Turkey initiates a new Turkish language learning program aimed at overseas students
The Turkish Teaching Program for Foreigners (YTÖP) is an innovative language curriculum designed by Turkey's Ministry of National Education. This program is specifically tailored for foreign students in primary, secondary, and high schools, aiming to help them learn Turkish effectively and fluently[1].
Developed as part of the PIKTES Project, YTÖP's main objective is to improve the social integration of foreign students while supporting their academic success[1]. The program adopts a communicative approach to language teaching, focusing on functional language use and communication[1].
In line with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), YTÖP aligns with its action-oriented approach to language learning[1]. The program also incorporates principles from the Türkiye Century Maarif Model (TYMM) Common Teaching Program, blending cultural context and holistic development goals[1].
YTÖP follows the “virtue-value-action” framework, which aims to cultivate competent, virtuous individuals with mental, social, emotional, physical, and moral growth alongside language skills[1]. This framework prioritizes education that integrates cognitive and sociocultural dimensions, reflecting national educational philosophy and international standards.
The program serves as a guide for foreign students at pre-A1, A1, A2, A2+, and B1 proficiency levels[1]. Descriptors for young learners aged 7-10 and 11-15, prepared within the CEFR framework, are also included in YTÖP[1].
YTÖP has been officially approved by the Board of Education and Discipline, and it aligns its teaching objectives and content with national and international standards[1]. The program provides a comprehensive and standards-compliant teaching framework for foreign students to use Turkish accurately, fluently, and functionally[1].
Notably, YTÖP was designed with the TYMM's goal of cultivating competent and virtuous individuals in mind[1]. It integrates cultural context elements from the Turkey Century Maarif Model and focuses on the comprehensive development of individuals, ensuring that foreign students not only learn Turkish but also align with Turkey’s educational values and social objectives[1].
In essence, YTÖP goes beyond being just a language teaching program. It represents an educational vision that supports students from diverse cultures to unite around a common language in Turkey and actively participate in the social integration process[1]. The program embodies a holistic approach that prioritizes both cognitive and sociocultural dimensions.
The Turkish Teaching Program for Foreigners (YTÖP) is part of the PIKTES Project and is designed to aid foreign students in their academic success and social integration, following the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) action-oriented approach to language learning. YTÖP also incorporates the Türkiye Century Maarif Model's (TYMM) principles, focusing on a communicative approach, cultural context, and holistic development goals. This program serves as a guide for foreign students at various proficiency levels and prioritizes education that integrates cognitive and sociocultural dimensions, reflecting both national and international standards.
