SCHOOL OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES

The Turkish-Japanese Science and Technology University is structured as a research university with English as the language of instruction and adopting international academic standards. Accordingly, the primary goal of the School of Foreign Languages is to enable students to acquire advanced English language skills that they can effectively use in academic, professional, and international communication environments.

The preparatory program aims not only to improve students' general English proficiency but also to equip them with academic reading, writing, listening, presentation, and discussion skills, thus providing them with a strong foundation for their undergraduate studies. Throughout the program, students' critical thinking, academic communication, and interdisciplinary work skills are also supported.

In line with the international structure of the Turkish-Japanese Science and Technology University, Japanese language training is also provided alongside English instruction. This aims to better prepare students for both the global academic world and for scientific and technological collaborations with Japan.

In addition to preparatory education, supportive language applications will be offered throughout students' undergraduate studies to improve their academic writing, research-oriented communication, and technical presentation skills.

All undergraduate programs at the Turkish–Japanese Science and Technology University (TJU) are delivered entirely in English. In line with the University’s research-oriented educational model, international academic environment, and commitment to educating graduates capable of competing at the global level, the English Preparatory Program is compulsory for all undergraduate students. At TJU, preparatory education is designed not merely as a traditional language training program, but as a comprehensive academic development year that prepares students for life and study in an international research university environment.

Accordingly, all students are required to attend the preparatory program. Students may be placed into different levels and proficiency groups according to their English language skills; however, the academic and cultural components of the preparatory program are common to all students. The program aims to develop students’ academic reading, academic writing, critical thinking, oral communication, presentation skills, research communication, and scientific study skills. By the end of the preparatory year, students are expected to attain the linguistic and academic competencies necessary to participate effectively in English-medium undergraduate education, research projects, and international academic collaborations.

One of the most distinctive features of the TJU Preparatory Program is its integration with the Japanese Language and Culture Program. As a university established through the strategic partnership between Türkiye and Japan, TJU aims to educate graduates who are not only proficient in English but also familiar with the Japanese language, culture, and professional environment. Therefore, throughout the preparatory year, all students receive introductory Japanese language education as well as courses covering Japanese culture, society, history, academic traditions, and business practices. These studies provide a strong foundation for future academic and professional engagement with Japanese universities, research institutions, and technology companies.

Upon completion of the preparatory year, all students are required to take a total of four compulsory credit-bearing language courses during the first and second years of their undergraduate education.

The Japanese Language and Culture Program is one of the fundamental pillars of the TJU educational model and extends beyond the preparatory year. Students begin their Japanese language education during the preparatory program, and this training continues systematically throughout the first two years of undergraduate study. The primary objective of the program is to equip students with the linguistic and intercultural competencies necessary to participate actively in academic, scientific, and technological collaborations between Türkiye and Japan.

Following the preparatory year, all students are required to complete four compulsory credit-bearing Japanese language courses during their first and second years of undergraduate study. These courses are designed to progressively develop students’ Japanese language proficiency and prepare them for academic, technical, and professional communication environments. The curriculum includes General Japanese, Academic Japanese, Technical Japanese, and Japanese for Business and Professional Communication.

The program focuses not only on language acquisition but also on providing students with a comprehensive understanding of Japanese research culture, innovation ecosystems, technology development processes, industrial structures, and business culture. As a result, students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to participate more effectively in exchange programs, joint research projects, laboratory activities, internships, and future academic or professional opportunities in Japan.

The long-term objective of the program is to educate TJU graduates who can effectively use both English and Japanese, work comfortably in multicultural environments, and contribute to the development of scientific, technological, and economic cooperation between Türkiye and Japan. By integrating English-medium education with a structured Japanese language and culture curriculum, TJU offers a distinctive educational model that differentiates it from other universities in Türkiye.