Erasmus Summer School Concludes with Farewell Program

The Erasmus Summer School Program, organized by the Üsküdar University International Relations Department Erasmus Coordinator's Office, was held with the participation of students from the University of Bradford, England. The summer school program concluded with a certificate ceremony, a farewell picnic, and a Turkish Culture Day event. During the two-week program, students received training from Faculty of Communication academicians on current communication topics such as artificial intelligence, digital journalism, algorithms, and digital isolation, while also having the opportunity to closely experience Turkey through cultural activities like a campus tour, Turkish language lessons, Üsküdar and Bosphorus tours, activities in Belgrad Forest, and Turkish coffee tasting. After the traditional sports and cultural events held at the closing, participation certificates were presented to the students, successfully completing the program.

For two weeks, students who received academic training at Üsküdar University and participated in various cultural events had the opportunity to closely experience Turkish culture at the program's closing. 

In the event held intertwined with nature, students both had a pleasant time with their friends and created unforgettable memories.

Academic Education and Cultural Experience Offered Together 

During the program, students attended academic sessions given by academicians from the Üsküdar University Faculty of Communication. 

Asst. Prof. Besna Ağın Ergün from the Radio, Television and Cinema Department discussed the importance of human authorship and screenwriting in the age of AI in her lecture titled “Human Authorship in the Age of AI: Why Screenwriting Cannot Be Replaced”. 

Asst. Prof. Maria Pia Ester Cristaldi from the New Media and Communication Department made assessments on algorithms, language inequalities, visibility, and digital hierarchies in her lecture titled “Algorithms and Language Inequalities: Power, Visibility, and Digital Hierarchies”.

On the same day, Prof. Süleyman İrvan, Head of the Journalism Department, shared the development and current dynamics of digital journalism in Turkey with students in his lecture titled “Digital Journalism in Türkiye”.

Asst. Prof. Hasan Topaçoğlu from the New Media and Communication Department evaluated the phenomenon of digital isolation and hikikomori in contemporary Japan within the context of communication studies in his lecture titled “Digital Isolation and Hikikomori in Contemporary Japan”. 

The academic program brought together current discussion topics in the field of communication, such as artificial intelligence, digital journalism, algorithms, language inequalities, and digital isolation, with international students.

In addition to the courses, students;

-    Campus tour, 

-    Traditional Turkish breakfast, 

-    Turkish film screening event, 

-    Turkish language lesson, 

-    Üsküdar tour, 

-    Bosphorus tour, 

-    Nature walk and picnic event in Belgrad Forest, 

-    Turkish coffee tasting, and 

-    Attended a seminar on Turkish history, getting the opportunity to closely experience Turkey's cultural heritage.

Traditional Sports and Cultural Activities Attracted Great Interest

As part of the closing program, students participated in horse riding, traditional Turkish archery, yurt visits, tug-of-war competitions, and various outdoor games. 

Students who experienced important elements of Turkish culture firsthand showed great interest in the activities.

Throughout the picnic organization, students from different countries came together, strengthening their social bonds and having the opportunity for cultural exchange.

Students Bid Farewell After Receiving Certificates

At the certificate ceremony held on the last day of the program, participation certificates were presented to the University of Bradford students who successfully completed the Erasmus Summer School Program. 

At the Farewell Picnic and Turkish Culture Day event held after the ceremony, students were thanked for the value they added to university life and international campus culture during their time at Üsküdar University, and best wishes for their success were extended.

The farewell program, marked by emotional moments, concluded with a group photo session.