Turkey

Turkey’s culture is largely influenced by its location between Europe and Asia (the city of Istanbul resides in both continents).

Turks often associate in groups, whether in a group of friends or their family. Turks usually live with their parents until they are married, and sometimes married sons remain in their parents’ home with their own families.

Turkey is traditional in its gender roles in that women are often responsible for the household while men provide financially.

An important thing to know in interacting with your student is that Turks pay close attention to body language. Your student might be offended if you point the sole of your foot toward him/her, for instance.

High school is optional in Turkey. Courses are generally lecture-based, and memorization is emphasized. Your student might need some time to adjust to more interactive U.S. classes.

Your student might also need some time to adjust to the types of food eaten for breakfast in the U.S. Breakfast in Turkey consists of food such as cheese, bread, olives, honey, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Turks often drink tea with their breakfast.

Fun Fact: Turkey’s most populous city, Istanbul, is the only city in the world built on two continents – Asia and Europe.