Critical Language Scholarship Training

I was fortunate enough to be awarded two Critical Language Scholarships from the US State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. I received eight weeks of intensive language training and cultural immersion in Bursa (2011) and Ankara (2012). The program is both challenging and rewarding on a variety of levels beyond language acquisition, including the experience of a family home-stay, cultural-based activities and excursions, and a network of local friends for life.

Jet-lagged and reeling from information overload, I take the CLS pledge to speak only Turkish during program activities and with my host family the day I arrive in Bursa.

Shortly afterward, I'm thrilled to meet Berkay, my local language mentor and friend.

I shared the advanced class with an enthusiastic and talented group of students.

Learning to make gullac, a rosewater-scented Turkish pastry.

With Berkay on a Bosphorus tour during an excursion to Istanbul.

Our culinary lessons made the Bursa section of Hurriyet newspaper.

A picnic on Uludag Mountain for students, language mentors, and instructors.

Reciting Orhan Veli's poem "Anlatamiyorum" during the farewell ceremony in Bursa.

Before entering a mosque during a trip to Konya led, by the director of the Ankara program (Ariel, third from right).

Matching nazarlik (evil eye) bracelets, a gift from my language mentor and friend from Ankara, Gamze.

Rolling out the dough to make gozleme, a savory Turkish crepe.

Sharing a fast-breaking iftar dinner during Ramadan with friends in Hamamonu.