The TÖMER Orientation Program for the 2025-2026 Academic Year, organized by Kastamonu University, was held on October 22, 2025, in the Faculty of Communication Conference Hall.

The program began with a moment of silence and the reading of the Turkish National Anthem, and was attended by Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı, General Coordinator of International Relations Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Öztürk Akcaoğlu, TÖMER Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Onur Hasdedeğlu, academics, and many international students. 

At the opening ceremony, Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı stated that our university places great importance on international students, adding that 1689 foreign students are currently studying here. He emphasized that students would have the opportunity to learn Turkish and get to know Kastamonu's culture and people.

Prof. Dr. Kaymakcı said, "You have come from very far away to meet a new geography, a new university, and new people. "We wish that you have the education you desire here and that you graduate as individuals who have gathered beautiful memories and look to the future with hope when you leave Kastamonu".

Stating that students will have the opportunity to get to know both Turkish and Turkey closely through TÖMER, Prof. Dr. Kaymakcı said, "With TÖMER, you will learn Turkish and at the same time get to know Kastamonu, our culture, and our people. You will have the opportunity to get to know the environment and the city up close through the activities planned by our instructors. "We will continue to support you in this process," he said. 

Following the opening remarks by Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı, TÖMER Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Onur Hasdedeğlu delivered his speech. 

Assoc. Prof. Hasdedeoğlu emphasized that students coming to Turkey from different countries are not only stepping into an academic year but also into a new culture. and "Today is not just the beginning of an academic year for you; it is the first step toward a door opening to Turkey's rich history, ancient culture, and most importantly, our beautiful Turkish language. He used the expressions. Stating that learning Turkish is not just about memorizing grammar rules, Associate Professor Dr. Hasdedeoğlu concluded her remarks by saying, "Learning Turkish means understanding the intellectual worlds of Mevlana and Yunus Emre, knowing the forty-year memory of a Turkish coffee, feeling the taste of a Turkish delight, and most importantly, being able to express yourself in this language." 

Students were given detailed information about academic units, student services, and social activities. Additionally, the importance of guidance and counseling services in facilitating life in Turkey was emphasized. It was stated that these types of programs contribute to the cultural adaptation processes of international students and help them adjust to university life more quickly.

Students from different countries, including Kazakhstan, Sudan, Indonesia, Yemen, Morocco, and Afghanistan, participated in the orientation event. Students had the opportunity to get to know each other and also experience firsthand the facilities offered by our university. 

As part of the program, there was a booth showcasing Turkey's cultural values and geographical richness. Turkish delight was offered to the students at the event.