We have a somewhat more unconventional study abroad story to share with you this time around. Noureldeen Tamimi is a Jordanian junior mechanical engineering student at AUS who spent Summer 2018 in Boğaziçi University (Bosphorus University) in Istanbul, Turkey. However, he did not arrange his study abroad through our office but rather opted to arrange it on his own. He specifically wanted to visit Turkey because a friend had advised him to: "A friend of mine went to Turkey a year before, and they told me about the experience and I said, 'why not?' I was looking for a new adventure and something different to do. I saw Turkey as an opportunity to discover my personality and do something fun and crazy!" he said.
Noureldeen stayed in Boğaziçi University's dorms during his 7 weeks in Turkey. According to him, the dorms were the best part of his time at the university: "It was very chill," he said. "They weren’t strict, there was no curfew, and they provided good facilities. And of course [the dorms are] the main place to meet people, so that was the best part." I asked Noureldeen how else Boğaziçi University is different from AUS, and he smiled. "It’s different from AUS in every aspect," he said. "First of all, there's the fact that it’s in Turkey, so you’re living in a different community, a different society, a different culture, and that itself makes it an experience. But also, this campus had a private beach, an outdoor pool, and they gave us free tango lessons! And also, the nature of the people there was different, so that also creates the experience."
But some things were relatively similar between the two universities - Noureldeen said the academic system in Boğaziçi University was not drastically different than in AUS and did not require much adjustment. "Basically, you just need to follow the syllabus of whatever you’re taking there. If you just follow the instructions of the professor, you'll be fine," he said.
Although Noureldeen first said the dorms were the best part of Boğaziçi University, he changed his mind when the topic came up again: "I know I said the housing was the best part, but actually, it was the campus. The campus was huge, it had a view of the Bosphorus, it was green, it was beautiful. So yes, the best part was the campus for sure."
Noureldeen made the most of his time in Istanbul. "I went to Bebek Village along the Bosphorus, to Çamlıca Hill, which is the biggest hill in Istanbul, to Galata Tower... Turkey is full of these sights," he said. Given the sheer size of Istanbul, Noureldeen could satisfy his desire for adventure without leaving the city. "Because Istanbul is huge, I went all around [the city]. I had the opportunity to go to Cappadocia, a different city, and I regret not taking that opportunity. I plan on going to Turkey again next summer to visit Cappadocia specifically," he said.
So how is Turkey different from the UAE? "First of all, the weather!" Noureldeen laughed. "And the nature - they have four seas in Turkey. The vibe itself is different; it’s very festive there." He said that there is a stereotype that Turkish people are difficult to approach, but he found the opposite to be true: "They were actually very friendly and welcoming."
Noureldeen reflected on what he gained from his study abroad. "As a person, when you meet people from different cultural backgrounds, it changes the way you look at people. You need to take into consideration that each individual has a different cultural background and therefore a different way of thinking. [My study abroad] also taught me how to be self-dependent, how to never say no to an opportunity, how to have fun, and how to speak Turkish! Well, not that much, but just the basic survival language," he said.
Another consequence of Noureldeen's study abroad is that it inspired him to want to work here at IXO. "If you tell someone you're going to study abroad, they'll think it's all about going to a different place, a different country," he said. "For me personally, after my experience, I've found that the 'study abroad' is in meeting these people that you meet while you're in a different country. So through communicating with people you gain such a magnificent experience, and that's why I want to work at IXO: to meet new people and seek new adventures."
Suzana Saoud
IXO Publicity Specialist
