OUR STORY
The Beauty of Istanbul:
Written By: Aly Rajab – Chairman
Welcome to CLLC Turkey, an innovative private Turkish school that brings the expertise and resources of our Canadian EAL schools to the heart of Istanbul. We are thrilled to have you join our community of learners, and to embark on a transformative journey of education together. Our story began when my family and I were drawn to the beauty and diversity of Istanbul, a city that captured our hearts with its vibrant energy and rich culture. Little did we know that the COVID-19 pandemic would change the course of our lives, leading us to a life-changing experience that inspired us to establish CLLC Turkey as our first global expansion of CLLC Canada.
Turkish & Canadian Cultures:
During the pandemic, my family and I made the decision to stay in Istanbul instead of flying back to Toronto due to concerns about the risks associated with traveling through airports and planes. Over the course of four months, we had the opportunity to explore the city like locals and were captivated by its charm. The kindness and hospitality of the Turkish people left a lasting impression on us, and we envisioned the potential for a world-class K-8 school that could bring together Turkish and Canadian cultures.
As a family, we were eager for our oldest son to experience Istanbul’s multiculturalism. However, despite our deep affection for the city and its people, we encountered difficulty in finding a suitable school for our son. As a newcomer whose primary language is English, we faced challenges in identifying a school that could provide a suitable education for him
International schools in Turkey:
Finding the right school that strikes a balance between the benefits of an international school and the cultural immersion of a private Turkish school can be a challenging task, especially for new Turkish immigrants and expats who are seeking an education that caters to their children’s specific needs. These needs include a school where the team and teachers are proficient in both English and Turkish, as well as a multicultural environment that offers top-notch Turkish curricula.
International schools in Turkey prioritize offering an education based on international curricula, which may not be recognized by Turkish universities. These schools typically teach in English and welcome diverse students. However, Turkish citizens need dual citizenship or government authorization to attend international schools due to the national curriculum mandate.
Private schools in Turkey:
On the other hand, Private schools in Turkey that concentrate on the Turkish curriculum and provide limited English instruction may not be able to assist new immigrants who need extra help to learn the Turkish language and culture. This can make it difficult for parents looking for an immersive learning environment that enriches their children’s English skills beyond what private schools provide.
CLLC Turkey is Our Solution:
CLLC Turkey is our solution to the challenges we faced. We created an innovative school that bridged the cultural gap between private and international schools and provided a comprehensive educational approach with Turkish curriculum, CLLC Canada English education, and optional religious foundations. Our aim is to serve the needs of both local and international families who choose to make Turkey their new home, by providing a unique and engaging learning experience that fosters multicultural and religious values. Our goal is to offer a world-class education that prepares students for success in a globalized world while building a sense of community and belonging.
Our Resort-Style School:
At CLLC Turkey, we believe that education should not only be about academic learning but should also involve cultural immersion and recreational activities. Our resort-style school provides an inclusive and welcoming environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Our decision to purchase land and build our own school was driven by our desire to create an environment that reflects our vision and values. The 2500 sqm land, located in the green Beykoz area of Istanbul, is a purpose-built facility designed by BuseDustan, a renowned architectural designer. The circular school building is a symbolic landmark in the city, representing our commitment to innovation and creativity in education.
By adopting a resort-style approach, we aim to transform the learning experience into an enjoyable and engaging journey. Our school features state-of-the-art facilities, lush green spaces, and a variety of recreational areas. We offer a range of extracurricular activities and cultural programs that allow students to explore their interests and broaden their horizons.
Education and Transformation:
We offer a diverse range of programs that cater to the unique needs and interests of our students. Our cultural exchange programs provide students with opportunities to learn about different cultures and develop a global perspective. We also offer recreational activities that promote physical fitness and mental well-being.
Join us on this journey of education and transformation at CLLC Turkey.