MIDDLE EAST TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY
Application to Extended Erasmus University Charter
February 26, 2007
2007-2013 Erasmus Policy Statement (EPS)
Q1. Please describe briefly your institution's strategy, objectives and priorities for its Erasmus activities (mobility,
multilateral projects and thematic networks, etc.) and any other actions in the context of the Lifelong Learning
Programme (2007 2013). Please also provide information on the following points:
What specific actions are planned to give visibility to Erasmus activities and what type of publicity will be given to the
Erasmus University Charter and the EPS?
What kind of arrangements, if any, does the Institution ensure to comply with non-discrimination objectives (e.g.
actions related to gender equality, integration of disabled students and staff, enhancement of social and economic
cohesion and combating of xenophobia and racism)?
METU is the leading technical university in Turkey in terms of the number of publications in international journals,
and the amount of funds generated from international research projects.The European context has been assuming
increasing attention in the research and education programs of the University. The Centre for European Studies
(CES-METU) was founded in 1997 as an interdisciplinary academic unit to undertake research and training on
European integration and to enhance collaboration with universities and research centres in the EU countries.
Moreover, “METU European Society” was founded in 1993 and accepted by AEGEE network as AEGEE-Ankara by
an Agora decision taken 1995.With Turkey becoming an associated country after the Helsinki Summit, METU has
established the European Union Affairs Office in 2000 to coordinate the research and higher education activities
between Turkey and EU.As attested by 225 active exchange or cooperation programs with universities and research
institutions ranging from University of California in USA to Darmstadt University in Germany, METU leads the
national universities in terms of depth and breadth of international ties. Moreover, the University is a member of
many networks and associations to include EUa, EAIE, SEFI, UNESCO-International Association of Universities,
Digital Education Network.At present our academics are involved in 45 different 6th Framework projects either as
partners or as leaders.METU is a member of many associations dealing with international education and exchange
such as EAIE, IEE, GE3 and CIEE. For promotion of Socrates program, periodic information sessions are arranged
to the faculty and students. The METU/Erasmus web site aimed at the faculty and students is well-constructed. The
Information Package and ECTS has been completed. A university catalog is also available on the web. The
University’s priority in LLP will be on Erasmus, particularly mobility and IP activities. Having a Vocational School,
Distance Learning Centre, Continuing Education Centre and Faculty of Education within its establishment, METU is
a serious candidate for student placements as well. METU also gives great importance to non-discrimination
objectives.In recognition of the special needs of its disabled students, METU Friendship and Solidarity Society was
established in 1990 to support the visually impaired students. Moreover, in 2003, the “METU Disability Support
Program”, a comprehensive effort, was initiated with aim of creating a Campus entirely suitable for disabled students
by the year 2010. This EPS has been prepared by a committee comprised of one vice-president, one assistant to
the president and the coordinator of the Study Abroad Office, subject to the guidelines approved by the University
Senate. This EPS will be implemented by the University Executive Council and Senate within the framework of the METU Strategic Plan.
Q2. What kind of specific measures are implemented in the institution to ensure high quality in academic mobility
activities?
Details should be provided on: recognition and credit systems, the provision of information on curricula, information
and counselling of outgoing students, tutoring and integration of incoming students, provision of student services (in
particular accommodation), preparatory and refresher language courses, support and acknowledgement of staff mobility.
English as the language of instruction in all its degree programs has greatly facilitated METU’s efforts to
accommodate international students and researchers.METU hosts about 1300 international students from nearly 65
different countries studying toward myriad of academic degrees. METU has recently launched 7 joint PhD programs
with French universities. A number of joint MS and PhD programs with selected universities in Europe are under
consideration. METU has extensive experience in mobility programs. At the moment, it has 110 Erasmus
agreements with European Universities and more than 100 bilateral agreements with universities in other parts of
the world. In order to organize exchange programs, the Study Abroad (SAO) Office was founded in 1992. For the
incoming students, SOA office organizes an orientation program to help the students adapt to living in a new
environment and culture. The Office also organizes the METU International Summer School. In addition to the
guidance provided by this Office to the outgoing students, courses on various foreign languages prepare the
outgoing students. The reputation of METU as a world-class teaching institution has made METU an attractive
destination for exchange students and faculty.At the moment, there are about 140 incoming and 220 outgoing
students. ECTS and Diploma Supplement are being issued.METU received “Diploma Supplement Label” in 2006.
METU is a member of many associations dealing with international education and exchange such as EAIE, IEE,
GE3 and CIEE. METU actively participates in AIESEC and IAESTE summer internship programs.As for staff
exchange, each year some 50 visiting faculty come to METU for research and teaching. On-campus accommodation
is made available also for the visiting faculty. In addition, METU faculty is also encouraged to participate in staff
mobility. METU faculty is eligible to use “sabbatical leave” abroad.
Q3. What kind of specific measures are implemented to ensure high quality in student placements? Give details on how
the work-programme and the placement agreement are prepared and implemented. Please describe the practical
arrangements agreed between the parties. Please specify also the monitoring and evaluation of the placement period
as well as its recognition in the curriculum.
Having a Vocational School and a well-established Faculty of Engineering, METU is a serious candidate for student
placements as well. METU already actively participates in AIESEC and IAESTE summer internship programs and
has also completed a Project titled "Industrial Mineral Research", in Germany. The Faculty of Engineering, which is
the largest faculty at METU, offers 13 undergraduate programs as well as numerous graduate programs at both
master's and doctoral level. In all undergraduate programs in this faculty practical experience is required for the
degree and accordingly, students are required to go into summer practice at the end of their second and third years
and to have a satisfactory record of their summer employment approved by their Departments.This approval is given
by the placement committee in each department by evaluating the report the students have to prepare at the end of
their work, which is recognized by being displayed on the transcripts. The Faculty of Engineering, being aware of its
distinguished standing in the country, gives utmost priority to research activities and to relations with the industry,
which results in cooperative links with universities in the U.S.A., Europe and Australia via several educational and
R&D protocols and also to enhance international collaboration, and networking. Accompanied by the Technology
Development (Incubator) Centre, the University’s science park, METU-Technopolis, has been a major undertaking to
foster strong links with industry and support entrepreneurial activity. Located within the Campus, METU-Technopolis
as the first operational science park in Turkey admitted its first company in 2001. Today it already hosts around 150
high-tech R&D companies which carry a portfolio of over 300 national and international research projects.
Note: 2007-2013 Extended EUC has been granted by European Commission in August 2007.
For 2004-2007 EPS please click.
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