Monthly Archives: September 2014

I survived my first day of teaching! Before sharing my initial impressions, though, I should explain what role the English language plays at Gaziantep University as well as what our expectations are as English Teaching Assistants. English language expectations in … Continue reading →

Some exciting events on the Turkish acclimation front this last week: We received bank accounts and registered ourselves as university employees; I bought a public transportation pass and have figured out the basic tram/bus routes in Antep; most importantly, though, … Continue reading →

For those I have not contacted already: I arrived safely in Gaziantep late Saturday night! We are staying at a university guest house until my male colleague and I locate permanent housing. Said guest house, however, has no internet and, … Continue reading →

Parks and economic development: For anyone following international economics, Turkey’s economic ascent over the last decade and half is old news; BRICs economist Jim O’Neill’s inclusion of Turkey in his new investment acronym MINT only solidifies the point. For those … Continue reading →

Atatürk and anti-insult laws: After spending the majority of our first five days of orientation in a hotel basement, the team ventured out today. Our destination: Anıtkabir, aka the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. As alluded to in my previous … Continue reading →

Orientation begins: I arrived safe and sound at our hotel in Ankara on Sunday afternoon. Since then, life has been a whir of introductions (over 70 fellow ETAs to meet!), conversations, and information sessions. This morning we had a particularly … Continue reading →