Echos in the Press

A School or University Offer Is Only the Beginning

In her opening remarks, Dr Ayşe Zeynep Nayır, Founder and Academic Director of Echos Education, reflected on a decade of working with students and families, emphasising that educational guidance extends far beyond securing admission to a school or university.

“Getting into a good school or university is only the beginning. What really matters is what happens afterwards. Is the student happy? Are they in the right environment? Are they developing confidence, curiosity, and independence? Are they becoming the person they want to be? These are the questions that matter to us.”

Dr Nayır also introduced Echos Education’s approach to Educational Architecture, explaining that a successful educational journey requires strong foundations, careful planning and, above all, a genuine understanding of the individual student.

Rather than believing in one perfect school for everyone, Echos focuses on identifying the right educational environment for each student, taking into account their individual needs, aspirations and personal development.

The Importance of Long-Term Mentoring

A central theme of Dr Nayır’s speech was the importance of supporting students beyond academic achievement, particularly as they adapt to new educational and social environments.

She observed that some of the greatest challenges students face do not necessarily arise during examinations or interviews. Sometimes, the most difficult moments come on an ordinary school day, when a student feels homesick, struggles with a subject or finds it difficult to make friends.

At such moments, she explained, students need more than another school brochure or university ranking. They need someone who knows them, understands them and is there for them.

This philosophy lies at the heart of Echos Education’s long-term mentoring approach, which seeks to support students throughout their academic and personal development, rather than focusing solely on school and university admissions.

Students and the International Education Community

The reception brought together students from Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and other countries, creating an opportunity to share experiences across different educational and cultural backgrounds.

During interviews recorded throughout the evening, Echos students reflected on their experiences of studying abroad and the relationships they have developed with the Echos team. Their reflections highlighted the importance of trust, a sense of belonging and having access to people who understand and support them throughout their educational journeys.

In her speech, Dr Nayır also emphasised that studying abroad involves much more than academic learning. Through friendships, cultural exchange and shared experiences, students build connections that can extend well beyond their school and university years.

The evening offered students an opportunity to meet educators, professionals and fellow students, exchange experiences and establish new connections.

Education, Culture and Music at the Reform Club

The historic Reform Club provided a fitting setting for the evening’s celebration of educational journeys. In Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days, the club is where Phileas Fogg begins and completes his journey around the world, a literary connection reflected in Dr Nayır’s opening remarks.

One of the highlights of the evening was a piano recital by Qden Blaauw, a young pianist studying at the Royal Academy of Music. His performance reflected the wider role of music, culture and creative expression in education and personal development.

Photos from the evening