2019-2020

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 Dear AFS Participant,
MERHABA! AFS Turkey welcomes you to an
incredible experience spent where the conti-
nents meet. You will have much to learn and
discover. We hope you will enjoy your very
special odyssey.

This booklet is an introduction which will help

start you on your way. Read it thoroughly and
keep it with you throughout your experience.
We are certain you will find out much more
while you are improving your Turkish, making
Turkish friends, becoming a part of your host
family and getting to know more and more
about this land.

We are waiting for you with our arms wide

open; bring along your own ways, come to meet
ours and be ready to share and participate.

CONGRATULATIONS on becoming a member

of the large world wide AFS family.

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PRACTICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE IN TURKEY
WHAT TO BRING
Clothes: Generally teenagers dress in what is called
European Casual. Both boys and girls wear jeans, shirts,
t-shirts and sweaters. However, ripped and baggy clothes
should not be your first choice. You should bring a couple
of nice outfits for special occasions.
IMPORTANT: You are likely to gain weight while in Tur-
key so you might want to pack accordingly.
For Summer; bring a swimsuit, shorts, t-shirts and sweat-
ers for cool nights.
For Winter; bring warm clothes, boots and a coat. A rain-
coat is always handy to have.
For School; Most students wear uniforms at school. The
school uniform is not provided by AFS Turkey. Each
school has a different uniform decided by the Parents’ As-
sociation, you can ask your host families before travelling
if they know about your school’s regulations.
However, most of the time schools will announce their
uniforms after your arrival in Turkey. You can bring white
long or short sleeve shirts and black or dark brown shoes.
Sneakers and high heels cannot be worn to school. Since
dress regulations differ depending on your school; so we
recommend that you buy the rest of the items in Turkey.
Eyeglasses/ contact lenses: If you wear eyeglasses or
contact lenses,
bring an extra pair of eyeglasses or spare contact lenses
as AFS Insurance does not cover expenses for eyeglasses/
contact lenses.
Camera: Bring a camera! Pictures are a good way of
bringing home memories and sharing your experience in
Turkey when you’re back.
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 Recipes: Turkish people enjoy good food.
Consider bringing some of your favorite
recipes or a dish that is typical for your
country/region. Your host family will
love trying something made by you.
Bringing hard to find ingredients with
you will be easier than having your fami-
ly send them later.
Presents: It is very difficult to give any
advice about presents, but try to bring
personal gifts for your host family. For
instance, you may bring something
made by yourself or something that is
typical for your country or the part of
your country from which you come. A
number of smaller presents may come
in handy for birthdays or when you visit
the homes of your friends and for special
occasions throughout the year.
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Information about your home com-
munity & country: During the year you
will be expected to give speeches or talks
about your country, not only to your host
family and school, but also the commu-
nity. Try to acquire a general knowledge
of your country concerning population,
geography, history, agriculture, indus-
try, sport activities etc. For this purpose
it is a good idea to bring a reference
material like brochures and pamphlets.
Contact your National Tourist Board, the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, etc. to gather
material.
You should also be prepared to talk
about your everyday life, your home,
family, school and community. Bring
picture books and photos as they often
tell more than words. Some students
prepare PowerPoint presentations, Slide
Shows before leaving home.
BRIEF PRESENTATION ABOUT TURKEY
GEOGRAPHY
Turkey’s land mass is 814,578 sq km. The European and
Asian sides are divided by the İstanbul Boğazı (Bospho-
rus), the Sea of Marmara, and the Çanakkale Boğazı
(Dardanelles). Anatolia is a high plateau region rising
progressively towards the east, broken up by the valleys
of about 15 rivers, including the Dicle (Tigris) and the
Fırat (Euphrates). There are numerous lakes and some,
such as Lake Van, are as large as inland seas. In the north,
the eastern Black Sea Mountain chain runs parallel to
the Black Sea; in the south, the Taurus Mountains sweep
down almost to the narrow, fertile coastal plain along
the coast. Turkey enjoys a variety of climates, ranging
from the temperate climate of the Black Sea region, to the
continental climate of the interior, then, to the Mediter-
ranean climate of the Aegean and Mediterranean coastal
regions. The coastline of Turkey’s four seas is more than
8,333 km long.
HISTORY
Turkey has been called “the cradle of civilizations” and by
travelling through this historic land, people will dis-
cover exactly what is meant by this phrase. The world’s
first town, a Neolithic city at Çatalhöyük, dates back to
6,500 BC. From the days of Çatalhöyük up to the present,
Turkey boasts a rich mixture of cultures. Hattis, Hittites,
Phrygians, Urartians, Lycians, Lydians, Ionians, Persians,
Macedonians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans
have all made important contributions to Turkish history
and ancient sites and ruins scattered throughout the
country give proof of each civilization’s unique distinc-
tion.
Turkey also has a very fascinating recent history. Upon
the decline of the Ottoman Empire, a young man named
Mustafa Kemal, who was a soldier by occupation but in
character, a great visionary, took the defeat of World War
I and turned it into a shining victory by liberating Turkey
from all foreign invaders.
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 Mustafa Kemal Atatürk found-ed the Republic of Turkey on
October 29, 1923. He led his country into peace and stability,
with tremendous economic growth and complete
modernization. Through decades of change and growth,
Turkey still boasts his success, living by its adopted motto of
“Peace at Home, Peace in the World.”
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POPULATION
According to end of the year 2017 reports, Turkey has
80.810.525 inhabitants, 8,2% of whom live in the rural areas.
The major cities are; İstanbul, Ankara (the capital), İzmir,
Adana, Antalya, Bursa, Konya, Gaziantep, Eskişehir and
Samsun.
PEOPLE LANGUAGE

Asia Minor, the crossroads between Asia and Europe where Turkish, the official language of the country, belongs
Turkey is located, has been the homeland of many different to the Ural-Altaic group and has an affinity with the
civilizations throughout the centuries. Moreover, the borders Finno-Hungarian languages. Turkish is written with the
of the Ottoman Empire during its golden age extended from Latin alphabet and is spoken by some 150 million people
Egypt to the Balkans, from Crimea to Morocco; during the around the world.
reign of the Ottoman Empire over these lands the people
circulated within the empire, therefore it is not surprising
that today the Turkish population is a colorful mosaic of
different ethnic groups. There are about more than 30
different ethnics (Kazaks, Spanish, Italian, Egyptian, Arabs,
Kurds, Albanians, Turks, Romanian, Gipsy, Greek, Armenian,
Russian, etc.) in the country. The legally recognized minority
groups are Jewish, Armenians and Greek according to the
Lausanne Peace Treaty.

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 RELIGION
The majority of Turkish people are Muslim and a small
percentage of people are Jewish, Greek Orthodox, Catholic
and Protestant. Turkey has a secular system as stated in
the constitution.
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ECONOMY
Agriculture: This plays a very important role in the
Turkish economy. The main crops are wheat, rice, cotton,
tea, tobacco, hazelnuts and fruit. Sheep are Turkey’s most
important livestock and Turkey is one of the major cotton
and wool producers.
Natural Resources: The principal minerals extracted are
coal, chrome (an important export), iron, copper, bauxite,
marble and sulphur.
Industry: Industry is developing rapidly and is directed
mainly towards the processing of agricultural products,
metallurgy, textiles and the manufacture of automobiles
and agricultural machinery.
Tourism: In the last 4 decades, Turkey has become a
major tourist destination in Europe. With the rapid de-
velopment of both summer and winter resorts, more
and more people from around the world are able to
enjoy the history, culture and beautiful sites of Turkey.
From swimming in the Mediterranean, to skiing in
Uludağ, Turkey has something to offer to every tourist.
POLITICAL STRUCTURE
The Turkish Republic is based on a secular, democratic,
pluralistic and parliamentary system, where human
rights are protected by law and social justice. The Nation-
al Assembly is elected by popular vote and the nation is
governed by the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime
Minister. Turkey is a founding member of OECD, the
Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization, a member
of NATO, the European Council and European Parliament,
and an associate member of the European Union.
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 CLIMATE MONEY:

Marmara Region: Summers are warm to hot, humid and Unit of currency is Turkish Lira
moderately dry whereas winters are cold and wet and (₺)(TL). Because of the instability
sometimes snowy. (İstanbul, Bursa, Edirne, Çanakkale, of the international exchange
İzmit) rates, we suggest that you find
out the exchange rate of your
Black Sea Coast: Warm summers, mild winters and relative- currency before you leave. It is
ly high rainfall (Samsun, Trabzon, Karadeniz Ereğli, Bartın) easier to exchange Euros or US
Dollars from almost all around
Central Anatolia: Steppe climate with hot, dry summers, the country from exchange of-
cold winters. (Ankara, Kayseri, Eskişehir) fices. Most international credit
cards (eg. Visa, Mastercard,
Eastern Anatolia: Long snowy, cold winters with mild American Express) are accepted
summers. in restaurants, department stores and shops and you can
also withdraw cash with most of them at bank automatic
Southeast Anatolia: Hot summer with mild, rainy winters. teller machines (ATMs). We do not recommend Traveller’s
(Gaziantep, Adana) Checks.

Aegean and the Mediterranean: Hot and humid summers For personal spending money during the year, we recom-
with mild, rainy winters. (İzmir, Aydın, Antalya, Mersin) mend 100$ per month. You can maintain a bank account
in your home country and withdraw money from ATMs.

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Here are some examples of TIME
the pricing in Turkey;
Local time is GMT + 3 hrs
McDonald’s Big Mac Burg- Time differences between Turkey
er: $4,50 and some other countries
Coca Cola (can): $1,00
Movies: $7,50 - $12 Australia +7
Concerts : $15 - $80 Germany -1
International letters - France -1
stamp: $1,50 Argentina -6
USA(East Coast) -7
It is wise to ask your host Mexico City -8
family, contact person USA(West Coast) -10
before administrating your finances. Brazil -6

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 TELEPHONE INFORMATION: Electric Current: 220 Volt AC. Note that
Turkish plugs may be different from yours.
110 Fire Department
112 Emergency Ambulance Service Weight and Measures: Metric System
11811 Phone Directory Assistance
154 Traffic Police From metric specifications
155 Police 1 kilo (kg): 2.205 lbs
1 litre (l): approx. 1.76 pints 0.22 imp gallon 1 US
Please keep in mind that telephone calls are compara- quart
tively expensive in Turkey, even local calls. Before 0.621 mile
calling home think about using the internet or at least 0.39 inch
ask your host family first before calling home. You can
also arrange a time for your parents to call your host To metric specifications
family’s house when you will be home. 1 pound (lb) : 0.454 kilo
1 imp pint : 0.56 litre
Post Offices: Post offices are open from Monday till Fri- 1 imp gallon : 4.546 litres
day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can get information about 1 US gallon : 3.785 litres
postage at your local post office. 1 mile : 1.61 kilometres
1 yard : 0.9144 metre
1 foot : 0.3048 metre
1 inch : 2.54 centimetres

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Business Hours: Monday - Friday Vaccinations: Hepatitis B is advised for
8:30 - 17:30 those coming to Turkey.
Shopping Hours: Monday - Saturday
9:00 - 19:00

Most bakers, shops, kiosks and florists are

open on Sundays and some gas station shops are open in National Holidays:
the evening. Also shops in big Malls and Shopping Centers 1st of January » New Year’s Day
are usually open until 22:00. 23rd of April » National Sovereignty and Children’s Day
1st of May » Labor and Solidarity Day
Residence Permit: If you come to Turkey with a Semester 19th of May » Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and
or Year Program you will be applying to the National Sports Day
Immigration Department, Foreign Affairs bureau for Ramadan Feast » May 24-26, 2020
residence permit in the first month of your stay in Turkey. 15th of July » Democracy Day
Sacrifice Feast » July 31 - August 3, 2020
This costs about 150 US Dollars. It is wise to bring at least 30th of August » Victory Day
5 passport photos for the residence permit application. 29th of October » Republic Day
After you receive your residence permit you should car-
Time of the religious holidays (Feasts) change about ten
ry it with you all times, instead of your passport.
days every year, as the religious calendar is not according
to the sun but the moon.

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 A YEAR IN TURKEY KEY WORD: PARTICIPATION
Every AFS experience is unique; each one of you will have
a different experience from each other. Some of you will
live in big cities, some will live in small cities and others will
live in the country. Please do not spoil your experience with
unnecessary comparisons.
The first step toward learning about a country is acting not
like a tourist, which means not to see only the surface of the
culture but to participate in day to day life. You should not
be only the receiving type of person, but also the giving type.
The most important thing to remember is to be interested
learning new things, ready to find differences and willing
to accept them as they are. It is wise to try to see, learn and
enjoy as much as possible to make the most of your stay
here. After all, what would be the point of your AFS year,
if your day to day life in Turkey is exactly the same in your
home country??
There are certain changes of mood and phases that every
AFS student goes through when adapting to a new culture.
You should realize that they are due to new experiences
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and very common. One of them is culture shock. Although
coming to a new country is exciting, adventurous and
wonderful, it may also shake your balance. Before you get
used to the time difference, you may fall asleep in the day
time, not sleep at nights, new kind of food may taste odd,
language may sound so strange to be understood, also your
host family and host school can be quite different from what
you are used to.
It is a good idea to read about Turkey before you come here.
Have an open mind and be interested in everything around
you, and soon you’ll notice that you are starting to adapt
to the new environment and as much as you get used to
Turkish way of life, you will enjoy more and more of your
stay in Turkey.
Participation is the key word to get to know the people and
the culture. Show that you are interested in the people and
the culture. Try to participate in daily life as much as possi-
ble. You may feel strange not to be able to do all the things
you were used to do at home, or even watching TV may be
difficult due to language.
 easier for you please avoid speaking in English. Do not
forget that one can learn the culture by speaking the
language.

You may find it hard to make close friends in the be-

ginning but it takes time to get to know people and you
have to give time to them to get to know you. You may
be the first exchange student your new classmates meet,
they may not even have heard of AFS. They are probably
curious to meet you, but they may be also shy and wor-
ried about making mistakes while speaking in a foreign
language. So you should break the ice! When you make
friends you will see that they will be a friend for a life
time.

Try to empathize and try to see the situation from the oth-
er person’s perspective. Accept differences before judging
Learn the language by using it. Do not hesitate to speak them. This will help you understand people and help you
even few words of Turkish you know. People will appreci- communicate with them.
ate this very much and will help you learn the language
more quickly. Most teenagers know English and they may
speak with you in English, although this would make it

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 If you have a question or a problem, please do not
hesitate to ask or talk about it. Your host family is
willing to help you anytime you need as they only want
you to be happy during your stay in Turkey. They
should be the first ones you get in touch when you need
help.
Everyone who has lived abroad feels homesick at some
point. Please do not hesitate to talk about it with your
host family, friends or your AFS contact person. You
should not be ashamed of being homesick and try to
keep it just to yourself. It is very understandable to miss
your family, friends, community, etc. If you would not
feel homesick, then it would be strange. The best way to
get over homesickness is to be active in daily life, family
activities, hobbies, etc.
And please do not forget that life is not always easy, but
hard times are always a part of life and the good times
will be more shiny and fun.
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FAMILY LIFE
Keep in mind that there
are different kinds of fam-
ilies; families with older
or younger parents, fam-
ilies with or without chil-
dren or with just one parent. It is impossible to describe a
typical Turkish family as in all around the world families
differ a lot from each other due to their backgrounds and
beliefs. As Turkey is a land of different cultures it is very
hard to give you a description. Please do not compare
your host family with your natural family. Do not forget
that both families are coming from different cultures. The
host families have only one commonality and that is their
wish to share their life with an exchange student.
Please do not forget that your host family is also adjusting
to many new things with you. Here are some tips for your
stay in Turkey.
Please keep in mind that; MEALS & FOOD

• Your host family wants you to be a member of the family. Usually meals in Turkey are
They would like to share their life and enjoy life with you. eaten between the following
They would like you to learn about Turkey and would like times;
to learn about your country and your way of life. Breakfast: 07:00 - 10:00
Lunch: 12:00 - 13:30
• Your host family receives no money from AFS. They host Dinner: 19:00 - 20:30
because they believe in the program. You showing your
appreciation to them will be very meaningful. Dinner is usually the main
meal of the day and is often
• There may be misunderstandings. Please do not hesitate
a time when the whole family is together.
to talk with your host family when something bothers you
or a question arises in your mind. Be honest in your
Typical food: Breakfast; cheese, butter, jam, honey, olives
relationships with the family members and ask them
and bread.
to do the same. Keep in mind that they may be afraid
of hurting your feelings. If you all find the answers to Lunch and Dinner; at least two main courses such as vege-
questions, you will prevent bigger problems building up table or meat dishes and rice, cracked wheat or macaroni,
and both you and your family will be happy if you feel at
soup, salad and cold olive oil dishes, dessert or fruit and
home.
LOTS OF BREAD! You will find out that Turkish cuisine
consists not only of “kebab” and Turks consume more
vegetables than meat.

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 Many families allow their children to drink Bathing: Homes have bathtubs or showers or both.
a glass of wine or beer at the table; but be The hot water supply can be limited so ask your
careful with the national drink, “Rakì”, host family the appropriate time to bath or shower.
which is rather strong.
When you arrive home; it is important to keep in
Snacking from the fridge: Turkish people mind that in most Turkish families, people do not
tend to eat three main meals rather than enter the house with their shoes on; people wear
snack from the refrigerator. Food in the slippers in the house.
fridge is not necessarily available for general
consumption. Parents: Some students have a very hard time call-
ing their host parents “anne” & “baba” (mom & dad).
Housework: You may be asked to set the However, this is a great way to make yourself part
table, wash and dry the dishes, and to keep of the family. Whatever you call your host parents,
your room clean and tidy. Ask your host family how to do don’t be afraid to talk about it.
any household tasks. Please note that in Turkey, colored
Brothers and sisters: If you have teenage host siblings,
clothes usually do not get washed with whites. If you
they might feel a little jealous of you. Don’t be surprised.
want to wash your clothes, please ask your host mother
You are taking away a lot of the attention they have been
how they wash clothing. Generally, in Turkey we do not
used to. The best way to help them over the jealousy is to
put our sports shoes in the washing machine. If you
include them as much as possible in your activities, ask
want to wash your sports shoes it is wise to ask your host
their advice and to let them know that they are
family if you can use the washing machine. Most Turkish
important to you.
families have a cleaning lady come once or twice a week.

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Your family and friends at home: We know you have
parents and may have brothers and sisters at home that
you care about a lot. They will want to know what you are
doing but…
• Keep phone calls to a minimum, it is expensive.
• Don’t E-mail/Skype/Facetime/Snapchat too often.
Once a week should be enough. Too much internet can
keep you from learning to enjoy Turkey, learning the
language and keep your thoughts more on your family
and friends at home than your family and friends in
Turkey.
SOCIAL LIFE
Your social life will probably be different from what you
are used to in your home country. Probably your activities
will be with your family or with a small group of friends.
Do not expect to go out all the time and party. Your social
life will vary greatly according to your family. When you
want to go out, please ask your host parents for permission
and when they would like you to be home. Your host par-
ents may act overprotective; so do not forget to tell them;
when, where, with whom and for how long you will be out.
And if possible, leave a phone number. You may talk to
your brothers and/or sisters about your family’s habits.
Remember to:
• Ask your host parents before taking food or drinks out of
the fridge.
• Ask for permission to go out. When you are asking for
permission, say where you are going, who you will be with
and when you will be back before you leave the house.
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 • Do say “Günaydın” (Good morning) when you wake up and
“İyi Geceler!” (Goodnight) before going to bed.

• Don’t have long conversations on the phone.

• Don’t stay in the bathroom for longer than your share of

the time.

• Don’t stay alone in your room for long periods of time,

instead go to the living room and be with the rest of the
family.

• We know from experience that families can get upset

about these things. If you are not sure whether the family
gets annoyed by something, ask about it.

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SCHOOL LIFE
AFS IS A SCHOOL-BASED PROGRAM and therefore school
life is a substantial part of your AFS experience. This
means we expect you to attend your school regularly and
take all the exams. If you fail out of school, your visa will be
cancelled and you will be sent home!
The more involved you get in your school, the easier it will
be to make friends. You may not understand a lot at first
but this should not discourage you. Learning
the language and trying to follow teaching
can be difficult at first. It will be appreciated
if you show interest; do as well as you can and
do your homework to the best of your ability.
Remember the good things school has to offer;
a place for you to talk about your country,
maybe a chance for you to study subjects that
have not been available to you before and last
but not least it is a great place to meet people.
AFS is able to have the school program
through agreements established with indi-
vidual schools and the Ministry of Education.
Your participation in school and positive relationship with
students and faculty is a big reflection of you, your country
as well as AFS. It also affects the future generations of AFS
students who will go to the same school.
The Turkish Education System: The Turkish education
system comprises of two main stages; 8 years of Primary
Education and 4 years of (Secondary) High School. There
are public schools, state schools, private
schools, vocational (technical) schools.
In high schools, educational emphasis is
placed on preparing students for university
entrance exams.
Throughout high school, success is
determined by continuous assessment,
coursework and regular internal exams. The
cumulative scores for these assessments
determine the student’s progression into the
next academic year.
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 In a year, if a student does not attend school total of 20
days without a doctor report, he/she fails the year.
Students take 12 to 15 courses a semester. These courses
include mathematics, science, foreign language, Turkish
literature, history, geography, physical education, etc.
Most subjects are compulsory, but there are also optional
courses that are worth looking into. Students have at
least 30 to 35 hours of school per week.
School starts early September and ends mid June. In
addition to a summer vacation (from mid June to
September), students have one week Fall Break in
November, two weeks of semester break at the end of
January and one week of Spring Break in April. Also,
schools are closed during all national and religious
holidays. There is no school on Saturdays and Sundays.
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Placement info: AFS students are placed mostly in 10th
or 11th grade. The 12th grade would be probably too
difficult but also less fun because students in that class
concentrate on studying for the university entrance exam
and have therefore less free time.
In most schools, all the teachings with the exception of
foreign languages are done in Turkish. In the beginning
you may find it hard to follow teaching in class, but as
you learn more Turkish school will become more
interesting, so be patient.
AFS Turkey has a budget for school lunch and trans-
portation to school. All will be arranged by local AFS
volunteers. School books are expensive and as you need
the book only for a short period of time, you should try to
loan school books from your host siblings, your contact
teacher, the school library or the AFS office.
If, however, you need to buy books, AFS Turkey will have
a small budget to help you. Make sure you return those
books to the AFS office after you don’t need them any
longer. For other school expenses (such as pencils and
notebooks) as well as the class photo you have to pay
these expenses yourself.

Please keep in mind that AFS Turkey needs the support of

your school. The interest and motivation which you show
your teachers and classmates, will not only bring you
much satisfaction, but will also affect the opportunities of
future AFS students. Your school work and your attitude
about school is a big reflection on your homeland and on
AFS.

If you attend classes and exams regularly, schools give

CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE and TRANSCRIPT of
GRADES to AFS students at the end of the school year.

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 COURSES 9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade

Language and Expression 2 2 2 2

Turkish Literature 3 3 3 3
Religion Culture and Morality 1 1 1 1
History 2 2 - -
Turkish Republic Revolution History
- - 2 -
and Atatürk
COMMON COURSES
(Mandatory for all)

Geography 2 2 - -
Mathematics 4 - - -
Geometry 2 - - -
Physics 2 - - -
Chemistry 2 - - -
Biology 2 - - -
Health 1 - - -
Philosophy - - 2 -
Foreign Language-1 2 2 2 2
Foreign Language-2 2 2 2 2
Physical Education 2 2 2 2
Visual Arts / Music 1 1 1 1
Traffic and First Aid - - - 1
TOTAL 34 19 19 16

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 COURSES 9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade

Mathematics - 2 or 4 2 or 4 2 or 4
Physics - 2 or 3 2 or 4 2 or 3
Chemistry - 2 or 3 2 or 4 2 or 3
Biology - 2 or 3 2 or 4 2 or 3
Geometry - 1 or 2 2 or 3 1 or 2
Language and Expression - 2 2 or 3 2 or 3
ELECTIVE
COURSES

Turkish Literature - 1 1 1
History - 2 2 or 4 -
Neoteric Turkish and World History - - - 2 or 4
Geography - 2 2 or 4 2 or 4
Psychology - 2 - -
Sociology - - 2 -
Logic - - - 2
Foreign Language-1 - 4 or 6 4 or 6 4 or 6
Foreign Language-2 - 2 or 4 2 or 4 2 or 4
Other Electives 5 3 2 2
TOTAL 5 15 15 18
Guidance 1 1 1 1
GRAND TOTAL 40 35 35 35

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 AFS

WHAT AFS IS ALL ABOUT AFS TURKEY - TÜRK KÜLTÜR VAKFI

AFS is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, AFS Intercultural Programs has existed in Turkey since
non-religious, non-profit organization that provides 1952. Türk Kültür Vakfı (AFS Turkey) was founded in
intercultural learning opportunities to help people 1974 by AFS returnees, since then programs have been
develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed run by the foundation. TKV is a partner of AFS
to create a more just and peaceful world. It is one of the Intercultural Programs, Inc. since 1993.
world’s oldest and largest community based volunteer
organizations. Nowadays AFS can be found in more than
60 countries of the world. One of AFS’s strengths is the
network of volunteers who provide a support system for
all the participants.

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TKV/AFS TURKEY RULES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
AFS INTERNATIONAL RULES
• NO DRIVING: AFS students are not
allowed to drive cars or any other
motorized vehicles. This rule applies
to driving anywhere (for example
on private land, parking lots and
public roads). The most important reason for this rule is
safety as well as liability insurance in case of an accident
and injury. This rule is for your protection and the contin-
uance of the AFS programs
• NO Illegal Substances: To import, to possess, to use and
pass on drugs or any other substances classified illegal in
Turkey.
• NO HITCHHIKING: For safety reasons. It is not safe to
hitchhike in Turkey. You should not accept any rides from
strangers.
• Turkish LAW: When you are in Turkey, you are subject to
Turkish law.
TKV/AFS TURKEY RULES
SCHOOL: All AFS students, even if they are graduates in
their own country, must attend school up to the end of the
school year and they are obliged to follow all school rules.
TURKISH LESSONS: Attendance to Turkish classes pro-
vided by the AFS chapters is obligatory.
TRAVEL: Travel without host family or host school is not
allowed during the first seven months. After 7 months
your travel requests will be evaluated individually.
RETURN DATE: Students must leave
Turkey on the date fixed by their nation-
al AFS-offices. Further stay in the coun-
try is not allowed. You can leave the
program and choose to stay; in this case
AFS will not carry any responsibility
regarding the extra travel arrangements
and will not be held responsible for any
complications that may occur.
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 VISITS: Visits from natural parents, relatives or friends
are not allowed until April 1st and they are very much dis-
couraged since they affect the AFS participant’s process of
adaptation negatively. Request for permission by natural
families on this matter should be addressed to the AFS
Office in home country at least one month ahead of time.
All these rules will be strongly enforced and any violation
will result in punishments including an early return.
These rules may seem rather restrictive but there are
several important reasons why AFS Turkey finds them
necessary.
Second, it is important that the AFS student attend
school. Experience has shown, that Turkish school admin-
istrations are reluctant to accept AFS students, if former
students have been absent from school often.
Third, there is the question of responsibility and insur-
ance. If an AFS student travels without the proper per-
mission, AFS International does not take responsibility in
case of illness or accident.

First, the purpose of an AFS experience is for the student

to live with a Turkish family and participate in local life.
The purpose of AFS is NOT for you to travel around the
country. AFS Turkey will consider each case individually
and give permission accordingly. Furthermore, the AFS
student must agree to cover all expenses in connection
with a trip.

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EARLY RETURNS
Students can be sent home for unacceptable behavior.
Any of the following will definitely be considered as
reasons for early returns.
• Driving Alcoholic beverages
• Involvement with drugs
• Hitchhiking
• Breaking Turkish law
• Eating disorders (anorexia or bulimia)
• Irregular attendance at school
• Disregarding of the travel guidelines
• Lack of Adaptation due to incurable behavior
problems
MEDICAL EXPENSES
AFS Intercultural Programs pays
voluntarily and without conceding
legal liability medical expenses
incurred while the participant is in
Turkey, except for the cost of regular
dental or eye care, preventive
medicine, immunizations or
treatment of pre-existing conditions.
If you should need dental or eye-care,
we will evaluate the situation and
contact your natural family for
permission and payment. In any
emergency we are authorized by
them to approve limited amount of
dental or eye care directly.
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 THE OFFICE

Turkish AFS/TKV National Office is located in İstanbul and is open Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. You can write or call
the office with any questions or concerns during your stay. You can also turn to the office if you need help;

Türk Kültür Vakfı / AFS Türkiye

Valikonağı Cad. Konak Apt. No: 67 K:5
Nişantaşı, 34371 İstanbul
Phone: (+90) 212-230 70 17
(+90) 212-246 23 28
Emergency phone number (Duty Officer):
(+90) 542-256 65 20
e-mail: turkey@afs.org

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WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR ARRIVAL IN TURKEY!
THE AFS TURKEY TEAM
Partner Director: Derya Komitoğlu Kaplan
Program Coordinator: Cemre Ak’in
Program Coordinator: Özge Bilici Şekerkıran
Program Assistant: Şansım Çıngıloğlu
Short Programs Responsible: Nesrin Kaçan
Training Support: Ferhat Mahir Çakaloz
Finance Director: Baran Büyüktaş
Administrative Specialist: Anıl Akın
Adana Regional Coordinator: Funda Özkan
Ankara Regional Coordinator: Yonca Göktaş Çaylak
İzmir Regional Coordinator: Nesrin Kaçan
Communications & Social Media: İdil Kandil
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 AFS TURKEY - SAFETY TIPS
All safety tips will be discussed with you at your arrival
orientation. We recommend to you that you discuss
these issues with your host family and counselor.
1. What to discuss with the host family?
Safety practices vary considerably from one family to
another. Be prepared to discuss how your family copes
with these issues:
• Are the doors of the house locked at all times?
• If not, when should the doors be locked?
• If you can’t get into the house (nobody home, lost
your key) or you’re all alone in the house and there
is a prob-lem, who should you contact?
• Should you answer the phone? If yes, is there any
specif-ic information you should not give to the
caller?
• When home alone should you answer the door to
strang-ers?
• Who can you contact in school if there is a problem
or something you would like to know?
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2. What to know about life outside the
home?
• If you feel uncertain about anything, you should
first seek your host family’s advice.
• Before you go to a party or an outing with friends,
always ask your host parents for permission and let
them know where you are going, with whom, and
what time you will be back. If possible, leave a
phone number where they can reach you.
• Public transportation can be safely used in most
areas until midnight. You should ask your family if
your bus is safe. If you need transportation after
that, you should call a cab from a registered taxi
agency and not hail a taxi on the street if you are
alone. There are such agencies in all cities. You call
the taxi company, give your address and a cab
comes to pick you up.
• You should carry your passport with you until you
get your residence permit. From then onwards, you
must always carry your residence permit.
• In some parts of the country it may not be suitable to
walk outside alone after dark. Ask your host family
where and when it is safe to walk alone in the city.
• Only carry the amount of money you need, not more!!!
3. Uncomfortable Social Situations:
• It is common and appropriate to accept a ride from
someone you know, but not from strangers.
• Although the legal age for alcohol consumption is 18, you
may witness teenagers drinking (especially beer). Do not
forget that as an AFS student, you cannot break any laws.
Therefore, do not attempt to drink alcoholic beverages
outside, even if your friends do.
• Under 18, you are not allowed into bars, pubs and discos
un-chaperoned. In some of the bars, they would not ask
for your identification, but if there is a police control
(which is not very odd), you would be in trouble for being
under age.
• Avoid drugs and people involved in drug use. If you are
found carrying drugs or indulging in them, the
consequences are extremely serious. SO, JUST SAY “NO”
IF THEY HAPPEN TO COME YOUR WAY.
• If you feel that you are being sexually harassed discuss
the issue openly with your host family, AFS counselor
or AFS staff.
• Turkish culture has a small personal space, which will
take some time to adapt to. However, we need you to talk
to us as soon as you feel uncomfortable.
4. General Advice on Security
Although security is an ongoing concern in Turkey, living
in Turkey is no more dangerous than living in many other
parts of the world.
Usually cases of terrorist actions in big cities, take place
in non-residential areas where AFS students are not
placed. Schools also take serious security precautions
against terror like keeping well-trained security person-
nel. Almost all the big shopping centers, theatres, hotels
and public places as such are protected devices to a great
measure.
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 AFS students are fully informed at the arrival orientation
camp about security matters in Turkey and made sure
they understand what to do and not to do.
TKV/AFS-TUR shall regularly inform AFS partners about
the security and safety in Turkey
Tips for Students:
• Ask your host family to guide you in these matters.
• Keep away from large crowds like political meetings,
demonstrations etc.
• If possible, avoid public lavatories.
• Keep track of daily politics through TV, newspapers etc.
• Respect people’s religious feelings. Don’t provoke nega-
tive reactions by your actions or attire.
5. Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is caused by in-
fection with a tick-borne virus. Transmission to humans
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occurs through contact with infected animal blood or
ticks. CCHF can be transmitted from one infected human
to another by contact with infectious blood or body fluids.
The onset of CCHF is sudden, with initial signs and symp-
toms including headache, high fever, back pain, joint
pain, stomach pain, and vomiting. Red eyes, a flushed
face, a red throat, and petechiae (red spots) on the palate
are common. Symptoms may also include jaundice, and
in severe cases, changes in mood and sensory perception.
As the illness progresses, large areas of severe bruising,
severe nosebleeds, and uncontrolled bleeding at injection
sites can be seen, beginning on about the fourth day of
illness and lasting for about two weeks.
Insect repellants containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-tolua-
mide) are the most effective in warding off ticks. Wearing
gloves and other protective clothing is recommended.
Individuals should also avoid contact with the blood and
body fluids of livestock or humans who show symptoms
of infection.
If you realize you have a tick bite, do not try to remove it,
please ask your host family or friend who is with you to
take you to the hospital for Tick Removal and Treatment.
6. Earthquakes
Earthquakes are common in most areas of Turkey. Small
earthquakes can happen daily and you probably won’t feel
them. Most Turkish people won’t even react to earthquakes
unless they are larger than 4,5 on the Richter Scale. Howev-
er, if you experience one of the larger ones please remem-
ber that the most important thing during an earthquake is
to remain calm and don’t rush outside.
Protect yourself during earthquake shaking – drop, cover,
and hold on. or glass. Do not go outside!
Dropping, covering your head (and your body by being
under a strong table if possible), and holding onto furniture
(even if it is moving) offers the best overall level of protec-
tion in most situations. In cases where an earthquake is
less violent, you might be able to move to a more advan-
tageous position (e.g. away from breaking windows, etc)
as you drop to the floor, cover your head, and hold on to a
solid object. The area near the exterior walls of a building
is the most dangerous place to be. Windows, facades and
architectural details are often the first parts of the building
to collapse. To stay away from this danger zone, stay inside
if you are inside and outside if you are outside.
If you are...
Indoors: Drop, cover, and hold on. If you are not near a
desk or table, drop to the floor against the interior wall and
protect your head and neck with your arms. Avoid exterior
walls, windows, hanging objects, mirrors, tall furniture,
large appliances, and kitchen cabinets with heavy objects
In bed: If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting
your head with a pillow. You are less likely to be injured
staying where you are. Broken glass on the floor has caused
injury to those who have rolled to the floor or tried to get to
doorways.
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 In a high-rise: Drop, cover, and hold on. Avoid windows and
other hazards. Do not use elevators. Do not be surprised if
sprinkler systems or fire alarms activate.
Outdoors: Move to a clear area if you can safely do so; avoid
power lines, trees, signs, buildings, vehicles, and other
hazards.
On Subways or Other Public Transportation: Stay inside the
train unless it is absolutely necessary to leave. Otherwise,
you may be electrocuted or hit by another train. Hold on to
a strap, handrail or anything that is fixed firmly inside the
train.
Driving: Pull over to the side of the road, stop, and set the
parking brake. Avoid overpasses, bridges, power lines, signs
and other hazards. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking
is over. If a power line falls on the car, stay inside until a
trained person removes the wire.
In a stadium or theater: Stay at your seat and protect your
head and neck with your arms. Don’t try to leave until the
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shaking is over. Then walk out slowly watching for anything
that could fall in the aftershocks.
Near the shore: Drop, cover and hold on until the shaking
stops. Estimate how long the shaking lasts. If severe shaking
lasts 20 seconds or more, immediately evacuate to high
ground as a tsunami might have been generated by the
earthquake. Move inland 3 kilometers (2 miles) or to land
that is at least 30 meters (100 feet) above sea level immediate-
ly. Don’t wait for officials to issue a warning. Walk quickly,
rather than drive, to avoid traffic, debris and other hazards.
Below a dam: Dams can fail during a major earthquake. Cata-
strophic failure is unlikely, but if you live downstream from
a dam, you should know flood-zone information and have
prepared an evacuation plan.
After the earthquake
First take care of your own situation. Aftershocks may cause
additional damage or items to fall, so get to a safe location.
If you are trapped by falling items or a collapse, protect
your mouth, nose, and eyes from dust. If you are bleed-
ing, put pressure on the wound and elevate the injured
part. Signal for help with your emergency whistle, a cell
phone, or knock loudly on solid pieces of the building,
three times every few minutes. Rescue personnel will be
listening for such sounds.
Once you are safe, help others and check for damage. Pro-
tect yourself by wearing sturdy shoes and work gloves, to
avoid injury from broken glass and debris. Also if possible
wear a dust mask and eye protection.
Check for injuries:
• If a person is bleeding, put direct pressure on the wound.
Use clean gauze or cloth, if available.
• If a person is not breathing, administer rescue breathing.
• If a person has no pulse, begin CPR (cardiopulmonary
resuscitation).
• Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are
in immediate danger of further injury.
• Cover injured persons with blankets or additional cloth-
ing to keep them warm.
• Get medical help for serious injuries.
• Carefully check children or others needing special assis-
tance.
The first days after the earthquake…
Aftershocks will continue to happen for several weeks
after major earthquakes. Some may be large enough
to cause additional damage. Always be ready to drop,
cover, and hold on. Until you are sure there are no gas
leaks, do not use open flames (lighters, matches, can-
dles, or grills) or operate any electrical or mechanical
device that can create a spark (light switches, genera-
tors, motor vehicles, etc.). Never use the following items
indoors: camp stoves, gas lanterns or heaters, gas or
charcoal grills, or gas generators. These can release
deadly carbon monoxide or be a fire hazard in after-
shocks.
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 Be in communication

• Your counselors and AFS Turkey staff will contact you at

the earliest time they can. Depending on the transporta-
tion opportunities we will move you to the safest location
possible at the time.

Food and water

• If power is off, plan meals to use up refrigerated and fro-
zen foods first. If you keep the door closed, food in your
freezer may be good for a couple of days.
• Listen to your radio for safety advisories.
• If your water is off or unsafe, you can drink from water
heaters, melted ice cubes, or canned vegetables. Avoid
drinking water from swimming pools or spas.
• Do not eat or drink anything from open containers that
are near shattered glass.

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