
In the last week of May, Ece Akkalay, the İzmir Branch Manager of Edukas UK Universities Official Representation, had the opportunity to participate in a special UK University tour organized by one of our distinguished business partners, Kaplan International Pathways. She also had the privilege of being the only representative from Türkiye invited to this special event, alongside representatives from various countries around the world.
This visit included tours of select universities with which Kaplan International Pathways collaborates within the UK, offering the opportunity to explore and visit both the cities and campuses firsthand. Simultaneously, our Izmir Branch Manager completed one-on-one meetings with university representatives, thoroughly evaluating the academic and social facilities offered to international students.
Such visits not only provide an opportunity to see universities up close, but also prove extremely helpful in our counseling process, allowing us to impart up-to-date and personally experienced information to our students. Based on Ece Akkalay's experiences, it was reiterated that university life in the UK is built on very solid foundations and has a supportive and dynamic structure for international students.
As Edukas, the official representative of UK universities, we aim to enhance the quality of our consultancy services by regularly visiting universities in person with our entire team. This is done to help our students make the most informed choices in their educational journey and to further develop our strong partnerships.
The trip began in Liverpool, the starting point of the tour, with a visit to the prestigious University of Liverpool, a member of the Russell Group. The experience showcased the fusion of Kaplan International College and the university's historical architecture. Information was provided about the university's strong research infrastructure and the support it offers to international students. The advisors also met with five students enrolled in different programs, listened to their current student experiences, and asked questions. Based on this information, Akkalay stated that the institution, with which they already collaborate, provides high-standard education.He observed once again that it possessed that quality.

The trip continued on its second day in Nottingham, where we visited both universities that we represent, resulting in a busy but productive schedule.
Nottingham Trent University truly deserves its title as a city university, particularly with its educational buildings located in the city center. Kaplan International College and the university are practically intertwined, and the campus life is particularly vibrant.
At the same time, the institution's emphasis on practical training was further highlighted by the hundreds of design workshops offered, providing opportunities for continuous learning. In recent years, thanks to its close ties with the business world, this institution has a very high chance of its graduates finding employment. Akkalay met with a student currently studying there and learned about their experiences. She learned that the student, even before graduation, was introduced to institutions where they could find jobs in their field through the school, and was informed about suitable job opportunities and what they could do.
Following this, a visit was made to the University of Nottingham and International College, also a strong member of the Russell Group. This institution, which particularly captivates students with its extensive research capabilities and breathtaking campus atmosphere, offered a wealth of opportunities for international students.

A day was spent at the University of Birmingham, one of the most prestigious universities in the United Kingdom and a member of the Russell Group. After experiencing the organized campus environment, we toured the integrated International College and learned about the university's facilities. This campus, housing all its educational and social buildings, is a true research university with a commitment to academic excellence and a global vision, offering students numerous opportunities for both intellectual and personal development.

Another destination on this trip was the University of Essex. Primarily known for its strong academic infrastructure and faculty in fields such as social sciences, politics, human rights, and business, this university also managed to captivate our advisor with its peaceful and green campus life.
The last day of the trip was spent in London.
Kaplan International College London stands out with its foundation and transfer programs that strongly prepare international students for leading universities in the United Kingdom. Furthermore, Kaplan's significant investment in a central London location offers more than just a typical London university experience.
Following this, we visited the Marylebone campus of the University of Westminster, which we represent. While the university is particularly prominent in the fields of media, art, and design, it also aims to offer strong programs and modern facilities in areas such as Business and Architecture, with campuses located in the city center.

This trip is not limited to this; Ece Akkalay, the İzmir Branch Manager of Edukas UK Universities Official Representation, makes numerous visits to the United Kingdom at regular intervals, giving her the opportunity to visit many universities. All of our consultants consider it their duty to gain valuable insights and experiences by being directly present on campus, rather than relying solely on brochures or online resources, in order to maximize the consulting services they provide to their students.
Through visits like these, our advisors help students make the most suitable university choice based on their expectations and perspectives. By observing the physical conditions and facilities of the universities, their academic approaches, social facilities, and the support they provide to international students, they offer personalized, realistic, and reliable counseling services.
Especially for a path like the United Kingdom, which offers numerous and highly prestigious options, making the right university choice with the right guidance is crucial for students' adaptation to the process and success. The knowledge and experience our consultants have gained in the field form the foundation of Edukas consultancy, ensuring that our students' educational journey begins on a solid foundation. Edukas continues to provide its students with the most accurate and reliable guidance not only in university selection but also throughout the entire application and placement process.
“With Edukas’ support, having completed my master’s degree in the UK years ago, it’s a great pleasure and responsibility to accompany young people on the same path now. Visiting universities in person isn’t just about getting to know the buildings; it’s about understanding what a student feels. School isn’t just classrooms; this process is made up of dreams, anxieties, and excitement. As someone who once sat in those seats, I continue to look at things through a student’s eyes. And for me, consulting means paving the way for others with light.”
— Ece Akkalay, Izmir Branch Manager, Official Representative of Edukas UK Universities.







