Meet Our Friendly & Professional Team
Since 2014, Turkish ConneXion has been proudly offering Turkish language classes with a strong focus on quality instruction and community-building. Originally launched with in-person sessions in Tribeca, NY, we now offer dynamic online classes across the U.S.
We are passionate about teaching and committed to delivering a structured learning environment, with small class sizes, personalized attention, and emphasis on conversation. English is only used when necessary to explain complex grammar or semantics—our goal is full immersion.
Our biggest asset is our team of talented, professional instructors. All are fluent in English to help bridge any gaps in understanding, but more importantly, they bring dedication, experience, and a love for teaching.
We’re also incredibly proud of the Turkish learning community we’ve built. Many of our students continue with us long-term and form meaningful friendships within our classes. We invite you to join us and experience our supportive, engaging, and culturally rich environment.
Please check our schedule for the class that suits your level. We’re proud to be a pioneer in curriculum design—our materials are used and admired by other schools.
Our team is growing! New instructor profiles coming soon.
Bengisu – Founder, Director & Instructor
Bengisu founded Turkish ConneXion in 2014, using her extensive background in language education to develop a unique and effective curriculum. She has been teaching Turkish and English since 2000, at both high school and university levels in Istanbul and New York.
She holds:
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Master’s in Cultural Studies – Bilgi University, Istanbul
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Bachelor’s in Linguistics – Hacettepe University, Ankara
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TESOL Certificate – Brooklyn College, NYC
Bengisu has also worked as a senior international student counselor at CUNY and The New School. She continues to consult for CUNY colleges today. A passionate traveler, Bengisu loves learning about new cultures and sharing her own.
Ipeksu – Instructor
Ipeksu holds a dual TESOL degree from Anadolu University and SUNY Cortland (2019). After moving to NYC, she taught both English and Turkish to students of all ages. She brings a global perspective to the classroom and has interests in writing, depth psychology, and astrology.
She has been teaching at Turkish ConneXion for over four years.
Betul – Instructor
Betul is an educator and researcher passionate about language acquisition. A 2024 graduate of METU with a major in Foreign Language Education and a minor in Psychology, she is now pursuing her Master’s at Columbia University.
Her academic and teaching journey—from METU to NYC—has shaped her holistic, student-centered teaching philosophy. Outside the classroom, she finds peace in birdwatching and bird photography.
Dilek – Instructor
Dilek holds degrees in Language & Literature and Politics, and has lived and taught in multiple countries. She speaks Turkish, English, and Chinese, and brings rich linguistic and cultural experience to the classroom.
Currently based in Brooklyn, NY, she works as a translator, interpreter, and tutor with deep roots in education and international communication.
Osman– Instructor
Osman joined Turkish ConneXion in 2024 with over a decade of experience teaching Turkish to foreigners at universities, language schools, and cultural institutions in Turkey and abroad.
He holds a PhD, MA, and BA in Turkish Language and Literature from Yıldız Technical University, and a Certificate in Teaching Turkish as a Foreign Language from Istanbul University.
Osman has contributed to major projects like the Ottoman Sources Project at Duke University (2019–2021) and various research initiatives at Yıldız Technical University
🧑🏫 Substitute Teachers
Ozan – Instructor
Ozan has been part of Turkish ConneXion since 2018. He holds a degree in English Language & Literature from Atatürk University, where he also earned his English Teaching Certificate.
Ozan despite his excellent talent teaching languages, he moved to photography area but support us when we need help.
Nesrin – Instructor
Nesrin holds a BA in English & Literature from Kocaeli University, an education diploma from Sakarya University, and a TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate from Oxford Seminars. She completed a teaching practicum in Boston and has taught at both university and language school levels.
A Fulbright Scholar, she taught Turkish at UC Santa Barbara (2019–2020). She is also a playwright and a strong advocate for educational equity, having led several initiatives for underserved youth. Nesrin, one of our vibrant teachers, now works in IT sector but supports us when we need help.
Hanne – Substitute Instructor
With a vibrant heritage that includes Turkish, Argentine, Estonian, Danish, and Inuit roots, Hanne brings global perspective and creativity to her teaching.
Raised in Ankara, she later studied at Northeastern University (BA in Theatre, minors in International Affairs and Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies). Hanne moved to NYC in 2018 to pursue performing arts and taught Turkish to children at Turkish ConneXion for two years. She now serves as a substitute instructor.
Pictures from our in-person gatherings!
End of semester gatherings!
Outside gatherings!
