For nearly 25 years the Bilkent MA TEFL program has been serving to the professional development needs of English language teachers from across Turkey and the region. Anyone who has ever had a connection with MA TEFL knows how special and unique this program is, and I believe there are several reasons for this.

First, this is a program characterized and energized by its diverse student body. From its earliest days, MA TEFL has made an effort to reach out to teachers from every corner of Turkey, and to date, we have had teachers from over 50 different universities and 7 different countries. The result of this diversity is a richer experience for all who come here. At MA TEFL the students really are the program, and it is to their credit that the program continues to thrive.

Second, MA TEFL has benefited tremendously from its sponsors. Bilkent University has been a staunch supporter of the program since its founding, and remains the key to the program's long-term development and growth. The Fulbright Commission has also long provided support in the form of visiting program directors, visiting faculty members, and aid for research.

And finally, MA TEFL has succeeded in producing successful Master level graduates year after year because of the close-and intense-working partnership forged between the students and the program faculty. It is this cooperative relationship that enables students to accomplish so much, and that makes the experience so rewarding for all.

Julie Mathews-Aydınlı, Ph.D.