Pack an open mind

“There are so many reasons why I wanted to study abroad, but I think the main one was that I wanted to experience living in another country, as opposed to just travelling through it. This way I could really feel and live the culture,” says Nicole Mazga, a fourth-year international relations major who went on an exchange during the winter term.

Why study in Turkey?

The first reason would have to be the people. I’ve never had such warm, welcoming experiences as I’ve had here in Turkey. People I’ve just met have gone out of their way to help me and they’re usually so interested in finding out about you and where you’re from. As for Turkey, there are so many great things about it. The natural landscape is fantastic and there’s so much history you could live here forever and not see all of the sites it has to offer.

Why go on an exchange program?

I’m studying in Turkey, through a Centre for International Students and Study Abroad (CISSA) exchange. I chose the exchange because I wanted the independence and freedom that an exchange gives you. I needed to experience the region rather than just read about it in books. I’m studying international relations here and since ODTU has a good selection of classes related to the Middle East, most of my classes are directed towards that.

Tell us about your experience with their culture.

When I first arrived in Turkey, the headscarf debate was a very big issue; everyday there were demonstrations and speakers. And while it has calmed down quite a bit, it’s still very important. It’s been interesting to see how different people can interpret something like that and what it means to different people.

Witnessing how strong the institution of family is in Turkish culture has been really interesting. When I tell my friends that in Canada it’s not uncommon to live separately from your family even if you live in the same city, they’re just blown away. That’s something that just would not happen here. And then when I tell them about people having to pay rent to their parents, they think I’m crazy!

Any new activities to share?

I’ve picked up tavla, or backgammon, an absolute must-do if you’re living in Turkey! I have also been learning Turkish, which has been really interesting and challenging, it’s so completely different from English. I didn’t realize how much of a barrier language can be, especially in dealing with bureaucracy. As English is very rare in Turkey, it could sometimes be very hard to get things done because I just didn’t have the language skills, or I would get frustrated at myself for not being able to speak better when I met people and they wanted to talk to me.

What interesting trips have you had there?

One of the best trips I’ve been on was to the very north east of Turkey with three other exchange students. It’s the most remote, least visited region in the whole country (besides the border with Iraq), so people were very surprised to see four foreigners wandering around. It seemed everyone wanted to talk to us. It was fascinating to be in an area where most Turks don’t even visit (I’ve yet to meet one friend who’s been there) and that still retains a traditional, slow-paced style of life. And the people there were incredible; we had one guy sleep in his car so that we could have a place to sleep, a dolmus driver take us out for supper and others offering to give us free rides wherever we needed to go. I’ll never forget it.

Any life lessons?

This exchange has really taught me to try to understand things before jumping to conclusions. I’ve realized that just because you may not understand the reasoning for something doesn’t mean there isn’t one. The things that are so different and can be frustrating for a foreigner are what make this world so diverse and interesting. So before you get angry about something not working like it would back home, think about how boring the world would be if everything did.

Future plans?

I have one more year of university left after I come back and then I’ll graduate. I’m definitely going to spend some more time abroad after graduation and then do my masters, which I’m also considering doing in Europe or somewhere else overseas.

Words of wisdom?

The best thing I could say is, if you’ve ever thought about going abroad, do it. I’m so happy I chose to study abroad that I want other people to have an experience like this, but if you do go, the best thing you can take with you is an open mind.

For more information on study abroad programs please visit the Centre for International Students and Study Abroad website: www.ucalgary.ca/cissa/.