Since childhood, Damla Ozdemir dreamed of opening an English-language school in her native Turkey. Her passion for learning fueled her desire to empower others through teaching.

Since graduating from Florida Gulf Coast University in December 2024 with an English degree, Ozdemir has turned her dream into reality. With her sister Fatma Akin, she founded Dream Future Language Academy, an English language school in their hometown of Hendek. They teach students 4 years old and older using methods inspired by the American education system and especially shaped by Ozdemir’s experiences at FGCU.

“Beyond just providing English lessons, I aim to create a supportive learning community where students feel confident, curious and inspired,” she said. “We emphasize cultural exchange, interactive learning and practical communication skills so that students not only learn a language but also gain tools to explore the world with confidence.

“Leading the school is both exciting and meaningful to me because it combines my passion for teaching with my long-term dream of creating opportunities for others through language education,” said Ozdemir, an Honors College graduate.

Their initial six-week session this summer drew an enthusiastic response.

“This program demonstrates the strong demand for quality English language instruction in our community,” Ozdemir said. “Parents and students are particularly pleased with our American-style approach to language learning, and the recognition of a founder who graduated with honors from the United States is quite striking for my institution.”

The academy focuses on communication, self-confidence and real-life application, she said, rather than memorization. Students are encouraged to practice English from the first day and learn in a classroom environment where they “feel comfortable making mistakes as part of the learning process,” Ozdemir said.

“We also integrate cultural elements so that students experience English not just as a subject but as a bridge to understanding the world,” she said.

Transitioning from Turkey

FGCU and its Honors College were Ozdemir’s own bridge to understanding a new world.

She came to the U.S. in fall 2021 to study English and education with the goal of becoming an English teacher. After taking classes at Florida SouthWestern State College in Fort Myers, she enrolled at FGCU.

“The transition [to the United States] for sure wasn’t easy for me,” Ozdemir said. “There was definitely some culture shock in the first couple months, even the first year. Simple things like classroom dynamics, food and how direct people were in conversations felt very different compared to Turkey.”

Nonetheless, Ozdemir said she truly valued meeting individuals from varied cultures and backgrounds, which contributed “profoundly” to her personal and professional growth. She also saw how transformative language learning can be.

“Studying at FGCU not only strengthened my English and teaching skills but also taught me the value of adaptability, creativity and community engagement,” she said. “I believe quality English education can open doors to higher studies, careers and international connections, and I want to help students in my community build those opportunities for their future.

Ozdemir first learned about FGCU while researching universities in Florida that offered strong English and education programs.

“The balance between academic achievement and hands-on teaching experience was what appealed to me,” she said.

“As an international student, I also loved the welcoming campus atmosphere and sense of community FGCU offered. The English program, along with the opportunities for cultural exchange and student engagement, ultimately motivated me to enroll.”

The Honors College experience

Being active in the Honors College was one of the most inspiring and transformative experiences in her academic and personal journey, Ozdemir said.

Admission to the Honors College, which serves about 1,100 students across all majors, is made on the grounds of a rigorous academic and personal application. The college’s programs promote a higher level of scholarly advancement, community engagement, leadership development and cultural enrichment among students who seek profound personal transformation through intentional, impactful experiences.

The Honors College is about working with honor in every area of endeavor, curricular as well as co-curricular, according to its dean, Tyler Fisher.

“Damla excelled in community-facing courses, such as the Honors section of University Colloquium,” Fisher said. “She exemplifies how our best students translate the mastery they acquire with their degree to real-world achievements, applying classroom theory to meet the practical needs they perceive around them. Damla soared to great heights right after graduation.”

“My time in the Honors College truly helped me grow both personally and professionally,” Ozdemir said. “It pushed me beyond my comfort zone, introduced me to inspiring professors and peers and gave me opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise.”

She saw how interactive lessons and student-centered teaching made a real difference in learning outcomes.

“I’ve brought that same approach to my school by designing engaging, practical lessons that encourage communication and confidence from day one,” she said. “FGCU also emphasized the importance of leadership and collaboration, and I carry those lessons into every aspect of managing the school — from working closely with the other teachers who are working with us to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for students and their families.”

Being an international student also gave Ozdemir a unique perspective on education, resilience and the importance of adapting to new environments — lessons she said she carries with her every day as she shapes her school’s programs and approach.

“I think this combination of experience, vision and dedication is what sets our school apart and makes it an exciting place for students to grow,” said Ozdemir. “The values I developed at FGCU — intellectual curiosity, cultural awareness and a commitment to impactful learning — continue to shape the work I do every day as an educator and founder.”