TCF Study Tour Teachers Complete Turkey Tours

TCF Teacher Study Tours have hosted 296 teachers since 2007, selected by local World Affairs Councils from applicants who participate in teachers workshops on Turkey, which are organized by the Councils with support from TCF. Over 2000 teachers have participated in these workshops to date.

COMMENTS ON TEACHER STUDY TOURS ’10 – GROUP I
The people, the history, literature, food, and terrain all made a masterpiece of a unique and special culture. I truly feel that this experience has made me a better teacher and most of all, a better person.
Barbara Aly, Honolulu, HI, USA

While I could write several pages on the incredible sites and history of Turkey, the most meaningful aspect of this trip was meeting and getting to know the Turkish people along the way. Random conversations with students, shopkeepers, parents and museum guards left me with the indelible impression of Turkish hospitality. The genuine warmth and pride that the Turkish people have for their country was a privilege to experience.
Leslie Stewart, Mililani, HI, USA

I admire the TCF initiative and leadership in making and implementing this wonderful Study Tour. I want to express my deep gratitude to everyone involved in this Study Tour, which changed my world view and made me to become “an ambassador for Turkey” to American students and faculties. Thank you very much for this wonderful experience.
Noeli Piccoli-Biggs, Sachse, TX, USA

My last thought to you is that the people of Turkey are among the nicest, friendliest and most courteous and sincere that I have ever dealt with. Turkey was a joy. Can’t wait to come back.
Edward Wiegert, Dardenne Prairie, MO, USA

The Republic of Turkey had been a well kept secret from me. That quickly began to change when I landed in Istanbul twelve days ago. I was greeted by amazing Turkish hospitality. Over time I slipped away from modern Turkey. Walking amidst the ancient roots of Catalhoyuk gave me pause. It was difficult to grasp the magnitude of standing where others had stood more than 7,000 years before me. This delightful adventure in the Republic of Turkey has been life changing.
Dana Elliott, Rochester, MI, USA

Turkey has not only influenced my lesson plans, it has changed me inside and out. I not only feel different about Turkey but I will do, be and dress a more Turkish lifestyle. Linda Payne-Hauf, St. Louis, MO, USA
I was not prepared for this, I could not imagine as I laid down each night looking back and reflecting on the day’s events and looking forward to the next day’s scheduled stops – how could it keep getting better. But, it does! My impressions of Turkey will be a constant reminder of how wonderful, gracious and beautiful this country is. A treasure to behold for its ancient history and contributions to modern day world affairs. My heart is wonder-filled with amazing memories. Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity.
Colleen Eatmon, Warren, MI, USA

This experience will influence my interaction with students as I guide them to plan for their future and expose them to the possibilities of experiences outside the United States. The first hand knowledge of Turkish culture that I have gained from this experience will influence my interactions with students in profound and unexpected ways for years to come.
Melissa Goo, Honolulu, HI, USA

Turkey is a must see for all world travelers. I want to thank the Turkish Cultural Foundation for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I will come back to Turkey to learn more about this fascinating country.
Deborah Adams, Livingston, MT, USA

The guides and facilitators have been amazing. We were treated with respect and as trusted, important members of a team. The information and descriptions of Turkey past, present, and future were surprising at times and very interesting. Turkey is more than Gallipoli and Ataturk. It was a welcome experience to be able to immerse ourselves into the culture, history, and politics of this remarkable country. I feel this is just the beginning of a relationship with Turkey.
Patricia Hixson, Missoula, MT, USA

Thank you for the amazing trip! It will be very difficult to briefly tell friends, family, and students about the country. It is magical and magnificent! Susan McClellan, Richardson, TX, USA
I have so many moments that moved me on an intense emotional level, especially witnessing the spiritual awe walking through the Hagia Sophia, and witnessing humankind’s first attempt at urbanized living at Çatalhöyük. This trip was the most thorough and organized group endeavor I have ever been on. I cannot wait to go home and express how wonderful Turkey is to my students, friends, and family. Turkey is truly a hidden treasure, but with my “teacher influence” I will work to help Americans recognize Turkey’s precious role in the past, present, and future.
Erin Eftink, Webster Groves, MO, USA

An experience, a scholarly experience, we will never forget. It was life-changing.
Cathy Ream, Overland Park, KS, USA

I know this trip is incredibly difficult to plan and organize. I want you to know that your efforts have not gone unnoticed and I will do my best to give back to others all you have given to me. Thank you so much for all your hard work and dedication to this program. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to experience your wonderful, beautiful country.
Charlotte Dockery, Wichita Falls, TX, USA

Turkey is a wonderful blend of old and new and shows the world how to get along with one another and cooperate and adapt for prosperity for all. We should all learn from Turkey, tolerance. I will go home with love in my heart for this Great Nation. Steven Diobilda, Kansas City, MO, USA
I am an enlightened person because of this experience and believe I can help spread the word that Turkey is a modern and very tolerant. Not forceful, but deserving of respect. John Wayne Bercier, Butte, MT, USA
In the streets our adventures continued with people living their everyday lives wiling to share themselves with us. The people we met were repeatedly warm, friendly, helpful and fun. Thank you once again for including me in this awesome experience. I will never forget the experience or the kind and generous people who made it happen.
Lorene Rogers, Kansas City, MO, USA

This trip has changed my life and the true impact is yet to be felt. Thank you very, very much. I am appreciative and humbled to have been included. Thanks a million. Jason Dolezal, Overland Park, KS, USA
My experiences in Turkey will stay with me forever. I will always speak very highly of Turkey and encourage anyone who will listen to me that they must find their way here. I cannot begin to express how thankful I am to have been chosen by TCF to participate in this adventure. This is a wonderful organization and I will be its biggest promoter in Hawaii and beyond!
Heather Carll, Honolulu, HI, USA