Maarif Alumni Gather in Samsun

July 25, 2026

International students who graduated from Turkish Maarif Foundation schools and are continuing their higher education in Türkiye gathered at the 19 Mayıs Youth Camp in Samsun, hosted by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

The camp programme, designed for graduates of Maarif Schools pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies at various universities across Türkiye, was organised in two separate sessions. A total of 143 Maarif alumni from 14 countries participated in the programme, comprising 73 female students who attended from 14 to 18 July and 70 male students who attended from 20 to 25 July.

Throughout the camp, students took part in swimming, various sea-based activities, sports, logic games and folk dance workshops. The programme provided participants with an opportunity to relax, meet other Maarif alumni from different countries and form new friendships.

In addition to sporting and social activities, educational and informational sessions were organised to support students in preparing for their future. As part of the programme, Turkish Maarif Foundation Board of Trustees Member Selim Cerrah and representatives from the Departments of Student and Alumni Affairs, Social and Cultural Activities, and Human Resources met with the students and delivered presentations.

The sessions addressed students’ educational experiences in Türkiye, their personal and professional development, career planning, maintaining communication with Turkish Maarif Foundation, and potential international collaborations they could develop after graduation. During the interactive sessions, students exchanged views with the speakers and asked questions about topics of interest.

Aiming to strengthen solidarity and cooperation among Maarif alumni studying in different cities across Türkiye, the camp enabled students to share their university experiences and exchange information about the challenges they encounter. The programme also contributed to strengthening the international Maarif alumni network.