Turkish Language Schools in Turkey

If you are reading this and thinking where else in the world would you use (never mind) learn Turkish, then you might be surprised to discover that the language is broadly spoken across parts of eastern Europe and western Asia. There are almost 20 countries where it is an established mode of communication, and due to migration across Europe, many more pockets of Turkish speakers live further beyond. So, if you thought Turkish classes in Turkey were your only option for learning and utilizing the language, think again.

That being said, what better place to go to Turkish school than in the home of the language and culture itself? Turkey is a unique country, not only for the awe-inspiring pools of pamukkale and Antalya’s southern beaches, but also for its tantalizing cuisine. Its position across the boundary of Europe and Asia makes it a meeting point for different religions and traditions. Turkey is home to an outstanding 13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and more than 130 mountain summits at 9,800 feet or higher, giving you plenty of bucket list items to check off in between phonetics lessons.

Choosing where to learn Turkish in Turkey will largely be dictated by the lifestyle you wish to experience. From the big cities to the more relaxed coastal towns, you have a wealth of options to select from in this varied land for your Turkish language programs.

Dive straight into the heart of this unique and majestic cultural hotspot by attending Turkish school in Istanbul, the city at the center of everything that makes Turkey so distinct. Often mistaken as the capital city, Istanbul is a historic city straddling the Bosphorus strait. The city itself oozes history — it hosts sites dating back to Roman and Egyptian eras — and boasts the iconic Hagia Sophia religious site (prepare to be mesmerized by the intricate detailing on the mosaics!). There is plenty to keep you busy while putting your new language skills to use in Istanbul.

Izmir is a lesser-known city ideally suited for those who crave an urban base but are daunted by being thrown into a more confrontational metropolis. Conveniently located as a mid-point between Istanbul, Ephesus, and the stunning coastlines to the South, it makes for a great central base. In town, you can enjoy exploring the archaeological sites of the Roman Agora of Smyrna, shopping in traditional bazaars, or having dinner in the unusual “aquarium” restaurant while you check out the local marine life. Head out of town for weekends on the coast where you will find some of the best Aegean diving sites and relaxing beaches on which to unwind. 

For those looking to be based on the coast itself while taking Turkish classes, sail over to Antalya, the resort city that has developed rapidly as a result of the booming local tourist industry. With incredible beaches, this city holds onto its historic charm in its well-preserved Kaleici old city, yet combines this with the demands of modern times — cosmopolitan restaurants, nightlife, and beach resorts. You don’t have to travel too far to reach more secluded and quieter beach towns, but you can also access transport to explore the rest of the country from here. So if you see yourself doing your homework with sand between your toes, this might just be the spot for you.

The type of program in which you enroll will dictate a number of aspects of your course, from the number of hours you study to the intensity of the learning. Be sure to pick a Turkish language program in Turkey that suits both your time frame and your learning style to ensure you get the most out of the experience (and know your baklava from a balaclava, pronto!).

Consider your objectives — if you want to be fluent, contemplate a long-term Turkish school with regular lessons or a shorter more intense program. For example taking four to six hours of classes a day for a month. If you simply want to gain a basic working knowledge of the language, you might relax a little with two to three days of two to four hour classes per week over a few weeks.

Language school courses offer different numbers of classes per day and week, usually with a break over the weekend to allow you to travel out of town for a spot of sightseeing if you wish. The biggest variance comes into the number of classes or study hours undertaken each day. Of course, you are likely to pick up the lingo more quickly if you study Turkish more often, but make sure you balance your studies with your free time to practice while you explore.

Turkish language classes are usually small groups, although individual tutoring options may be available. For some, a one-to-one experience is the ideal way to maximize learning by focusing on only their own needs. That said, others may find it a little overwhelming at first and as such, prefer a group. Group classes can be a fun and social experience as well, helping you to connect with other travelers to share the adventure and support one another along the way. The ideal might be a combination of the two, allowing you to quite simply have your Turkish kebab and eat it too!

Programs will often include homestay accommodation, which is a great chance for you to practice your skills and further connect with the local culture. An off-the-beaten-path type of experience, you won’t be living in five-star luxury and will have to be adaptable, but you will get to experience authentic day-to-day life in Turkey. Your hosts will often introduce you friends throughout their town, offering you access to local knowledge that tourists would miss out on and further enhancing your experience.

All languages develop variances and subtleties when taken overseas or to pastures new, and Turkish is no different. The joy of studying Turkish in its homeland, however, is that you are less vulnerable to picking up unusual dialects or pronunciations.

In fact, you are more likely to develop a stronger, more broadly understood version of the language, adding to the list of reasons to push the opportunity higher up on your bucket list. That being said, there may be some regional differences with regards to the accent and specific vocabulary used, such as older words and modern replacements, but nothing that will hinder your progress too much. The most common dialect spoken and taught is Istanbul’s, so be cognizant of ensuring your Turkish classes are taught this way.

To learn Turkish in Turkey is ideal — the homeland of the language gives you fantastic opportunities to explore somewhere worthy of new pins on your world map. If you learn Turkish language in its birthplace, you will also have a more authentic travel experience, potentially living with the locals in homestays and getting to share their expert knowledge as you adventure around your new hometown and beyond. Not to mention that knowing the language will open up doors across Europe and Asia — a sparkling addition to your resume as well. 

Turkish school comes with a few small challenges, of course, like ensuring that you make time in your schedule for both fun and exploration and for that study grind, taking into consideration that you will need to do your homework and practice as well. That being said, this will only strengthen your language skills, and going out to explore will allow you additional opportunities to utilize your skills and provide a great reason for you to communicate with more people as you engage your new lexicon.

As both the home of a broadly spoken language and an exciting travel destination, Turkey offers the perfect place to study its native language. Turkish classes in Turkey will only bring you closer to the culture and give you a travel experience worth bragging abroad (not to mention a newfound love for strong raki!).