Arzu Sasmaz, Ph.D.

Turkish linguist and published researcher with a Ph.D. in Bilingualism and more than 20 years of experience in language education, linguistic assessment, academic research, and cross-cultural communication across Türkiye, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Canada. Experienced in designing and conducting educational research, developing survey instruments, collecting and analyzing research data, and publishing peer-reviewed academic work. Skilled in evaluating written language for clarity, grammatical accuracy, coherence, and cultural appropriateness.

Seeking opportunities to apply research-based language expertise to AI language evaluation, linguistic quality assurance, multilingual content review, and language-focused projects.

Volunteer Mentor - Community Programs - Ottawa, Canada

(2023-01)

• Mentor elementary school children through one-on-one and small-group learning support.
• Support bilingual learners in language development, school adjustment, and confidence building.
• Collaborate with families to promote positive learning experiences and emotional well-being.

Turkish Language Teacher (Part-Time) - Istanbul Language School - Ottawa, Canada

(2022-01)

• Teach Turkish language and literacy to Grades 5–7.
• Develop engaging lesson plans that support language acquisition and cultural identity.
• Assess student progress and adapt instruction to individual learning needs.

Turkish Language Educator & Educational Consultant - Sakarya Education Institute - Türkiye

(2000-01 - 2021-12)

• Prepared students for competitive university entrance examinations.
• Designed educational materials and individualized learning strategies.
• Assessed student performance and provided academic guidance.

Turkish Language Teacher - Bosna Sema Education Institute - Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Taught Turkish as a second language to bilingual and multilingual learners.
• Assessed language proficiency and supported language development.

Educational Volunteer - Community Centre - Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Supported bilingual and immigrant children during school integration.
• Worked with families to address language-related educational needs.

Doctoral Researcher - International Burch University

(2017-12)

Dissertation: Challenges Faced by Turkish Children Living Abroad in Heritage Language Use and Cultural Identity Acquisition: A Case Study of the Balkans.

• Designed research questionnaires for teachers, parents, and students.
• Conducted field research and collected educational data.
• Analyzed research findings related to bilingualism, heritage language use, and cultural identity.
• Published peer-reviewed research based on doctoral findings.
• Presented research findings at academic seminars.

Ph.D.

• Bilingualism - International Burch University (2017-01)

B.A.

• Turkish Language and Literature - University of Zenica (2009-01)

Computer Technician & Programming - Selçuk University (2002-01)

Child and Youth Care - Centennial College (2028-01)

English for Academic Purposes - Centennial College & Sheridan College