Testimonials

Thanks for all your support.

I can't believe the difference in maturity and knowledge of the two students
who went to your program this summer.  WOW! August 2007

Janet Heller,
Principal
The Patria Mirabal Middle School 324
New York, U.S.A

My trainees and I have had the grate privilege of having Russians on our team this past week. I found myself learning as much about the grate country Russia as they did about space exploration. In the beginning of they week Olga and Arina were shy to speak their English. But as I encouraged them to speak more English they opened up and surprised me. They are really smart kids and know so much. Unfortunately I only had two kids from Russia on my team but I feel I had the best two. June 2007

Best wishes,

William R. Watson
Counselor
Izmir, TURKEY

Since being introduced to Global Friendship Through Space Education (GFTSE) and its Partner School Science Program (PSSP), my excitement as a teacher has grown daily! The use of a common theme of space study with students together from different nations and cultures improves instruction in science, technology, engineering, and math. Not only is the science curriculum enriched, but international relationships are benefited at the best level for our future, children.

GFTSE is a non-profit organization that fosters the improvement of international relationships using space science to bring students together from all over the world. PSSP connects schools together for the study of space science and to develop friendships through the use of video conferences and e-mail using the EPALS system. As students study and communicate with each other, a bond is formed. During EPALS week at Space Camp Turkey, many of these bonds are strengthened by meeting one another and working together as a team. GFTSE offers scholarships to many students making this possible.

I had the opportunity to attend Space Camp Turkey during the week of July 1-7, 2007 as a guest. I have never been so warmly received and treated. The staffs of GFTSE and Space Camp Turkey were wonderful. This opportunity allowed me to meet face-to-face with my PSSP partner school teacher from Izmir, Turkey, and to observe and participate in the challenging, exciting, and educational Six-Day Space Camp Program for students ages 7 through 15. I was amazed by the facility and counselors and the depth of instruction each participant received. I was most impressed by the new friendships that developed over the course of the week between the students from different nations who are placed together in teams of 12 for the week. This is the most beneficial part of the program.  I immediately began making plans to return next year with students from my own school.

While there, I was given the opportunity to be partnered with an additional school from Istanbul, Turkey, and I readily accepted the offer. Not only did I gain new friends, but I was able to coordinate a course of study with both partner schools for the next school year.

I strongly encourage all educators in the United States avail themselves of this world-changing program! It will be a life-changing experience for themselves and their students. I can’t wait till next year! July 2007

Mel Prater,
Teacher
Tennessee, USA

I think that Space Camp Turkey is great. It’s better than great it’s excellent. But at first, I dind’t like this place it had seen scary to me but I understand that this place is great. I have met lots of friends, great teachers (funny and good). I will miss them. I wish I can live this experience again.

İpek Özer,
Student,
İstanbul, TURKEY

In my opinion Space Camp Turkey is great. There are a lot of machine in it. And we sued them. It was great. I wanted come here again.

Barış Ozan Akdoğdu,
Student,
İstanbul, TURKEY

 I liked Space Camp Turkey in İzmir. Space Camp is very nice camp. The space camps have got a lot of simulators.

Arda Gürbüz,
Student,
Istanbul, TURKEY

Space Camp Turkey is very fun. The simulators are very good. While you are riding them you feel you are in space.

Bünyamin İşeri,
Student,
Istanbul, TURKEY

Turkey has been such an amazing experience I never thought I would have this much fun. I totally recommend this to anyone. When I got here, I wasn’t even thinking of going back to New York. Turkey is such as beautiful country that has many exciting views. It is full of beauty and charisma I really love it. The simulators were so fun I really enjoyed it. The people here in Turkey are so nice and friendly. I have made so many friends. I love the dormitories also and the beds are really comfortable. The food is so delicious especially the Turkish delights. Everything is so amazing over here that I don’t wan to go back to New York well at least not yet! July 2007

Tatiana Sanchez
Student
New York City, U.S.A

My experience at Space Camp has being wonderful and inspiring. I made new friends from Turkey, Greece, and Israel.

This cam was like a little United Nations to me. I got to meet kids that talked about their country and cultures. I am now a ambassador to them.

Long live Space Camp! July 2007

Khadim Niang,
Student,
New York City, U.S.A

Hi, my name is Jonathan Rivera Space Camp is a good place to come because you get to meet with new people from make new friends. My favorite activity was to balloon construction because we were working in groups. And the other one is the rocket because we might blow them up one day.  July 2007

Jonathan Rivera,
Student,
New York City, U.S.A.

During this trip I found really good activities to do. I met new friends that are really kind and respectful. In this campus I tried different simulators that were really difficult but really fun. Also, I never knew that I was going o met cool teachers. But sometimes I like to bother them, I think they like it. I never thought this campus was going to be fun. July 2007

Briana Ortega,
Student,
New York City, U.S.A.

My experience at Space Camp Turkey was wonderful. I made new friends from different countries, learned even more about space and how astronauts train to go into space. Begin at space camp has showed me how much fun space can be. July 2007

Jade Martin,
Student,
New York City, U.S.A.

Food was great. People were extremely friendly. Counselors cool. Simulators were a fun and wonderful learning experience. Hope to visit Izmir again some day. July 2007

Taj Eli Mitchell,
Student,
New York City, U.S.A.

At the start of my experience in Turkey I was thinking about the food. I thought that the food wasn’t going to taste good but when I tasted it, it tasted good. I was excited about the simulators, especially about the 1/6 chair. I was also excited about Man Maneuvering Unit simulators because I could it drive it or move my self with a little control in the chair. I also like the way, my team was of is perform. July 2007

Rapael Nunez,
Student,
New York City, U.S.A.

The simulators are fantastic there the best part of the camp the second is the kids. July 2007

Leonel Eliaza Herrera,
Student,
New York City, U.S.A.

I liked mostly simulators; my favorite was Multi Access Trainer. And it was nice to be together with my pen pal and other kids from different countries. I had fun. July 2007

Ismail Tiryaki,
Student,
Izmir, TURKEY

There is a fine place. I love technology and there is for me I think tried so many simulators in here and I liked all of them. I had new friends. July 2007

Utku Akın,
Student,
Izmir, TURKEY

It’s very nice. I love Our Space very much! I like Our Space because there is table soccer there. I like the simulators too! I got lots of friend here. July 2007

Ada Doğrucu
Student,
Izmir, TURKEY

In the first day I was bored but at the other days I started to get used to it. I had new friends. I asked a question to the cosmonaut. It was a different experience. I’m happy to be here. July 2007

Alp İnellioglu,
Student,
Izmir, TURKEY

This space camp is cool of every time!
I had a lot of fun!
I improved my table tennis skills J
Thanks for your effort to meet the sister schools. I liked simulators. I had new friendships. July 2007

Kaan Kiziltoprak,
Student,
Izmir, TURKEY

At this camp I had good time. There were many activities and simulators. Aslo I had new friends. July 2007

Kıvanç Şengun,
Student,
Istanbul, TURKEY

This place is very good. I want to come here again. It is wonderful. The best thing is here are the simulators. July 2007

Umut Akin,
Student,
Istanbul, TURKEY

We had a lot of fun here. Counselors and simulators are great. We had a great time. July 2007

Öykü Zeynep Gerçek,
Student,
Istanbul, TURKEY

My first day wasn’t very good, after I loved Space Camp Turkey. July 2007

Servet Hasşerbetçi,
Student,
Istanbul, TURKEY

Dear Mr. Tolga Yıldırım,

Six months ago a member of the council of our club Mr. John Avramidis met in Athens, Greece with Miss Eleni Mantratzi and he was informed about the program “Global Friendship Through Space Education”. Mr. John Avramidis called me on the phone and we discussed about the project. We agreed that we needed more information about the program and about Space Camp Turkey. So we invited Miss Eleni Mantratzi to our club for further information. She came and she informed us detail. She also met the kids of our club who wanted to take part in this program.

After all this we took it to the council for further discussion and we decided to do whatever it takes to participate in this program by coming to Space Camp Turkey in the summer. The kids were excited they would have the chance to learn new things and meet other people, so they did the necessary in order to come to Space Camp Turkey.

We made a file with necessary documents which were send to Miss Eleni Mantratzi who informed us that the kids earned a scholarship to attend Space Camp Turkey.

All the kids were very happy about it, but found out that the club had to find all the money needed because as a club we didn’t to ask the children’s parents to give us the money for this activity.

So, we looked for donators and sponsors of the surrounding areas who after the presentation of the program and Space Camp Turkey, covered with pleasure and happiness the cost of our trip from Florina, Greece, to Space Camp Turkey, IZMIR, Turkey, alle-retour.

At the same time we made announcements to the press, radio and TV for the program and Space Camp Turkey, and finally last Saturday. July 14th we organized a press conference in our club. We invited all sponsors to the conference and we made public our upcoming visit to Space Camp Turkey, and that we would take part in the international meeting as representatives of Greece. We also thanked our sponsors for their kindness towards us and our appreciation for their support.

On Saturday, July 21st we started a very long trip from Filotas Florina, Greece to Space Camp Turkey. We arrived at 11.00 am on Sunday, July 22nd and we found ourselves with what we couldn’t imagine before. In passing days of our stay we discovered how organized this camp is and it has to do nothing to the ordinary camps. Everything is settled to detail. The hospitality approaches are to the highest standards. The staff is very polite, the food is very good but the most important is that the knowledge that is offered by Space Camp Turkey is above all. The counselors give the children the highest education about space and technology that man discovered by teaching them in groups in which take part kinds from different countries, cultures and languages helping them to be friends with each other and to built relationship and friendship between them.

All the program is focused on the target of transferring knowledge and education to the children and I believe that in this way what is written in the entrance of Space Camp Turkey “GELECEĞİN LİDERLERİ BURADAN DOĞAR – FUTURE LEADERS ARE BORN HERE – OI HTETEΣ TOY MEMONTOΣ TENNIOYNTAT EDO” will be done for sure.

With my respect and thanks,

                                                                  Amastasios AMİRİDİS,
                                                     President of Euxeinos Leshin Filaton
Florina, GREECE

Qiu Bai,
Teacher
Beijing, CHINA

Space Camp Turkey gave a special experience for the Israeli student group. The experience included a great time with other students around the world and gave them an inspiration to discover a new dimension and new countries. Space Camp Turkey is a place of meeting new cultures, new world and a nice people at the same time. Discovering new info about Astronomy, Aeronautics and love for science and nature.

In the name of human kind… We thank you everyday for such great experience!!!!

God bless you
August 2006

Majd Shorfani,
Chaperone
Nazareth, ISRAEL

Space Camp Turkey is wonderful for students. Because when they spend time here they can learn space, astronomy, earth friendly, share…
All space camp personnel are very friendly and helpful. Thank you very much all that.

When I did the mission I have felt very happy myself. I hope we will meet again next year.
August 2006

Gül Ayseven
Math Teacher
Istanbul, TURKEY

Since we came to Space Camp Turkey I believe my students made great progress. I noticed they understand the meaning—the real meaning—of friendship & teamwork.

I believe they also had a great progress on self confidence and respect other nationalities. They expanded their image of life. They now realize that there are other people living somewhere around the world. I think this Space Camp Turkey gives the opportunity of meeting other people and having real life experience not only from books, dictionaries or maps. It’s just like traveling around world learning about other countries. This is the first international experience for them.

I don’t think that they will ever forget about this experience. It’s just like a turning point for them. I have been hearing from my students that they won’t be the same when they get back to their home town because they realize many things. They were away from their families; they started thinking about very important issues like family, other people in the world etc.

If I must summarize the most important point would be change – they changed a lot in a good way. They now respect themselves and others. They understood that they must do something in their life for other people.

It’s hard to believe to have such good consequences in a very short time. It’s just like magic for me and for my students. Thanks to this organization that it made it easy to communicate with our children and ourselves.

IMPORTANT words gained meaning more here are SELF-CONFIDENCE, RESPECT, EDUCATION, LOVE, FUN, TEAMWORK, NOT ME—US, ENERGY, LEARNING etc.

THANK YOU ALL
August 2006

Semahat Üstünel
English Teacher
Hamdibozbag Anatolian High School
Giresun, TURKEY

On behalf of the first Chinese delegation visiting Space Camp Turkey I would like to thank you. The children here all have grown in their confidence since being here which correlates to a higher proficiency of English. The scholarship program that allows the Chinese students to attend this camp has greatly benefited them. The students now have a greater knowledge of aeronautics, the NASA and International Space Program as well as a better understanding of our solar system. Some of the highlights for our students were the many NASA simulators they had the opportunity to use, the practical space flight mission they undertook, but even more importantly, the numerous international friendships they made with the students from other countries. Space Camp Turkey’s scholarship program has been an invaluable tool in our children’s development and we look forward to continued co-operation between Turkey and China in the future. August 2006

William Trevillien
Chaperone
Beijing DLT Consultants Co. LTD.
Beijing, CHINA

My name is Iglika Angelova, a teacher from Bulgaria, and I’m in Space Camp for the second time.

I really admired the well balanced and very attractive educational program for students and for friendly mood between teachers.

For me as a teacher it is the “golden” opportunity to see and share the methods how I should work with children in really rare science demonstrations.

For students “space camp” is a challenge and experiment all together in astronomy, in physics and English.

But the most important part is that they have to see each other in multicultural environment. They are really excited, they are happy and they work in a team with children from other countries. August 2006

Iglika Angelova
English Teacher
49 Middle School “B.Huares” Sofia
Sofia, BULGARIA

Dear Mary and Kaya,

We would like to thank you for the most amazing experience we had this week. Our children learned so much about space, and what it includes, but most of all they learned to know children form all of the world. Children from different countries, cultures and religious.

I lived over 10 years in U.S. (particularly in NJ and NY) and I am quite familiar with youth program and may special camps. As a pediatric occupational therapist as well as a mom I’ve been involved in such programs. This was the most amazing and the one I enjoyed the most. First, the organization of the program, the structure of the work, the ability to combine playful activities with learning captured my attention the most.  Beyond the learning part, I noticed high level of safety and care about the kids. All of our kids felt very secured and highly supported by the team. This is an extra ordinary experience and I highly recommend this program to all children. July 2006

Ruth Ya’acoby, Chaperone for Zur Moshe Group, ISRAEL
Iris Herut, Chaperone for Weizmann Institute Group, ISRAEL

Hello Mr. Tolga,

I am from TEV Inanç Turkes Lisesi. I went to Space Camp in 2003 as a scholarship student and again as an intern in 2005. Space Camp was my first academic activity out of school.

I joined an astronomy program called Summer Science Program (www.ssp.org) which was founded by two very well known technical schools, Caltech and New Mexico Tech, in the summer of 2004. I made an astrophysics project with a professor from Sabanci University after attending these two camps. As I mentioned above Space Camp Turkey was my first experience in a world outside of school. Before going I had goals just related to my school, but after going to Space Camp Turkey in the summer of 2003 I had much bigger goals.

Thinking about it now, if I hadn’t gone to Space Camp Turkey I wouldn’t have been encouraged to engage in new activities and projects. These projects and activities were the most important references on my college applications and without them I probably wouldn’t be able to go to school in a different country. 

Thank you,
July 2006

Yunus Sasmaz
MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Massachusetts, U.S.A.

Another wonderful example of global friendship within Space Camp Turkey walls: So I had my team together on the first day playing a get to know you sort of game. We had chairs, enough that there was one short of the number of people playing the game, in a circle with all but one standing. The object of the game was that the person standing would say something and everyone that had that thing in common would stand up and switch chairs. One of my campers from north Cyprus, Baris, stood up and said, “I want peace in North Cyprus.” With that comment everyone in my group, Russians, Turks and i stood up and switched chairs. It was a wonderful moment in which we not only got to know each other a little more but were also able to see that the need for peace is hoped for by all. August 2005

Margaret/Alex/Felicia
U.S. Counselor
Izmir, TURKEY

Hey it's Hector and I'm writing from New York City. Space Camp Turkey was the greatest experience of my life and I will never forget it. I will never forget my new friends I made. I miss all of you and I hope I see you all again next year. Much Love from DA BEST, Hector. July 2005

Hector Eduardo Colon, Student
NYC, New York, USA

Space Camp has taught me the importance of teamwork and international friendship. July 2005

Ben Sherry, Student
New York, USA

I came to Space Camp from BUPS Bilkent School at Ankara. I think E-Pal Week is a huge, marvelous organization which brings world children together with peace. It shows that even if children are from different countries they can still make tight friendships. This week was just adventurous, fun and learning. You will never know how it is until you are in E-Pal week. July 2005

Mert Gunes, Student
TURKEY

I must begin by saying thank you for giving the extraordinary opportunity to underprivileged students from Long Beach, CA. It truly means a lot to them to attend Space Camp Turkey. More specifically, in a community like the one Washington Intensive Learning Center is a part, of racial discrimination is a continuous problem, the idea of interacting with children from other cultures is ideal to create a solution for true "Global Friendship". In addition, since many of our children are from low income families, being able to attend this wonderful Space Camp gives them the experience of a lifetime that provides confidence and hope for a better future that will help escape the cycle of poverty and stereotypical way of life in their community. I and Maria Canela, with heartfelt gratitude, give thanks for the existence of Space Camp Turkey and for making a dream come true for all of our Washington science students. July 2005

Mark Stone, Science Teacher
Washington Intensive Learning Center
California, USA

Here our children learned many interesting things about space and about life.  They found here many friends who love them.  The counselors have a lot of enthusiasm and also share it with the children. …The Space Camp Turkey program is incredible.  There is everything in it: interesting lectures about space and cosmonauts, exciting activities, space missions, training, and of course great professionals. August 2004

Bojidara Stoyanova, Dance Teacher
Sofia, BULGARIA

This has been the best week of my life. Can I come back next summer?

My English has improved because we only speak English with other children on my team and with our counselors. This is the best way to learn English language. August 2004

Greek Student
Nea Philadelphia, GREECE

There is so much more to Space Camp Turkey than learning about our future in space. I loved meeting the kids from other countries and other cultures. There were Americans, Greeks, Turks and Israeli kids on my team. To get our mission goals accomplished, we had to check our egos at the door and put our goals first. July 2004

Eric Brown
American Student
California, U.S.A.

Despite 35 years of teaching experience, I was amazed by what happened to me at SPACE CAMP TURKEY.  The unique mix of students and counselors provided great ferment.  We shared our life stories and the reasons for our own vocations.  Most of all, thanks to the grants from Global Friendship, we shared our hopes that education would enable our students to cross boundaries and help form a more peaceful world. July 2003

Dr. Jon Rinnander,Teacher,
Chair, Cross Culture Committee,
European Council of International Schools
British International School Istanbul
Istanbul, TURKEY

Our visit to Space Camp Turkey was a discovery for all of us.  It was our first visit to Turkey.  We experienced a wonderful organization, wonderful environment, and wonderful people.  No problems arose between the Turkish and Armenian children, children of two people that have had many problems in the past.  July 2003

Oskanyan Armen, Science Teacher
"Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory," "Quantum" College
Yerevan, ARMENIA

Two weeks ago, when I was in my country, Kazakhstan, I could not imagine that I’ll be at Space Camp in Turkey.  Now I’m sitting in my room and thinking about how wonderful it is that in the world there is global friendship through space education.  Global friendship helps the children from many countries to communicate with each other, to share their opinions etc. August 2003

Axana Yerisheva Askarova, Assistant
Fund of Supporting Talented and Gifted Children
Almaty, KAZAKHSTAN

…I found that we have the same feelings for a lot of things.  So, this is a message for the Turkish and Greek politicians or diplomats who think that we don’t have anything to share; we have to build a good and true friendship between us.  The past must not be the reason to separate but to bring closer the Turkish and Greek people.  If we were without borders, it would be the nicest world.  Let’s do it, as in space. We are the same, Turkish, Uzbek, Greek, and American people.  Thank you again for Space Camp; for gathering us and the activities here.  We hope to see you again and thanks to Mr. Kaya Tuncer for this global friendship and his hospitality and giving us an opportunity to participate in these educational and great programs. July 2003

Varvara Kiriakidou, Medical Doctor
Aristotales Youth Organization
Florina, GREECE

…Only here I could realize that space is commonplace for all and mankind, where there are no borders, where people don’t fight with each other, instead they investigate space together… 

…I hope the children realized here that our Earth is like our country and we are all citizens of this country. July 2003

Zaydullo Artikor, Math/Science Teacher
Tashkent International School Uzbekistan
Tashkent, UZBEKISTAN

I had one of the most unforgettable and useful experiences in my life. The children-participants, the chaperones, the counselors, the managers, head-organizers and the “atmosphere” was ideal, the best if could have been.

Now when all the Greek children-participants expressed to me “Eleni, I am very proud that I will return to my country saying that one of my best friends is Turkish or Uzbek,” that will motivate me to continue and believe in the Space Camp goal! July 2003

Eleni Mantratzi,t. Lawyer, Local Coordinator, and Chaperone
Aristotales Youth Organization
Athens, GREECE

The Greek group made valuable Turkish friends that we will treasure forever. They played together, worked together; they even launched a spacecraft together successfully. They hugged, laughed and I’m sure they are going to cry together on Friday when this is over and everyone goes back home.
August 2002

Maritana Alakioti Anthopoulou
Owner of Foreign Language Schools
Rhodes, GREECE

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