As one of the top three universities in Turkey sending students abroad for exchange programs, Sabancı University successfully continues its mission of providing students with a global perspective. Ahmet Emir Gül, a third-year student in the Industrial Engineering Program of the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, is one of those who took advantage of this opportunity. Gül shared with us the exchange program process he attended at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore and the experiences he gained.
What is the experience offered by the exchange program at NTU?
Ahmet Emir Gül:
My exchange period at Nanyang Technological University, one of the best universities in the world, was very educational and fun. NTU is a prestigious university that offers a competitive learning experience worldwide with its strong academic staff, research-oriented education approach, and innovative technological infrastructure. Most people usually recommend going to Europe or the US during the exchange period, but I preferred to go to Asia because I think the education system and quality of competitive schools like NTU in Asia are good. In addition, living in Singapore, one of the most developed countries in the world, provides a comfortable, enjoyable, and peaceful experience thanks to its modern infrastructure, safe and orderly city structure, high quality of life, and social opportunities.
How did this experience affect your personal development?
Ahmet Emir Gül:
During this period, when I was away from my family and country for a long time for the first time, I requested an appointment from the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Singapore in order not to feel alone and also due to the responsibility of representing our university abroad as a member of Sabancı University. The warm attention and hospitable welcome given by the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey in Singapore, Mr. Mehmet Burçin Gönenli, who kindly accepted my appointment request, and the staff of our Embassy made me feel at home even though I was thousands of kilometers away from my country. As a student studying at Sabancı University, seeing my country represented in this environment where the Turkish flag was waving and meeting with our embassy officials was a great source of pride and happiness for me.
I would like to sincerely thank Sabancı University Board of Trustees Chair Güler Sabancı, Sabancı University President Prof. Dr. Yusuf Leblebici, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences Dean Prof. Dr. Erkay Savaş, International Relations Office staff, and Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences academic staff who enabled me to have these unique experiences. Thanks to the global vision and international collaborations offered by our university, I had the chance to take advantage of this opportunity that contributed greatly to my academic and personal development. I believe that the experiences I gained during this process, the new cultures I encountered, and the perspective I gained will have great value for my future education and career. I can say that this process will provide great personal and academic benefits for anyone who considers participating in exchange programs.
Sabancı University offers its students unique exchange program opportunities by collaborating with many partner universities through strong academic networks worldwide. These exchange programs not only enable students to gain academic knowledge, but also allow them to gain international experience by interacting with different cultures and to make a strong start to their careers.
For more information and details about Sabancı University's partner universities, you can visit the Sabancı University International Relations Office page.