Student Clubs and International Student Societies Workshop, organized by the Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Student Development, Activities and Sport Affairs Directorate, was successfully held on 14-17 October 2025 at EMU Central Lecture Hall building and Mustafa Afşin Ersoy Hall. The said workshop was held in two separate sessions. On 14-15 October, sessions were held for student clubs and, sessions held on 16-17 October addressed international student societies. All sessions were held between 04:00 p.m. and 07:00 p.m. on the specified dates, receiving great participation.
Aim: Coexistence and Harmony
Aligned with this year’s “Coexistence and Harmony” manifesto, the workshop seeks to make student clubs more effective, efficient, and sustainable, foster stronger collaboration among them, and develop new ideas that enrich university life with social and cultural diversity.
High Level of Participation and Effective Work
The workshop was attended by 500 board members from 50 Student Clubs and 55 International Student Societies. Dr. Jülide Erdal Üngör led and presented the workshop, while academic staff member Zehra Nalbantoğlu coordinated the training sessions.
Delivering the opening speech of the event, Cemal Kılıç –the Director of Student Development, Activities and Sports Affairs Directorate– stated that universities serve as spaces where local contexts meet global perspectives. Kılıç emphasized that at Eastern Mediterranean University, where students from diverse cultural backgrounds come together, they are moving forward toward creating a model of civilization in line with the vision of the Rector’s Office.
Kılıç noted that the workshop aims to foster mutual learning and interaction by encouraging participants to understand cultural differences from each culture’s own perspective. He emphasized that just as interdependence exists in nature, it also applies to human relationships, with the principle “I exist because you exist, you exist because I exist” forming the foundation of this approach. In this regard, Kılıç highlighted that initiatives such as collaborative projects among representatives of different cultures and activities promoting intercultural dialogue serve as tangible expressions of this vision.
Kılıç also highlighted that university students should go beyond simply understanding cultural differences and collaboratively discuss global challenges to create shared solutions. He pointed out that this approach naturally aligns with the mission of universities as spaces for thinking, sharing, and producing ideas that bridge the local and the global.
After Dr. Üngör’s presentation, participants engaged in group activities in the classrooms of the Central Lecture Halls Building, focusing on enhancing and sustaining student initiatives. During the interactive sessions, they examined the current structures of the clubs, the challenges they face, and the areas that require further development.
Results and Expectations
The final report from the workshop featured important recommendations for student clubs to build stronger communication networks, implement sustainable event planning, and promote cultural diversity. Overall, the workshop helped reinforce EMU’s role as a “dialogue space” where diverse cultures, beliefs, and lifestyles intersect.