Foreign students trained at Turkey's military academy

The Turkish Military Academy, with its traditional name Harbiye, has been training foreign students from three continents in addition to Turkish officers. 

Within the scope of mutual agreements, 285 students coming from 19 countries, such as Azerbaijan, Georgia, Saudi Arabia, Gambia and Somalia have been studying at the Turkish Military Academy, where the Turkish Republic's founding father, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, chiefs of general staff and force commanders also studied.  

Throughout their education, students are able to study Turkish and learn about Turkish culture.

"When I first came to Turkey, I faced difficulties not knowing the language," Ebou Touray, a Gambian student, told The Anadolu Agency.

Touray added that he later took Turkish lessons to overcome the problem. 

"We are getting a great education here and I feel myself lucky. After graduation, I will use what I learned here to benefit my country," Touray added. 

Kosovan student Liridona Baftijari said she came to Turkey in 2011.

"Learning Turkish and knowing Turkish culture may ease my professional life in the future," she added.

Baftijari also said the commanders and Turkish friends are helping her adapt to the school and lessons. 

Turkish student Abdurrahman Dincbas said 50 students out of 285 are still attending Turkish preparation courses, which last for one year.

"Foreign students are getting an education under the same conditions and standards as Turkish students," said Dincbas.

In addition to military education, students can also study industry, electronics, civil engineering, machinery, computer, map engineering, business management, public administration and sociology. 

Anadolu Agency