Aaron Kilmer, MA ’15

Profession: English instructor and administrator, Işık University

Location: Istanbul, Turkey

I enjoy working to inspire and equip young adults to be contributing citizens wherever they are in the world, encouraging them to have a global perspective, and striving to make a difference in their lives.

What drew you to English language teaching?

I have always had the desire to live abroad and to share the love of Christ. I have also always loved teaching, even when I was working full-time in the U.S., whether it was at a church, school, or university.

What have your professional travel experiences been like?

I am living and working abroad, so travel has been a large part of my teaching, particularly the last five years. I have always loved travel, but living in a different culture for a significant amount of time is much different from simply traveling and being a tourist. There are many cultural challenges, especially in a country that is 99 percent Muslim, while I am a Christian.

What did you enjoy most about your studies at APU?

I am so glad to have been a part of the APU family as a student or instructor for a nearly 20 year stretch. While I was earning my TESOL master’s degree, I was always encouraged by others and felt like part of a team rather than working alone. This was especially helpful being in an online degree program. APU is a remarkable place to grow spiritually and academically, and a place to encourage and mentor others, as well.