Introduction
Welcome to my space — I’m Youmna Farasha, a civil engineer, multilingual educator, and passionate teacher of the Turkish language.
I believe that learning a language is not only about grammar; it’s about connection, culture, and discovering a new way of seeing the world.
My mission is to make Turkish accessible, enjoyable, and beautifully simple for Arabic speakers everywhere.
Engineering and Academic Background
I hold a Master’s degree with Merit in Structural Engineering from the University of Glasgow, where I also received the Chancellor’s Award for academic excellence. Prior to that, I graduated among the top 10 students of my class with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Beirut Arab University.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked on-site as a project engineer on construction sites, supported university-level students as a teaching assistant, and participated in designing structural systems using different software. My experience —ranging from engineering to academic involvement— has shaped my approach to teaching through strengthened problem-solving skills, logical precision, and a clear, structured way of thinking.
This blend of engineering and education gave me the ability to:
- break down complex ideas into simple steps
- explain concepts clearly and visually
- build structured, effective learning systems
My Journey with Turkish
My relationship with Turkey began in 2007, when I first traveled to the country as a tourist. I quickly fell in love with its rich culture, fascinating history, and warm, welcoming people. Over the years, I visited many times, deepening my connection with the country. In 2014, I decided to take my passion for Turkey to the next level and began learning Turkish in Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Center in Beirut.
To further immerse myself in the language and culture, I joined the Turkish Summer School in 2015 at Sakarya City, hosted by the Yunus Emre Institute in collaboration with TÖMER, a well-known language school. During that summer, I enhanced my language skills while gaining a deeper understanding of Turkish culture. What began as a simple curiosity soon blossomed into a profound passion for the language.
By 2019, I was ready to share my knowledge with others and began teaching Turkish in classrooms. In 2020, I moved to Istanbul, Turkey, where I transitioned to online teaching, allowing me to reach a broader audience and help students worldwide learn Turkish.
During my time in Istanbul, I also founded a consulting company that specializes in assisting foreigners with practical needs, such as residence permits, insurance, transportation, and more, making their life in Turkey easier. I lived in Turkey until October 2023, fully immersing myself in its vibrant culture, and forging lasting relationships with native Turkish speakers.
Having spent years communicating with locals and experiencing Turkish culture firsthand, I offer more than just language lessons. I can help you understand the cultural aspects that make the language come to life, and guide you in integrating smoothly into life in Turkey—whether you're visiting, working, or planning to settle there.
Qualifications & Certifications
I am certified in Teaching Turkish as a Foreign Language from Istanbul University,
one of Turkey’s most reputable institutions.
Alongside this certification, I bring:
- strong multilingual skills (Arabic, English, Turkish — and exposure to other languages)
- experience teaching learners from various backgrounds
- understanding of how Arabic speakers think and learn
- methods that simplify grammar in a way students always say:
“Why didn’t anyone explain it like this before?”
My lessons are designed with:
- clear, logical explanations
- visual examples
- progressive learning
- lots of speaking practice
- cultural expressions and real-life usage
This is why many students tell me they finally understand Turkish after years of trying.
My Teaching Approach
My philosophy is simple:
Teach clearly. Build confidence. Make the journey enjoyable.
In my classes, I focus on:
Personalization
Every student has a different background, pace, and challenge. My lessons adapt to each learner.
Clear Grammar
I break grammar into simple, understandable parts — especially for Arabic speakers.
Culture + Language
Because you can’t separate a language from its culture. I bring expressions, stories, daily conversations, and cultural notes into every lesson.
Speaking Confidence
From the first week, students practice speaking naturally, not just memorizing rules.
Safe & Motivating Environment
Mistakes are welcome — they show growth. My classes are supportive, relaxed, and friendly.
Scribbles, Writing & Nature Photography
Beyond teaching and engineering, I love writing.
I love sharing short reflections, thoughts, and personal “scribbles” — pieces of life captured in words.
I also enjoy nature photography: trees, skies, mountains, and quiet moments that inspire calm.
These creative expressions are an important part of my identity — and many of my students say they feel connected to them.
This website brings all my worlds together:
education, creativity, culture, engineering, and personal storytelling.
Student Testimonials
Here you will find real feedback from students who learned Turkish with me — their experiences, progress, and stories. I’ve kept this section separate so you can explore it fully and see how others felt about the journey.
Youmna brings all her skills and abilities to the table as an instructor for Turkish language. She has the knowledge, expertise and skills to deliver information smoothly in both Arabic and English.
Youmna responds to every question and query calmly and thoughtfully, and later she even follows up to make sure my issues get resolved or not. Her patience and willingness motivate me to give my best. It is a pleasure and honor to recommend Youmna to anyone who wants to learn a language that she supports.
Ayman Habbal
It was my pleasure to meet youmna and to be her student, i highly recommend youmna hocam as a turkish teacher, since my turkish developed so much through only 7 months of being youmna's student.
She is hard worker, very educated and caring person.
Iman Kadi
I am proud I met Youmna and got the chance to learn from her, she is a great turkish teacher and friend, she is always helping us on our turkish learning journey and gives her best, she is a hard worker and works genuinely with us.
We all love her and we thank her for everything she’s done.
Jamila Jizi
One of the greatest teachers i met, listening, pedagogy, patience, adaptation, knowledge, passion, respect .. thank you youmna i highly recommend.
Rabie Masri
