Language of Instruction at Istanbul Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine: Turkish or English Programs

When considering enrollment at the Istanbul Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, prospective students often ask whether the medical program is taught entirely in English or if some lectures are conducted in Turkish. This article aims to provide clarity on the language policies in place and help students make informed decisions.

Overview of Language Policy

The Istanbul Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine primarily offers its medical programs in Turkish. However, for international students and certain specialized programs, some courses and lectures may be conducted in English. It's essential to verify the details directly with the faculty to ensure precise and current information for specific courses or programs.

Detailed Insight into the Language Policy

The faculty of medicine is divided into two departments: one that is primarily taught in Turkish and another that is taught in English. These departments have independent administrations and offer distinct courses of study. While international students can enroll in the English program, it is important to understand that the program is not entirely in English. Some doctors may not speak fluent English, or their proficiency may vary, which can lead to challenges in comprehension.

Student Experiences and Language Requirements

I have personal experience studying in the English program at Istanbul Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine. Despite the intention of the program to be in English, it is not without its challenges. Some professors struggled to deliver their lectures in English, with certain individuals' English proficiency being an issue. Consequently, students often find themselves needing to learn Turkish to follow the lessons effectively.

To address this, the university has implemented new rules requiring students in the English program to achieve a minimum B1 level of Turkish proficiency before starting their studies. Furthermore, a C1 level of proficiency in Turkish is mandatory to graduate. This has made it essential for students to invest time in learning the local language, as it greatly aids in understanding lectures and daily university life.

While the examinations may be held in English, the necessity of learning Turkish cannot be overstated. Students must balance their reliance on medical lectures with personal study from a variety of sources, which can be particularly challenging initially. From my experience, the first three years saw a higher proportion of English in the lectures. However, starting from the fourth year, the majority of lectures shifted to Turkish.

Strategies for Success

To ensure success in the program, students can adopt several strategies:

Language Proficiency: Begin learning Turkish early and continue improving your skills to reach the required proficiency levels. Independent Study: Leverage additional resources, textbooks, and online materials to supplement your learning. Engage with Peers: Collaborate with fellow international students to support one another in language development and academic challenges.

Overall, while the English program at Istanbul Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine offers valuable educational opportunities for international students, it is important to be prepared for the need to learn Turkish. Proper planning and resource utilization can significantly enhance the learning experience.

For the latest and most accurate information, students are encouraged to directly contact the faculty of medicine.