The partnership between the University of Florida (UF) and Yeditepe University continues to grow through the Erasmus+

The partnership between the University of Florida (UF) and Yeditepe University continues to grow through the Erasmus+ International Mobility Program, creating meaningful opportunities for faculty and staff to exchange ideas, strengthen institutional relationships, and foster international collaboration.

In recent months, the University of Florida International Center (UFIC) has welcomed three visitors from Yeditepe University while also supporting two UFIC staff members on outbound Erasmus+ exchanges to Türkiye. Together, these reciprocal visits demonstrate a shared commitment to advancing global education and deepening connections between the two institutions.

Welcoming Colleagues from Yeditepe University

The first Erasmus+ visitor was Gülce Kunter, International Exchange and Cooperation Specialist, who visited UF to learn more about the University's approach to international education and global engagement. Her visit provided opportunities to exchange ideas, strengthen institutional ties, and explore areas for future collaboration.

In May, UFIC welcomed Yeşim Ekinci, International Academic Relations Coordinator and Deputy Director of the International Office at Yeditepe University. Throughout her visit, Dr. Ekinci met with faculty and staff from a variety of colleges and units, discussing internationalization strategies, student mobility, sustainable food systems, and opportunities to expand academic partnerships. Her visit reinforced the importance of institutional collaboration in supporting students and advancing international research.

Most recently, UF hosted Dr. Can Erdem, Professor of Marketing at Yeditepe University. Dr. Erdem engaged with faculty and university leaders to discuss interdisciplinary research, artificial intelligence, business education, and innovative approaches to preparing students for an increasingly global workforce. His visit further broadened the academic connections between the two institutions.

Each visitor brought their own expertise, but they all aimed to build lasting relationships, share knowledge, and find new ways for UF and Yeditepe University to work together.

Strengthening the Partnership Abroad

The exchange has been equally meaningful in the opposite direction.

As part of the Erasmus+ program, two UFIC staff members visited Yeditepe University for professional exchanges, extending the relationship started in Gainesville and creating new connections with Yeditepe colleagues and international partners.

Amila Tica, Exchange Coordinator with UFIC's Exchange Visitor Services, participated in Yeditepe University's Erasmus Staff Week, which brought together international education professionals from universities around the world. Through workshops, institutional presentations, cultural activities, and networking, participants shared best practices, explored innovative approaches in higher education, and identified opportunities for future cooperation. For Tica, the experience was also personally meaningful. “The visit brought together many international education professionals from Western Europe and the Balkan region. My family is originally from the Balkans, so the opportunity to connect with colleagues from that part of the world was especially meaningful to me on a personal level. Professionally, it gave us the opportunity to learn about one another’s institutions and work and explore shared interests and opportunities for future collaboration.”

UFIC Director of the Office for Global Research Engagement (OGRE) and Assistant Scholar Michael Kung also spent two weeks at Yeditepe University, meeting with university leadership, faculty, and administrators from various departments, including the International Exchange and Cooperation Office, Humanities and Social Sciences, Political Science and International Relations, Economics, Graphic Design, and Industrial Design. Discussions focused on potential research partnerships, student exchanges, and external funding opportunities through programs such as Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, and Fulbright.

Dr. Kung was particularly struck by the enthusiasm among Yeditepe faculty and administrators for expanding ties with UF. "This visit was never just about meeting face to face. At Yeditepe, I found faculty, economists, designers, political scientists, and administrators who understand that real partnership lives in the people, not the paperwork. What we started that week in June is the foundation for something lasting."

These outbound exchanges reinforced the reciprocal nature of the partnership, allowing both institutions to benefit from shared experiences, professional development, and relationships that can lead to future academic and research collaborations.

As the partnership evolves, UF and Yeditepe University remain committed to expanding international collaboration and preparing their campus communities to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.