Within the framework of the Union of Thrace Universities (UTU) Sub-Working Group Meetings, online sessions for all sub-working groups were held via Microsoft Teams under the coordination of Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, the UTU coordinating institution. In this context, the International Students Sub-Working Group convened online on 3 February 2026 at 15:00.
During the meeting, common challenges experienced by international students studying at UTU member universities were discussed across key stages of the student journey, including application/admission, enrolment, information and guidance, orientation and integration, accommodation, and academic and language support. Participants exchanged institutional experiences and evaluated solution proposals.
The meeting also included an exchange of views on coordination mechanisms and areas of joint cooperation to support more effective management of international student-related processes. The meeting was attended by Lect. Dr. Duygu Altunoğlu Yıldız and Merve Tekdurmaz, Section Head (Legislation and Correspondence), Office of Student Affairs from Kırklareli University; Assist. Prof. Dr. Rıfat Gürgendereli from Trakya University; Assist. Prof. Dr. Uğur Özgür and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Harun Göçerler from Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University; and Technician Elvan Avşar Güney from Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University.
At the end of the meeting, participants reached a consensus on monitoring shared problem areas under thematic headings, ensuring that information and guidance materials are clearer and more accessible, sharing good practices in orientation/integration processes, and clarifying concrete follow-up steps to strengthen inter-university coordination at the next meeting.
International students Inter-university coordination Online workshop
