The School of Foreign Languages (SFL) at Middle East Technical University (METU) plays a central role in supporting the University's English-medium academic environment by providing students with the language proficiency and communication skills required for their academic and professional development. In this capacity, the SFL coordinates the academic and administrative activities of its two departments, the Division of Basic English (DBE) and the Division of Modern Languages (DML), and oversees the planning, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of the educational activities carried out within these departments.
The primary objective of the SFL is to help METU students acquire and develop the language skills necessary to pursue their academic studies effectively in English. In this regard, particular emphasis is placed on enabling students to follow courses offered in their respective departments, access and make effective use of academic resources in their fields of study, communicate and exchange information, express their ideas effectively in both spoken and written English, and participate actively in academic discourse. The SFL also seeks to equip students with the language skills they will need in their future professional and social lives. In addition to English, the School contributes to the development of opportunities for learning other foreign languages in line with students' needs and the University's academic objectives.
The activities of the SFL extend beyond language education for METU students. Through language courses open to the public and customized training programs developed under agreements and protocols with external institutions, the School also provides educational services to individuals and organizations outside the University. These initiatives aim to address a diverse range of language learning needs, promote lifelong learning, and contribute to the improvement of foreign language education in society.
Within this framework, the School of Foreign Languages carries out the following activities:
I. English Language Education
Through the Division of Basic English and the Department of Modern Languages, the SFL provides English language instruction tailored to the academic and professional needs of METU students. Educational activities are designed in accordance with students' existing language proficiency levels and the requirements of their academic programs. In addition to developing general language proficiency, the programs place particular emphasis on the academic English skills students need throughout their university education. To ensure the continuous improvement of educational quality, curricula, instructional materials, and assessment practices are regularly reviewed and enhanced. The School also supports the professional development of its instructors through various training and development activities.
II. English Proficiency Exam (EPE)
The SFL is responsible for the development, preparation, and administration of the English Proficiency Exam (EPE), which is used to assess the English language proficiency of students admitted to METU's undergraduate and graduate programs. The examination is administered six times a year for different groups of test-takers. It consists of sections designed to assess listening, reading, note-taking, writing, and speaking skills. Further information about the examination content, format, administration procedures, and sample test materials is available at epe.metu.edu.tr.
III. Academic Writing Center (AWC)
The Academic Writing Center operates within the SFL to support the development of English academic and scientific writing skills, primarily among graduate students, as well as faculty members and fourth-year undergraduate students. The Center provides individual writing consultations and organizes seminars, workshops, and other training activities on academic writing. Consultation sessions focus on various stages of the writing process, including planning, organizing, revising, and improving written work. Through these services, the Center aims to help participants develop effective writing strategies and become more confident, competent, and independent academic writers.
IV. Self-Access Centre (SAC)
The Serper Tümer Self-Access Centre primarily supports students in the Division of Basic English by providing resources and opportunities for independent English language study beyond the classroom. The Centre offers a collection of books, magazines, reference materials, and supplementary learning resources at various proficiency levels. Its online platform also provides digital resources, practice materials, activities, and tests covering different areas of language learning, including grammar, vocabulary, reading, and writing. In addition to METU students, participants enrolled in foreign language courses offered by the SFL can also access the Centre's online resources. Through these facilities, SAC encourages learner autonomy and helps students take an active role in managing and developing their own learning processes.
V. Professional Development Activities
The SFL supports the continuous professional development of instructors working in the Division of Basic English and the Division of Modern Languages. The professional development needs of instructors are identified, and workshops, seminars, and other development activities are organized to address these needs. These activities aim to enhance instructors' professional knowledge and skills, enrich their teaching practices, and encourage engagement with current approaches and developments in language education. The School also seeks to foster a culture of continuous professional learning and the sharing of knowledge and experience among its academic staff.
VI. Courses Open to the Public
The SFL offers a variety of foreign language courses to participants from outside the University, catering to different proficiency levels, learning needs, and academic or professional goals. These programs include General English courses at various levels, an Intensive General English Program, and an Intensive Academic English Certificate Program, particularly designed for university graduates seeking to develop the English language proficiency required for postgraduate studies.
The School also offers TOEFL iBT and IELTS preparation courses, as well as Pre-TOEFL and Pre-IELTS programs for participants who wish to prepare for these examinations but need to strengthen their general English proficiency first. Other specialized courses include Academic Speaking and Presentation Skills, Speaking Clubs, YDS preparation courses, and preparation courses for the METU English Proficiency Exam (EPE). To accommodate participants' different schedules and preferences, courses are delivered in both face-to-face and online formats.
VII. Customized Language Training Programs for Institutions
In addition to courses open to the public, the SFL provides customized foreign language training programs for public institutions, private-sector organizations, and other entities through agreements and institutional protocols. These programs are designed in accordance with the specific training objectives, staff profiles, and language learning needs of each institution. Course content, duration, and delivery formats are tailored to the requirements of the participating organizations. Depending on institutional needs, training can be provided either face-to-face or online.
VIII. International Examination Centers
The School of Foreign Languages also serves as an ETS®-authorized test center for the TOEFL iBT and GRE examinations. The test center has two fully equipped computer laboratories with a combined capacity of 26 test-takers. These facilities provide the necessary technical infrastructure for the administration of internationally recognized examinations in accordance with the relevant testing standards and procedures.
Through these diverse activities, the School of Foreign Languages aims to develop the language proficiency required by METU students for their academic and professional lives, support the professional development of its instructors, and provide high-quality foreign language education to individuals and institutions beyond the University. By bringing together language education, assessment, academic writing support, and independent learning opportunities, the SFL contributes to METU's international academic standing and to the continuous development of foreign language education.