Arrival in Izmir

I will be working in Yasar University’s international office, doing marketing research and encouraging other college students to study abroad in Turkey. So if you are interested, email me! J

I’ve been in Izmir for 3 days now, but I will backtrack to when I first found out I was even coming to Turkey. About a month before I left I got a phone call, asking when the earliest date I could leave the United States. Due to family health issues, we agreed to me going for the whole month of June.  May was crazy; between working, travelling, planning, & packing/planning  for a foreign country (including immunizations, passport, visa &registering at the embassy),  I kept busy and did not have a lack of things to do. I was in continuous  contact with Kursad, one of Yasar’s staff (who is also an alumni of Ferris) and he was able to help me out immensely with moving forward to get here.

The few weeks before I left I was extremely nervous. No, petrified would be a better word. Not because of the University, but because I had never travelled this far with someone, let alone by myself. I went to Italy two years ago with my mom, and I remember feeling only excitement and anticipation. At first I kept thinking to myself, “What is wrong with you? Deal with it, everything will be fine.” But as I thought about it more, it dawned on me that I was nervous only because I was going by myself. The realization didn’t make me less nervous, but it helped me conquer my fears eventually. I read more on safety, the state of Turkey’s government, and Izmir to calm myself. There wasn’t anything negative, so that also helped calm my nerves as well. I wasn’t scared because I was specifically going to Turkey; I was scared because it was a different language, social setting, and culture that I had never been exposed to. I wasn’t sure what to expect.

I’m telling you all this because I think everyone experiences a little fear when going into the unknown, and I want to share my emotions and experiences through this blog. I have enjoyed my time here, and as I walked around the area and learned more my fear was gone, like a weight off my shoulders. I am now comfortable and do not have any fear (besides the normal, common sense ones!).

Once I arrived in Izmir, I was greeted swiftly and taken to the Halls of Residence, where I was impressed upon sight of the building. Large, beautiful, modern architecture- nicer than Ferris! (I do love my school very much, but I give credit where it is due.) My room is set up for two people, with desks, beds, extra chair, and shared bathroom. Again, impressive!

I was shown around town the next day, and the Aegean Sea is right along the city, creating a beautiful view. Shopping is much like some big cities in the US—street peddlers, cafes, and fancier stores within a five minute walk. It is humid, with little mercy shown at night. However, I am not complaining one bit. It is much better than needing a coat occasionally during June in Michigan!