Yunus Emre Institute continues to reach students and teachers all over the world with the project "Elective Turkish Courses." In the scope of the project, Yunus Emre Institute has invited Russian students between the ages 11-17 who have taken elective Turkish courses at the public school no. 1207 in Moscow, their teachers and their parents to Turkey.

Visiting historical and touristic sites in Ankara, Konya and Nevşehir between 11-17th of April, 2018, students had the opportunity to see Turkish culture first hand and practice Turkish with native speakers. Students visited Gazi University during their first day of the trip and were hosted by Prof. Dr. Alper Ceylan, Vice Chancellor of the university. The students visited Russian Center of Science of Culture after a trip to Gazi University's main campus, library, laboratories, and recreational spaces.

During the second day of the trip, students visited the Ankara Castle, Koç Museum, Anıtkabir and similar sites, followed by a trip to Yunus Emre Institute after lunch. The Russian cohort was hosted by Prof. Dr. Şeref Ateş, the Institute's Chairman. Ateş listened to the Russian cohort's first impressions about Turkey.  Students thanked the Institute Chairman and employees for their services and presented various hand-made souvenirs.

In the third they, students continues their Konya trip and got a change to visit the dervish lodge of Rumi, the historical Bazaar, Aya Eleni Orthodox Church situated Sille Village, and historical mosques. Traveling onwards to Nevşehir, the Russian cohort completed its trip to underground cities and Fairy Chimneys and returned to Ankara. The event concluded with a trip to historical Hamamönü. Returning home from their trip, the students will share their initial impressions regarding Turkey by composing their own travel articles written in Turkish.