I am grateful that I had the opportunity to participate in the Turkish Cultural Foundation’s Study Tour for educators.  After attending the World Affairs Council’s outstanding orientation program in May, I could hardly wait for the trip to begin.  Now, as I reflect about visiting Turkey, I realize my expectations were surpassed. Each day the program’s itinerary was filled with amazing learning opportunities about Turkish history, art, and culture. Some historical highlights included visits to Hagia Sophia, Ephesus, Aphrodisias, Cappadocia, and Catalhoyuk.  I also appreciated all the meaningful experiences this trip afforded me such as wandering through the open-air bazaars in Istanbul, enjoying a privately chartered boat on the Bosphorus, observing a leading artist demonstrate the ancient art of paper marbling, and finally, attending a whirling dervishes ceremony. 

     Besides increasing my historical knowledge, I learned more about the issues facing modern Turkish society.  It was refreshing to hear Turkish people expound on various issues that are often covered in the news.  Above all, as I continue to reflect on my recent trip, I am reminded of all friendly people I spoke with and what it feels like to experience Turkish hospitality firsthand.  I am eager to integrate these rich experiences into my classroom by improving my lessons.  I am also looking forward to instructing an in-service on Turkey for my school community.