Turkish teacher knows value of language

ANKARA－Muberra Batuhan, a young teacher who considers China as her "second motherland", has been working to promote Chinese language and culture in Turkey among youngsters, as students in her country eye opportunities for higher education in China.

Batuhan, now living in Ankara, got a degree in Chinese language and literature from a university in Xi'an, Northwest China's Shaanxi province, where she studied for over four years.

"I have been teaching Mandarin lessons for five years now in different universities and private education establishments," she says.

"My job is not only teaching Chinese, but also giving my students a broad approach to immerse themselves in Chinese culture."

As Turkey and China have beefed up cooperation in all fields during the past years, the people-to-people exchanges have also been upgraded.

"I think that the growing influence of the Chinese economy plays a big part in the rise of interest in Chinese language in Turkey. People nowadays feel that knowing English is not enough for professional opportunities, therefore, they are turning toward Chinese, which is a plus," Batuhan says.

One of her students, Ekin Peksen, who is majoring in law at a university in Ankara, aspires to become a lawyer specializing in trade and marine issues.

She envisions being able to work in China after she graduates, where diverse business opportunities are offered to foreigners.

"Definitely one of my purposes of learning Chinese is to ultimately go there," she says.

Peksen watches Chinese TV series and listens to Chinese music.

More than 100,000 Turkish students annually choose to study abroad to receive better education. With more opportunities offered by China, the trend is turning toward this nation, both Batuhan and Peksen say.

"Today, compared to the year of 2015 when I went to China for higher education, there is a significant increase in Turkish students traveling to China for undergraduate and postgraduate studies," Batuhan says.

"I would definitely recommend any Turkish student to pursue higher education in China."

Xinhua