The 2nd International Students’ Welcome Week, which was organized for the second time on June 13–14 and is expected to become a traditional event, was successfully held.
Organized through the collaboration of the International Relations Office and the International Student Community of Isparta University of Applied Sciences (IUAS), the Welcome Week attracted considerable interest from international students as well as students from the University’s vocational schools and faculties, receiving highly positive feedback.
On the first day, participants visited Hızırbey Mosque, whose history dates back to the Seljuk period and whose foundations were built using cedar wood washed with the fragrance of the Kaaba, together with the mystical Dündar Bey Madrasa located in the same courtyard, accompanied by a guide.
The program then continued with visits to Eğirdir Castle and the newly opened Art Gallery. Despite the rain, participants enjoyed tea while overlooking the scenic view of Lake Eğirdir.
During the second half of the day, participants gathered at Başpınar Nature Park in Aksu, Isparta, where they experienced one of the traditional elements of Turkish culture, a barbecue gathering, followed by enjoyable group activities and games.
The second day of the event began with a visit to the ancient city of Sagalassos in Burdur under the guidance of experienced students. Participants then stopped at the protected Lake Salda before concluding the program at the ancient city of Kibyra, where the archaeological team’s guide provided detailed information about the site.
Approximately 80 participants from nearly 20 different nationalities were together in the event.
Similar practices implemented worldwide contribute significantly to the orientation process of both international and domestic students each semester by encouraging the sharing of language, art, history, and culture, overcoming intercultural boundaries, and laying the foundation for future collaborations, workforce initiatives, and joint projects. Such activities also provide multidimensional contributions to the University's internationalization and visibility strategies.
Academic and administrative units contributing to internationalization efforts were also among the invited participants. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to ULOT (International Students Community) Student Advisor Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emre Bıçakçı, Rector’s Advisor Lec. Ülkü Limoncu, the Rectorate, Aksu Vocational School, and all our students for their valuable contributions, support, and participation.
