Istanbul and Heidelberg: Together for the future of educational research!

Istanbul and Heidelberg: Together for the future of educational research!

The Marmara University in Istanbul and the Heidelberg University of Education (PHHD) maintain a long-standing and successful partnership. In May 2023, Professor Dr. Seyfi Kenan, Dean of the Atatürk Faculty at Marmara University, to Heidelberg. During his visit, he met with the university management and various PHHD departments to discuss possibilities for expanded cooperation. The exchange is particularly aimed at the areas of research and teaching.

A central part of the collaboration between the two institutions is the mobility program ProMobiLGS, which aims to open up new perspectives for primary school teaching students. This initiative is supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and is part of a sustainable strategy for the internationalization of universities.

Erasmus+ program as the key to internationality

The current cooperation includes student exchange in the German department and is implemented as part of the EU Erasmus+ program. According to information from ydao-aef.marmara.edu.tr, this program enables the exchange of students and faculty members with universities in Germany and Austria. Information about the cooperating universities include well-known institutions such as the University of Hamburg and the University of Bielefeld.

A central contact person for the Erasmus+ program at Marmara University is Asst. Prof. Dr. Gulay Heppinar. The collaboration with the Heidelberg University of Education is particularly intensive, with both sides seeing the exchange in teacher training as beneficial.

Marmara University is not only one of the oldest but also the second largest university in Türkiye with over 62,000 students. Of these, around 6,000 are enrolled in the Atatürk Faculty of Education. The educational offerings of this faculty are particularly appealing, as they are offered in five different languages, including German.

Deeper insights through personal encounters

During his stay, Professor Dr. Kenan provided deeper insights into the PHHD's research priorities and courses. In discussions with the departments of art didactics and school education, topics such as education for sustainable development and innovative teaching methods were discussed. These discussions are part of the efforts of both universities to adapt their offerings to the current needs of the education systems.

The cooperation between Marmara University and the PHHD is an excellent example of successful international partnerships in the higher education sector. By exchanging ideas and educational experiences, both institutions want to contribute to improving the quality of education and offering students a comprehensive, intercultural perspective.