MUNCIE, Ind. -- Turkey is a country filled with exotic treasures, ancient fortresses and is a destination for millions of tourists. Indiana is home to corn, cows and the world’s largest auto race.

Recently, the two cultures came together as a group of Turkish students and faculty toured the Midwest as part of an ongoing exchange program between Ball State University and Istanbul University. The program dates back more than a decade.

"I couldn’t believe how friendly everyone is here," said Selin Aydin, a 24-year-old exchange student and aspiring marketing professional. "Everywhere we went we found people helpful and always smiling. It has made our trip very enjoyable."

Ball State students have traveled to Turkey since 1992. Putting together a program that Turkish students would find educational and enjoyable was a challenge, said Judy Lane, an editor in the College of Business’ Bureau of Business Research and coordinator of the group’s visit.

"When in Turkey you see the ancient mosques and the beautiful sunsets on the Marmara," she said. "What do you show a group of Turkish students when they visit Muncie in the middle of February? Luckily, the local business community   stepped forward to make outstanding presentations and give great tours to these students, who have found the American business culture fascinating."

The Turkish students are enrolled in the Master of International Management program of Istanbul University with majors ranging from engineering to architecture.

While on-campus their itinerary included lectures, presentations, class visits and meeting with several university officials, including President John Worthen. The group also toured Paws Inc., the creative home for cartoonist Jim Davis and his internationally-famous creation, Garfield, and the Subaru-Isuzu auto plant in Lafayette.

The group also discovered that there is more than corn in the Midwest by participating in several social and cultural events in Indianapolis and Chicago. In Indianapolis, the students attended an NBA game at Market Square Arena. In Chicago, they met with the consul general of Turkey and executives of the Chicago Board of Trade.

The group also was hosted by American families who introduced them to Midwestern culture.

Aydin said her host family was gracious, but confessed she missed cheese at breakfast.

"You can never find any cheese around here for breakfast, but it is a staple in my country," she said. "I also don’t like American fast food. It doesn’t smell good. I think I’ll eat lots of salads -- just like I do back home."

Lane said the Turkish students were interested in the Midwestern business atmosphere. Representatives of several local businesses, including City Machine and Ontario Systems Corp., gave presentations about how they compete in the international marketplace.

"Our local business people rolled out the red carpet for these students," Lane said. "It became apparent that you can do business on an international level from anywhere in the Midwest."

"I think they got a feeling about what the Midwest is all about," she said. "This should lead to additional visits by Turkish students to Ball State. I hope that it also leads to a long and prosperous relationship between our two universities."