The Crochet & Conversation Club January sessions are being held at the Independent Learning Center and are open to students from all levels. The first and second sessions have already taken place, and two more sessions are scheduled. The club offers a relaxed environment where participants practice English while working on crochet projects. Susan B. Johnson serves as the mediator, guide, and host, supporting both language use and the crafting process throughout the sessions.

Receptive Skills in Action: Bite-Sized Strategies for Teaching Listening & Reading Lecturers from the School of Foreign Languages at İzmir Kâtip Çelebi University took part in a professional development training titled “Receptive Skills in Action: Bite-Sized Strategies for Teaching Listening & Reading" on 14th January 2026 by Sinem Atamsoy Koşar from Oxford University Press. The session focused on practical and effective approaches to teaching listening and reading skills in foreign language classrooms. During the training, lecturers explored classroom-ready, bite-sized strategies aimed at increasing student engagement and improving comprehension. Interactive activities and shared reflections enabled participants to exchange ideas and discuss ways of integrating these techniques into their own teaching practices. This training reflects the School of Foreign Languages’ commitment to continuous professional development and high-quality language education.  

Yabancı Diller Yüksekokulu müdürü Dr. Öğr. Üyesi İrfan ARIK hazırlık programına devam eden öğrencilerle 2025 yılının ilk toplantısını gerçekleştirdi. Programa dair kısa bilgilendirme yapan ARIK öğrencilerden gelen dönütleri aldı ve sorularını cevapladı. Toplantının ana gündem maddeleri, hazırlık programında yaşanan sorunlar, başarıya giden yol ve İngilizcenin akademik ve profesyonel kariyer için önemi idi.

Movie Day: Klaus (2019) The Independent Learning Center organized a Movie Day featuring Klaus (2019). Students watched the film and practiced listening in English. After the screening, they shared their ideas in a short discussion. The activity combined language practice with an enjoyable movie experience in a relaxed atmosphere.

The Crochet & Conversation Club continued through November, welcoming new students to join the sessions. Participants learned how to crochet for the first time and worked on their scarf projects together. The main goal of the event was to create a calm and anxiety-free environment. Students practiced speaking, built self-confidence, and improved their language skills while enjoying a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. A warm thank you goes to Susan B. Johnson for hosting the sessions throughout the month and supporting students in both learning and conversation.

İzmir Kâtip Çelebi Üniversitesi (İKÇÜ) Yabancı Diller Yüksekokulu ev sahipliğinde düzenlenen 4. Ege Bölgesi Yabancı Diller Yüksekokulları Sempozyumu, bölgedeki üniversiteler arasında akademik iş birliğini güçlendirmeyi amaçlayan verimli bir buluşmaya sahne oldu. Bu yıl “Bridging the gaps, growing together” temasıyla gerçekleştirilen etkinlik, bölgenin farklı üniversitelerinden yüksekokul yöneticileri ve akademisyenlerin geniş katılımıyla 5 Aralık 2025 tarihinde Prof. Dr. Fuat Sezgin Konferans Salonu’nda yapıldı. Açılış oturumunda İKÇÜ Rektörü Prof. Dr. Saffet Köse, dil politikalarının güncel gereksinimler doğrultusunda yeniden ele alınmasının önemine vurgu yaparak, yabancı dil eğitiminde yenilikçi yaklaşımların kurumlar arası iş birliğiyle güçleneceğini ifade etti. YDY Müdürü Dr. Öğr. Üyesi İrfan Arık ise İKÇÜ YDY’nin akreditasyon başarısına dikkat çekerek sempozyumun değişen dünyada dil öğretimine yön veren ortak bir platform sunduğunu belirtti. Açılış konuşmalarının ardından sempozyum, alanında uzman akademisyenlerin yer aldığı dört oturum ile devam etti. Programın ilk konuşmacısı Mina Patel, “The Future of English: Global Perspectives” başlıklı sunumunda İngilizcenin küresel ölçekte değişen rolünü ele aldı. İkinci oturumda İKÇÜ’den Dr. Ersin Balcı ve Dr. Suzan Yıldırım, “Accreditation: Gateway to Quality or Paper Chase?” başlıklı oturumda akreditasyon süreçlerinin kalite güvencesi üzerindeki etkilerini tartıştı. Üçüncü oturumda Dr. Ezgi Çetin ve Didem Dağkıran, “Beyond the Door: Insights from the Classroom” sunumlarında sınıf içi uygulamalardan yola çıkarak öğretim süreçlerine ilişkin güncel gözlemler paylaştılar. Günün son oturumunda Burak Çavuş, “Adjusting the Sails, Not the Wind: Change Management in SFLs” başlıklı konuşmasıyla yabancı diller yüksekokullarında değişim yönetimi stratejilerine odaklandı. Paylaşılan deneyimler, iyi uygulamalar ve güncel araştırmalar sayesinde sempozyum, bölgedeki yabancı diller yüksekokulları arasında bilgi alışverişini güçlendiren önemli bir çalışma ortamı sundu. Etkinlik, kapanış konuşmalarının ardından teşekkür belgelerinin takdimiyle sona erdi.

Yabancı Diller Yüksekokulu'nun UBSS-2025-44 proje numarasıyla kabul edilen Uzun Süreli ve Bütçeli Sosyal Sorumluluk Projesi, "Dilde Engel Yok: Sesli Köprüler: No Barriers in Language: Vocal Bridges" Dünya Engelliler Günü münasebetiyle 04.12.2025 tarihinde Bornova Aşık Veysel Görme Engelliler Ortaokulu’nda gerçekleştirilmiştir. Öğr.Gör. Nihal TOPRAKCI’nın yürütücülüğünde başlatılan projeye, Toplumsal Katkı Birimi Üyeleri Öğr.Gör. Nilsu ABAY SAVRAN ve Öğr.Gör. Aylin AY da katkıda bulunmuş; proje, Engelsiz Üniversite Koordinatörlüğü tarafından desteklenmiştir.  Projede, okulun İngilizce öğretmeni Süheyla Karayalçın tarafından belirlenen 12 öğrenci, engellere rağmen İngilizce’yi sesli olarak ve dokunarak da öğrenmenin mümkün olduğunu tecrübe etmiş; duyduğunu anlayamama endişelerinin yersiz olduğunu fark etmişlerdir. Müzik eşliğinde, kinestetik ve dokunma becerilerinden oluşan etkinliğin öğrenciler üzerinde olumlu etki oluşturduğu gözlemlenmiştir.

Demo Speaking Exams Support Students in Final Week of Module 1 During the final week of Module 1, the ILC organized a series of Demo Speaking Exams to help students prepare for both the Level Exit Exams (LEE) and the Çelebi Proficiency Test (CPT). With the support of seven lecturers, students had the chance to experience the exam format, receive guidance, and build confidence before their official assessments. The sessions were well-received and provided valuable practice for learners aiming to improve their speaking performance.

Brain Power: It’s Trivia Time! at the ILC On Thursday, November 20, 2025, Pre-Intermediate students enjoyed a lively round of Brain Power: It’s Trivia Time! hosted by Lect. Merve Güzel Akdemir and Lect. Hamdiye Avcı Önalır. Students put their knowledge to the test across fun and varied question categories, creating an energetic and collaborative atmosphere. The session offered a great mix of challenge and entertainment, making it a memorable afternoon for everyone who joined.

21st Century Skills Workshop Held at ILC On Thursday, November 20, 2025, the ILC hosted the 21st Century Skills Workshop led by Lect. Nida Fidanboy. Pre-Intermediate and Intermediate students explored key future-ready abilities such as creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration through short discussions and group work.   The session offered a clear, helpful overview of the skills students need to succeed in today’s world and was warmly received by participants.

Elementary Students Enjoy a Fun-Filled Trivia Challenge at the ILC The ILC hosted a lively Trivia Event for Elementary students, led by Lect. Deniz Chatip and Lect. Dr. Derya Toska. Students joined in with great enthusiasm, answering questions, thinking fast, and working together in a friendly, energetic atmosphere. The moderators guided the session smoothly, keeping the activity fun and engaging from start to finish. Laughter, teamwork, and excitement filled the room as students challenged themselves and supported one another. The event once again proved how enjoyable learning can be — a delightful blend of play, curiosity, and language practice.

Debate Day Brings Energy and Friendly Competition to the ILC The ILC hosted a lively debate event on Monday, November 24, 2025, where two enthusiastic teams competed in front of their peers. The session was filled with strong arguments, teamwork, and confident speaking — creating an engaging atmosphere from start to finish. Both teams showed solid preparation and worked together effectively. At the end of the event, the participants got special surprise prizes, adding extra excitement to the day. The debate concluded with applause, smiles, and a shared sense of achievement, marking another successful ILC activity that brought students together in a fun and motivating environment.

İzmir Kâtip Çelebi University School of Foreign Languages held a Youth Day event on 17 November 2025 at the Hekim Hacı Paşa Conference Hall, in cooperation with the Accreditation and Project Unit and Pangea Youth Association. During the event, students were informed about global skill development, volunteering, and Erasmus+ projects. Speakers highlighted the opportunities available to young people and encouraged students to take part in international mobility and youth programs. The event aimed to broaden students’ perspectives and support their personal and professional development. İKÇÜ YDY plans to continue offering similar activities that empower students and promote active youth engagement.

IKCU SFL Lecturers attended Oxford Nexus Training about curriculum, testing and quality in Yaşar University on 15th November, 2025

On 5 November 2025, the Professional Development Unit of the School of Foreign Languages hosted Lecturer Burak Aydın for a professional development session entitled “All in – A Language Class for Anybody.” The event centered on promoting inclusive and learner-centered approaches in language education. During the session, participants engaged in microteaching activities, examined learner diversity, and discussed key principles of adult learning styles. The collaborative nature of the workshop encouraged instructors to reflect on their current practices and explore innovative strategies for future classroom implementation. The session provided a highly engaging and inspiring platform for academic exchange, contributing significantly to the ongoing professional learning culture within our School of Foreign Languages.

The third session of the Crochet and Conversation Club was held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Participants enjoyed another cozy afternoon of tea, crafting, and conversation. As the scarves grow longer, so does the students’ confidence in speaking English!

As part of our ongoing professional development activities, Lect. Didem Dağkıran and Lect. Dr. Ezgi Çetin, members of the Professional Development Unit at IKCU SFL, facilitated Reflective Group Meetings today for Pre-intermediate and Intermediate level lecturers. Held in two concurrent sessions, these meetings provided our instructors with an invaluable opportunity to share best practices from their classrooms, discuss challenges encountered in teaching and learning processes, reflect collaboratively to enhance teaching effectiveness and learner engagement. These sessions aimed to promote a culture of reflection, collaboration, and continuous growth among our teaching staff—key pillars of professional excellence at IKCU SFL. We extend our thanks to all participating lecturers for their active contributions and commitment to ongoing professional development.

The School of Foreign Languages at Izmir Katip Çelebi University (IKCU) hosted an information session for intermediate learners on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. The talk, titled "What's Next? Making the Most of Your Katip Çelebi Experience," was delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Levent Aydın, the university’s Project General Coordinator. The event took place in the Fuat Sezgin Conference Hall and aimed to familiarize students with essential aspects of university life.

İzmir Katip Çelebi Üniversitesi (İKÇÜ) Yabancı Diller Yüksekokulu, uluslararası dil sınavı merkezi olma niteliğini pekiştirerek önemli bir adım daha attı. Daha önce TOEFL sınav merkezi olarak hizmet veren Yüksekokul, şimdi de ÖSYM denkliği bulunan Uluslararası Oxford Test of English (OTE) için resmi sınav merkezi olarak yetkilendirildi. Oxford Üniversitesi tarafından onaylanan ve sertifikalandırılan Oxford Test of English, modern sınav tekniklerini bünyesinde barındırıyor. Bilgisayar tabanlı ve "uyarlanabilir" (adaptive) bir yapıya sahip olan sınav, adayın seviyesine göre soruları dinamik olarak ayarlıyor. OTE, adaylara sunduğu esneklikle de öne çıkıyor. Modüler bir yapıya sahip olması sayesinde, adaylar dört dil becerisinden (okuma, yazma, dinleme, konuşma) sadece ihtiyaç duydukları bölümleri ayrı ayrı alabiliyorlar. Sınavın en dikkat çekici özelliklerinden biri ise sonuçlarının ömür boyu geçerli olması. CEFR (Avrupa Ortak Dil Çerçevesi) seviyelerine göre OTE, A2-B2 düzeylerini kapsarken; sınavın "Advanced" seviyesi ise B2-C1 düzeylerindeki dil yeterliliğini ölçüyor. Oxford Test of English sertifikası, dünya çapında birçok üniversite, işveren ve eğitim kurumu tarafından kabul ediliyor. İKÇÜ Yabancı Diller Yüksekokulu bünyesinde gerçekleştirilecek sınavlar, Yüksekokul Binası G2-07 numaralı salonda yapılacak. Sınav ile ilgili ayrıntılı bilgi ve başvuruya https://turkiye.oup.com/tr/collections/oxford-test-of-english adresinden, sınavı tanıyan kurumlara ise https://elt.oup.com/feature/global/oxford-test-of-english/recognition?cc=tr&selLanguage=en bağlantısından ulaşılabilir.  

The Adjective World Tour Elementary students joined a fun-speaking session exploring countries and practicing adjectives on October 8, 2025. The interactive activity helped boost their vocabulary and speaking skills in a lively setting.