Student in Turkey Discusses Food with PenPals

Across cultures, there is one tradition that brings people together like nothing else: food! People gather to break bread in celebration, to build community, and to continue traditions. Food tells a story, it can make people feel at home and spark memories. So, it’s no wonder that students around the world love to compare foods!

Meet the newest PenPal Star, Metehan from Turkey! Metehan did a great job of sharing Turkish foods with PenPals from around the world in A World of Food, helping his PenPals learn more about popular foods in Turkey.

It is essential to teach students around the world to be global citizens who understand and respect others’ cultures, ideas, and perspectives, regardless of where they come from. Well Penpal schools is great because it brings pupils from all over the world together in new collaborative projects.
-Metehan’s Teacher Muhammet Emin

Metehan and his teacher, Muhammet Emin

Check out the popular Turkish foods that Metehan shared with his PenPals!

PenPal Star Metehan is a fourth grader who loves learning English because he can meet new people and new cultures. Global connections are part of his school’s mission!

Metehan’s school, Osmaniye Doğa Koleji, in Turkey

Our School’s name is Osmaniye Doğa koleji. Our school values international relations to make sure that our students have the best international standards and are able to live and work anywhere in the world. We have a standard of raising internationally aware students; therefore, we carry out international projects and support our instructors and students' studies abroad.
-Teacher Muhammet Emin from Osmaniye Doğa Koleji in Turkey

Metehan and his classmates in Turkey

When he’s not learning with PenPals, Metehan likes to practice sports and recently joined a martial arts club! We had a chance to catch up with Metehan to learn more about his experience learning with PenPals!

PENPAL SCHOOLS: What has been your favorite thing about learning with PenPals?
METEHAN: My friends and I discuss what we have learned with their PenPals and are encouraged to reflect and comment on what our PenPals write. We can exchange our perspectives and cultural norms regarding the topics and share personal stories on how these issues have affected our lives.

Tell us about the final project you decided to publish in the showcase! What did you choose to create, and why? How did you come up with that idea?
I published my project with my friends because I prepared my project but I did not have courage. I chose Turkish traditional foods like lahmacun, kebap, Baklava and okra.

What is the most interesting thing you learned from your PenPals?
I learned their Traditional foods. I will try those foods because I really wonder their taste.

What was the most important lesson you learned in this project?
I realized my mistakes about my country and traditional foods. Because when I started to search our traditional food, I understood that our food so delicious and we need to respect this worth.

How did you feel when you found out you were going to be featured as a PenPal Star?
I was surprised. Actually, I am still in a shocked and I am so happy. I am getting interested to learn English more.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
If I had a chance. I would Ireland because from castle hotels to boisterous pubs and the greenest countrysides your eyes will ever behold, Ireland is a feast for the senses.

What advice do you have about being a great PenPal?
Don't shy to have new friends and start to write some projects. Don't forget this slogan ‘Bad English but English.’

Thank you Metehan for sharing some delicious foods from Turkey and being a great PenPal Star!

Your students can join A World of Food to compare foods around the world, too. This topic can help you organize a global potluck or celebration at your school as you try out the recipes shared by PenPals!