Interview
"Just go for it!"
Name: Melis Kucukoglu
Melis Kucukoglu from Turkey came to Umeå university as an Erasmus exchange student. Now she is studying for a Master´s degree in Molecular Biology.
Where do you come from?
– I come from Turkey. Actually I was born in a small province called Kutahya located on the north-west of Turkey, around 300 km away from the capital city Ankara. However, I was going to the university in Istanbul.
What is your educational background university degree, jobs etc?
– In Turkey, following the secondary education the entrance to the universities is regulated by a national examination, after which high school graduates are assigned to different departments in distinct universities. After taking this exam I managed to get accepted to the Molecular Biology and Genetics department in Istanbul Technical University. I took my Bachelor of Science degree in January 2008. During my undergraduate education, I immediately realized that the textbook knowledge was far from enough if you want to be a “real” molecular biologist. The most important thing was to catch up the new and the latest knowledge. Moreover; it was really essential to increase the laboratory experience besides broadening the knowledge within the subject. Therefore, in the summers of 2004 and 2005, I had worked as a volunteer laboratory assistant in Aegean and Sabanci Universities, respectively. These experiences inspired me a lot while I was shaping my career plans because I got the chance to meet and study plant biology with these occasions. Beside of all, I was an Erasmus Exchange student in Molecular Biology department of Umeå University during my last year. Right now, I am continuing my Master of Science degree in the very same department.
How did you find about Umea University for application to further studies?
– I was an Erasmus Exchange student in Molecular Biology Department of Umeå University during my last year of undergraduate studies. While I was making the applications for exchange studies, I have chosen Umea University mainly because the education is held in English. I have to admit that I did not know too much things about Sweden and Umeå, other than what previous exchange students told me. However it was a milestone in my life, because I was really impressed by the quality of education and the student life in here. And that’s why I wanted to come back for further graduate studies.
How was your first impression after reaching Umea and the campus?
– First of all I have to say that Umea was a much bigger city than I imagined. Moreover it was August when I fist reached Umea and the weather was extremely nice and warm which I also did not expect. The campus was really well organized and I thought that the benches around the lake would be just the perfect spot to take a break and chill out after the lectures. Also I have to say that the welcoming of the people in the International office was really friendly. They are doing a great job by managing all the accommodation, buddy groups and activities to keep the international students happy and busy during the year.
How far have you managed to learn Swedish?
– Swedish is a really nice and melodic language. The university offers Swedish courses for foreign students during the year, which is really a great opportunity if you are interested in learning. I completed the first two levels out of four levels. I am not perfect but I understand the main idea of the conversations, and I am able to ask my way, order food in the restaurants and even sometimes read the newspapers!
What do you find as the biggest cultural difference, both socially and educationally, from your country with Sweden?
– As social differences I mainly recognize two things. Firstly, the Swedish people are a bit closed. They are really nice and helpful especially if you are in trouble, but at the same time it is a challenge to understand what they are really thinking or feeling. Another thing is all the people are able to talk English very fluently in Sweden, which makes the life great and so much easier. In Turkey most of the young people talk in English as well but I have to admit that middle aged or elderly people are not very successful talking in foreign languages especially in smaller cities.
As educational difference I can think of firstly the system of taking courses. In Turkey we take 5 to 6 courses simultaneously. But here in Molecular Biology Department we take one course at a time, which facilitates to learn and concentrate on a particular subject. Secondly the relationship between the professors and students is not like the one in Turkey that has evident hierarchy. Here we are just like colleagues or even friends.
How do you find the local community in here?
– Even though Umea is a small city, it has the soul of a metropolitan. It can give you everything you wish for from a big city: the best facilities to do your research, exciting cultural and sport events and a rich nightlife.
Do you feel that this period in Umea has enriched your life style in some ways?
– Definitely! I am feeling so much independent and improved both in my educational and personal life after spending some time here. It enriched my perceptions towards world.
How do you spend your spare time?
– I mostly read, go to cinema, spend time with friends – either partying or barbequing and of course what else train at the sport center – IKSU!
Do you have advice for international students opting for studies in Umeå?
– Just go for it! It is definitely the nicest challenge that I have ever experienced. Long nights of winter are sometimes gloomy but snow and snowball fights make the cold weather so much lovable and sweet. Above all it comes with an amazing international atmosphere and lot of friendships.
Text and photo: Rupali Bhalerao
