Dear IGUN-TOMER Family,
About a year ago, when we first arrived in Türkiye, our journey as students abroad began at IGUN-TOMER. We are truly grateful that this was our first step, because here we not only learned Turkish, but also discovered how to live in a new country, adapt to a different culture, and stand confidently on our own.
When we started, our Turkish skills were nearly nonexistent. Back then, we could never have imagined that within a year we would speak so comfortably, expressing ourselves as naturally as we would in our mother tongue. The progress we have made is entirely thanks to IGUN-TOMER and our dedicated teachers, who invested so much time and effort in our learning.
Our teachers did far more than teach us a language—they supported us, motivated us, and ensured that we never felt alone during this challenging journey far from home. During this time away from our families, TOMER became our second home. Whenever we felt like strangers, TOMER provided a warm and welcoming environment that made us feel at home.
Every morning, we looked forward to coming to TOMER, spending time with our friends and teachers, and sharing those unforgettable moments. The experiences we had here will remain precious memories that we will cherish for a lifetime.
On behalf of all students, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our teachers and the entire IGUN-TOMER family for their guidance, support, and dedication.
FAWZI MAHMOUD FAWZI MAHMOUD OTHMAN
I am a student at Gedik University. In 2021, I attended the Turkish preparatory class. Everything was wonderful. I met friends from different countries and had the opportunity to learn about each other’s customs and traditions; in this way, we made new friendships.
The teaching method was very engaging. The instructor tried every possible way to teach Turkish and the customs and traditions of Turkey. We spoke no language other than Turkish. We focused on developing the four skills: speaking, writing, listening, and reading.
The teaching approach was excellent—both supportive and simplified. We had a wonderful time with the teacher and fellow students. I didn’t want that year to end because we were like a family.
Finally, I am grateful to Assist. Prof. Nerma Zaimovic for her dedicated efforts in teaching us Turkish and I sincerely thank her.
DJAMEL GUESSAOUİ
My name is Alibek Khabiev. I am from Kazakhstan. I am doing a scientific internship at Gedik University and Rimar Academy within the scope of the “500 Scientists” project conducted under the “Bolashak” program.
The Turkish Language Course I took under the guidance of Assist. Prof. Nerma Zaimovic allowed me to communicate fluently in Turkish, gain a better understanding of Turkish culture, and become familiar with the education system here. The course was conducted entirely in Turkish, in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Thanks to our teacher’s effective and unique teaching method, it was possible to grasp the nuances of the language in a short time.
ALIBEK KHABIYEV
My name is Adlan. I am 18 years old and I am from Kazakhstan. I am studying Turkish Preparatory at Istanbul Gedik University TOMER. When I arrived, I didn’t know Turkish, but the lessons of Assist. Prof. Nerma Zaimovic helped me learn Turkish for a free life in Turkey. My teacher teaches Turkish very well. Even though she didn’t speak my language, she taught me how to speak Turkish.
ADLAN JAPPAROV
Dear Teacher Merve,
Thank you so much for everything you have done for us. I am truly happy that you are our teacher. You were like our older sister, not just a teacher. We really love you. Many thanks also to IGUN-TOMER for everything. I am very happy to have been with you.
I will really miss you, Teacher.
ROTAJ OSAMA MOHAMED ABDELFATAH SHARABY
I started at Istanbul Gedik University in 2022 with the Turkish Preparatory Program. I am from Iran and I am 57 years old. My hobbies are walking, playing chess, and solving sudoku. I also enjoy watching historical and social TV series. My spouse is a homemaker, and we have two children.
Currently, I am a graduate student in Business Administration at Istanbul Gedik University. Before starting my studies, I need to take a Turkish course. That’s why I am attending TOMER now. There are wonderful people in our class. Our teacher, Assist. Prof. Nerma Zaimovic, is very warm, knowledgeable, and disciplined.
REZA SHITREH
I started at Istanbul Gedik University in 2022 with the Turkish Preparatory Program. I am from Uzbekistan, my profession is a lawyer, and I am 43 years old. I enjoy reading historical books and watching historical TV series. My spouse is a homemaker, my eldest daughter is a student at Üsküdar University, and I have two younger daughters and a son who are also students.
Currently, I am a graduate student in Law at Istanbul Gedik University. I have learned Turkish very well at TOMER. There are wonderful teachers at TÖMER. In addition, our teacher, Assist. Prof. Nerma Zaimovic, is very knowledgeable and disciplined. I am proud of my teacher.
DILSHOD TOSHTEMIROV
Dear Teachers and the Esteemed IGUN-TOMER Family,
I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all of you for all the knowledge, effort, and support you have given me during this process. On my journey of learning Turkish, I gained not only a language but also learned about a new culture, gained new perspectives, and created wonderful memories.
Although this process was sometimes challenging for me, the patience, understanding, and care of our teachers increased my confidence. Every lesson, every correction, and every encouragement was very valuable to me.
The time I spent at TOMER will always remain a beautiful memory in my life. The knowledge and experiences I gained here will guide me in my future education and life.
I would like to thank all my teachers and the IGUN-TOMER staff once again and wish you all health, happiness, and success.
Sincerely,
LEYLA ABELFAZOVA
Dear Teacher Merve Mutlu,
We sincerely thank you for everything you have done for us throughout our time at TOMER. Your effort and the patience you have shown us have played a major role in our success, second only to God. From you, we learned not only the language but also perseverance and self-confidence.
We will never forget your dedication and will always cherish the wonderful days we spent with you. We wish you continuous success and happiness.
AHMED ABDELAZIZ ALI ABDELAZIZ ALI
I came to Gedik University in October 2021 to continue my education. I started learning Turkish at TOMER. In less than nine months, I gained a solid foundation and can now understand, read, and even write in Turkish. I found a very energetic teacher with whom I did a lot of oral and written activities together with my classmates.
I am satisfied with my progress, and my lessons are conducted entirely in Turkish. I wouldn’t say I’m at the top yet, but I can say I am doing well because I have built a strong foundation. The teachers are approachable and close to the students.
My advice to those who want to learn Turkish and are looking for a university to continue their academic education is not to miss the learning programs offered by Istanbul Gedik University.
CAROLINE LAURE DJOTCHOUANG WENGA EPSE TCHOMNOU
Hello, my name is Sajad and I am a doctor. I am learning Turkish at Istanbul Gedik University. Before coming to Türkiye, I did not know any Turkish. At first, I thought learning Turkish would not be easy; however, after starting the Turkish preparatory course at Istanbul Gedik University, I began to learn Turkish effectively thanks to TOMER.
Now, I live in Istanbul very comfortably, and I am grateful to TOMER for their sincere cooperation and support.
SAJADULHAQ HALIM
Hello Teacher Merve,
Thanks to you, I successfully completed the IGUN-TOMER exams and have now earned the right to start my department. The effort, patience, and support you provided during this process were extremely valuable to me.
Through your explanations in class, your motivation, and your belief in us, I gained more confidence in myself and came one step closer to my goals. I owe much of my success to you.
I sincerely thank you for everything. Your efforts never go unnoticed. I wish you health, happiness, and continued success in your professional life.
MAHMOUD REDA MAHMOUD FATHY SHAABAN
Hello, my name is Tamila. I am a fellow student. Before starting school, I understood very little Turkish, and communicating with people was very difficult for me. However, I then started the course at Istanbul Gedik University TOMER.
In the course, I met my Turkish teacher, Assist. Prof. Nerma Zaimovic. Thanks to you, I successfully completed the TOMER exams and became ready for my department. The effort, patience, and understanding you showed during this process were truly valuable to me. I sincerely thank you for always being supportive.
TAMILA DZHUMAEVA
Hello Teacher Merve,
Today, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.
You were not just a teacher to me; you became like a mother, like an older sister—you were everything. I will never forget you. I have learned so much from you.
You are truly an amazing teacher.
AHMED ELSHARABY