezgi Çetin ve Öğr. Gör. Dr. Suzan Yıldırım Sayın Rektörümüz Saffet Köse'den teşekkür belgelerini almışlardır.

On 30th April 2025, IKCU SFL lecturers Esra Topaloğlu and Ömer Dağdelen delivered an informative session on E-TEP: Integration of Technology and Artificial Intelligence into English Proficiency Exams. In a vibrant atmosphere, the participants got valuable insights into the novelty of language proficiency exams conducted around the country.

The 17th annual meeting of the School of Foreign Languages (SFL) Administrators from across Türkiye was held on 15–16 May 2025, hosted by Kocaeli University at the Baki Komsuoğlu Congress Center. The event brought together SFL directors, deputy directors, and university representatives nationwide. The first day of the program included an informative session on the “ÖSYM E-TEP Exam” presented by the project team online via Microsoft Teams. Throughout the day, various key topics were addressed, including accreditation requirements, survey result analysis, group workshops, report presentations, and best practice sharing. On the second day, the program continued with the presentation of working group reports, a plaque ceremony, candidate presentations for the 18th SFL Platform host institution, and the final selection. The event concluded with a field trip to Ormanya National Park. Representing İzmir Katip Çelebi University, Assist. Prof. Dr. İrfan ARIK, Director of the School of Foreign Languages, actively participated in the sessions, contributing to the exchange of ideas and experiences in the areas of innovation in language education, digitalization, AI integration, and quality enhancement in foreign language teaching.

Vice Director of İzmir Katip Çelebi University School of Foreign Languages Lect. Burak Çavuş attended a key informative meeting focused on sharing institutional experiences regarding accreditation processes in higher education at Dumlupınar University School of Foreign Languages. Representing the IKCU SOFL, Burak Çavuş contributed to the session by presenting the university's journey, challenges, and successful practices in achieving and maintaining quality standards in language education. The presentation highlighted strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement efforts that supported the accreditation process. The meeting provided a valuable platform for mutual learning and collaboration among institutions, promoting best practices in quality assurance and institutional development.

Trivia Event Brings İzmir University Students Together at Yaşar University On May 6, 2025, Yaşar University hosted a lively Trivia Event with student teams from various universities across İzmir. İzmir Katip Çelebi University participated in the event along with our lecturers, joining other universities in this enjoyable knowledge-based competition. The event featured a range of fun questions, giving students the chance to test what they know, work as a team, and connect with peers in a relaxed setting. We thank our students and lecturers for representing our university in this engaging and collaborative event.

IKCU SFL Lecturers visited the University of Lisboa Faculdade de Letras and meet with Dr. Miguel Gomes (the head of the department and and Erasmus Coordinator), Dr. Marisa Salvador, the Managing Officer of Certification and Assessment, and Dr. Anabela Machado, the Managing Administrator of Academic Services to discuss Accreditation and Quality Processes and common practices among two institutions. However, presentation by Dr. Neslihan Köroğlu and meeting with Ana Maria Lóio, President of the Pedagogical Council, to discuss education quality practices and its specific purposes and methods delayed due to electricity cut off throughout the country to be scheduled online later. Two institutions agreed to keep in touch for mutual benefits and improve their relationships.

On February 25, 2025, the Independent Learning Center welcomed Iza and Piotr Miklaszewscy from Poland. They traveled for four years, visiting 39 countries with their dog, Snupek. They talked about their adventures, crossing the Atlantic Ocean on a sailboat, and the environmental problems they saw. They have given over 350 talks and write books and blogs about travel. The event helped the students learn more about travel and why it is important to protect the environment. Independent Learning Center