Meet Ercan from Turkey
Name: Ercan Topçu
Home Country and City: Turkey, Istanbul
Home University: Istanbul University
Programme of Study: Chemistry
Favourite thing about Umeå University: The campus has nightclubs & pubs.
Favourite Swedish word or custom: Precis! I am using this word usually instead of “exactly” When I was talking with my Swedish friends.
Three words to summarise your time in Umeå: Aurora – Snow – Incredibility
Why did you choose to study at Umeå University?
When I started to study at the university, I was thinking about the tripping to other countries to know the other cultures and meeting with the teachers and students who come from the different lands which had been always very most interesting thing in my life. Because all of the people who are looking at the same stars from different places of the world. And each of us has same ideas about the future. Who doesn’t want to be happy in this life? My idea is to be a great chemist in the future. But I was so boring in the big city and in the crazy traffic. When I have looked at the map of the world to get rid of my troubles, all of the signs were illustrating Umeå University to me. Additionally, I was so curious about the Scandinavian life style. I couldn’t even imagine six months winter time with more snows on the roads before I came here. I had three opportunities to go to abroad to study as an exchange student. I will not give any clue about the names of other two countries. But, I couldn’t even compare the Sweden and the Umeå University with them. So far, I didn’t try even. Because, everything was telling to me “it was the best decision of my life” since I have arrived to Arlanda Airport from Istanbul. I believe the astrology and correctly I am a fish one. I cannot live in a city which has a lot of people (millions). In the metropolises, The people don’t care about the others except themselves. But, Umeå University and the city always give very big happiness to me and in each step of me. I found my peace here. It is the best decision of my short life.
What do you like most about your courses?
The laboratories of Chemistry Department, which are pretty modern and advanced . Also, the teachers are very kindly and like a friend to the students. I have already considered them as an idol for myself. The most like thing of me is the opportunity to make experiment with advanced devices. I can find whatever I want in the laboratories of Chemistry Department of Umeå University. The other departments have same advanced opportunities in their areas as well. Each day, you can find another reason to love this unbelievable university.
What has been your most memorable moment about the courses so far?
It’s not so easy to mention exactly. It’s because I have already a lot of memorable moments in here until now. But still I should choose one of them to tell. I had been impressed the day that I have made a presentation about the experiments and results in front of my friends and my teacher after the laboratory course. I was excited a lot and consequently I can never forget that moment. There were just around 20 students and 1 teacher. But, there were students who come from 7 different countries and I had tried to say “hello” in different languages to my friends. It is the best way to have attention. Then, I have understood that I am in middle of international point of contact.
What do you do when you’re not studying?
Generally, I am trying to learn some Swedish language and going to downtown. Thus, I am attending the fika which is cultural meeting activity for coffee breaks, and talking with my friends. I am interested in exploring the nature which is completely opposite from my hometown in Turkey. I like to ride my bike on the roads of this nice town especially after the parties when I come back to my place. I go to library to read worldwide famous magazines which are about different subjects. I do play guitar in my room when I talk with my band mates live in Istanbul, via internet.
What you like best about the town of Umeå and its surroundings?
The city has very long distance bicycle roads which make easier to reach the places where you want to go with bike and this also makes people more sportive. Although, there are very much snow on the street you can see many people biking the whole winter .Because the vehicles which are for taking the snow from the streets usually clean even at the lately night. The environment of city is quite clean when is compared with the other cities of Europe because of well working recycling system in each part of city. And also the people have this responsibility about the environment and human life. This makes Umeå healthier and liveable city.
What do you find as the biggest cultural difference, both socially and educationally, from your country with Sweden?
The relationships between teachers and students are likely more than friendships. With this environment, students feel more relax and comfortable themselves. It makes them more successful with this way. For example there are separate examining buildings which contain an area which is for smoking and have also restrooms in each hall. In the education system, no one can find a bureaucracy between students and stuffs about the paper works (stamps, signs, etc)..
What you would say to another international student thinking of attending Umeå University?
I would recommend Umeå University and its student life to all students who want to go on their education abroad. I am sure they will never forget the memories which they are going to get from here. Another advantage of this place is to be located very north which makes easier to realize very different environmental actions and weather conditions.
What are you career aspirations?
All of my ideas have changed after this experience. Thus I would like to come to Sweden to work or study master of programmes after I got my bachelor for going on to gain great experiences. This can make me better chemist in the future.
