Istanbul Gelisim University Winter Academy Brought Together More Than 500 High School Students

Istanbul Gelisim University’s Have Your IGU Coach (İGÜ Koçun Olsun) - High School Winter Academy, offered free of charge for high school students, was held on 3, 5, and 6 February 2026 at the university’s Avcılar Campus. Organized on three separate days, the program aimed to help students better understand themselves, discover their interests and abilities, and shape their future education and career plans more consciously. Overall, the Winter Academy brought together more than 500 students on campus.

Scientific Assessments Supporting Career and Major Selection

The High School Winter Academy was designed to evaluate students’ individual characteristics using scientifically grounded methods and support them in identifying suitable career paths and academic majors. As part of the program, the Vocational Orientation test and the Holland Career Interest test, administered and interpreted by expert trainers, were used to assess students’ interest areas, strengths, and personal inclinations.
Students also had the opportunity to experience the university environment firsthand and received comprehensive information about the educational approach and academic opportunities of Istanbul Gelisim University.
Participants came from Science and Anatolian High Schools, Vocational and Technical High Schools, and private schools. The majority consisted of 11th- and 12th-grade students as well as recent graduates, accompanied throughout the process by school psychological counselors.

University Introduction and Campus Experience Combined

During the Winter Academy, students participated in computer-assisted vocational assessment sessions. Individual and group evaluations were conducted based on their test results, and an informative seminar was delivered on the university and its academic departments.
In addition, campus tours covering the university grounds, library, and social areas were organized to enhance students' awareness of university life. All program components were structured to help students understand themselves better and shape their future plans.

A Professional Team Led the Education Process

The program’s training sessions and test implementations were carried out by psychologists and psychological counselors. Throughout the process, experienced trainers and the guidance team provided students with one-on-one support.
The Have Your IGU Coach - High School Winter Academy was implemented as a guidance model aimed at supporting students during their transition to university with accurate and effective direction. Through this program, Istanbul Gelisim University seeks to help students recognize their interests and abilities at an early stage, experience the university environment, and make informed educational choices.