A trip to a place like Istanbul can truly be a life-changing experience, one I was fortunate enough to have as part of the contingent of faculty and students involved in our new Turkish exchange program. I can honestly say I was overwhelmed by the beauty, history and magnitude of this great city. And as a professional development opportunity, learning about both the Turkish educational system and deepening my understanding of this region will inform much of my administrative and teaching work going forward.

But enough about me! The main purpose of the exchange was to expose our students to another culture and to broaden their sense of the world around them. To that I can say mission accomplished. After landing at Ataturk International Airport on Sunday evening, the students were greeted warmly by their Turkish families and promptly whisked off to their home students' houses all around Istanbul. Trying to shake off the jet lag from a full day of travel, they arrived the next day at Uskudar American Academy with bright smiles and positive attitudes. The school is situated in Uskudar, a historic district of Istanbul on the Asian side of the Bosphorus Strait, which cuts through the city. With several buildings and a well-manicured campus, UAA is an oasis in the midst of a teeming metropolis of around 15 million. The school's students follow a busy schedule much like their CA counterparts. Our five students learned how to navigate their way and mostly followed their hosts' schedules, although there were some specially arranged classes for us, including a wonderful art workshop in which students learned a traditional form of Turkish painting called ebru.

The students also enjoyed some of the classic touristy experiences in the city--visiting the Sultan Ahmet (Blue) Mosque, the Aya Sophia, the Spice Bazaar, and Galata Tower, among many other sites. But even this part of the trip was enhanced by the presence and support of our Turkish hosts who were able to narrate and translate as we went along. As we looked out over the city from the vantage point of Galata Tower, on a hill and eight stories high, we could see directly the layers upon layers of history of this magnificent metropolis on the Bosphorus Strait.

There were many indications that our students had been well immersed in a new culture; they were trying hard to learn Turkish, a difficult language, and to really understand and appreciate the educational system there (many similarities but also some key differences). They had also bonded and/or re-connected with the students they had met a few months earlier when eight Turkish students came to Colorado. About a week into their experience I checked in with our kids. After the usual stories about food, shopping and families, not to mention the astounding traffic in Istanbul, they also shared some of the more profound insights. One student noted that her "cultural perspective is definitely changed. I know will be ready to try more things now and be a more well-rounded person."

Moreover, when I saw them on Tuesday of this past week (our first day back at school), they were frustrated by the fact that they couldn't adequately explain what they had experienced, why it was so meaningful. They lamented that other students were asking them some overly-simple questions about their trip and the people there. We all wanted to push through those cultural stereotypes; no, all the women didn't wear full head coverings; no, the people weren't in mosques all day; no, there was no evidence (at all) of animosity towards Americans. Indeed, I think all of us involved in this program now feel a strong affinity for Turkish culture and people. We know that this important country, literally bridging Asia and Europe, will continue to play a pivotal role in world events. More importantly, we now know the people as generous, cosmopolitan, intelligent, motivated and incredibly hospitable and welcoming.

Once again I can say: mission accomplished. I will write more next week about the interesting differences between our educational system and that of Turkey; a handful of anecdotes will shed light on why I am even more appreciative of the incredible independence and freedom we have at Colorado Academy.