BY EHSAN SHAREEF (CTIS/II)
Name: Jenny Stenseth Eikeland
Department: POLS/III Erasmus+
Country of Origin: Norway
University: University of Bergen
What were your first impressions about Türkiye?
My first impression of Türkiye was an unexpected Wi-Fi adventure, no signal without a passport scan, which felt both mysterious and a bit too sci-fi for my jetlagged brain. But the real impression hit me as I started to move around: people were incredibly chill. There’s a real sense of people taking their time, drinking çay and going about their day. I arrived trailing two overstuffed suitcases and a shattered wrist, still recovering from a fresh fracture. But from the start, hospitality swept in, strangers helping with bags and people doing their best to converse over Google Translate. Compared to Norway, where the tick-tock of the schedules rules the day and people usually keep to themselves, Türkiye had me instantly charmed by how everyone seems to move at their own peaceful, friendly pace.
What do you like best about Bilkent and Türkiye?
If I’m honest, I used to think the best part of being in Türkiye and Bilkent was actually not being stuck inside Bilkent! (Who doesn’t love exploring the country?) Though I have to admit, my perspective has evolved since the first semester. I wanted to be outside exploring more than inside studying, but I’ve realized that I actually really like my courses and find them interesting. I’m now doing my weekly readings and keeping up, or at least trying my best! The courses this semester are especially engaging because they involve a lot of research, which I love. That said, the moment anyone hears you’re studying at Bilkent, there’s awe; it’s a truly prestigious school, and I realized that quickly. At Bilkent, you really do have to study; attendance is strict, which took getting used to, since my Norwegian university life is pretty flexible. It’s completely different here, but I came here with the intention of experiencing something completely different! The classes themselves are fantastic because of the variety and the professors’ passion; you can see they love what they do and have a deep interest in what they teach, which I really appreciate. Özlem Hocam, for example, checked in with us the whole semester, and it felt personal. In Norway, lecture halls were vast seas of faces. Here, at Bilkent, everyone’s kind of part of the adventure.
Are there any similarities between Türkiye and your home country?
Not many! But Norway does love its kebab, especially the Kebab tallerken and kebab in pita (Kebab i pita). Our version involves fries, salad, loads of spicy and garlic sauces, and everything is drowned in sauce. We also have “Kefir,” which is the old folks’ favorite.
What will you miss most about Bilkent and Türkiye?
Leaving Türkiye means leaving behind a certain excitement and independence, the feeling of being out exploring on my own. I’ll really miss the warmth of Turkish culture: the little things, like how you call people “hocam” or “abi,” and my personal favorite phrase, “kolay gelsin.” Turkish breakfast and menemen have won me over, and above all, the endless cups of çay and the everyday moments of connection will be hard to replace.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
A tough one! I’d say chatting over soup at Çatı, but my favorite place has actually become Dorm 77, my room! Before I got my roommate, it was nice and calm. But what makes it special is that it’s where I hung out with my friends before they left at the end of last semester. Now I have an amazing roommate from Canada who studies archaeology and geography, and I love hanging out with her.
What’s your favorite Turkish food and why?
This has changed! While Tavuk Şiş from the Bilkent Center was my favorite last semester, I’ve discovered an incredible Uyghur ramen place in the city, and it’s become my top choice since the exams. I absolutely love it and would recommend anyone go there for some good ramen. Tavuk Şiş from Şiş House is still a solid number two, though!
Where do you expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
I’m not much for planning a decade ahead (you never know, right?), but I’d love to work for the Norwegian government, perhaps at an embassy somewhere in the world. While I love Norway, I see myself living abroad, somewhere international.
What’s one thing you learned from Turkish culture?
The double-cheek hug! It’s adorable—still not quite part of my muscle memory, but it’s such a sweet tradition. The hospitality seriously stands out; the “ikram” (free little snacks) at Turkish restaurants, the extra warmth and the genuine generosity are unlike anywhere else. I also have to mention Hatice Pınar Bilgin, one of my professors; her structure and her lectures have made a big impression on me, and I really admire her academically. I’m also learning to be more vocal in ways I wouldn’t normally be back home. I’m trying to speak up more in class; it’s not something I’m used to, but with the classes being so small, it’s a good skill to develop.
What places have you visited in Türkiye, and which one is your favorite?
I’ve traveled to Istanbul, Bodrum, Cappadocia, Antalya, Alanya, Izmir and, most recently, Trabzon along with some friends. Trabzon was amazing, the cold weather made me feel like I was back home, and the nature was beautiful. I ate so much traditional Turkish food at my friend’s house, I felt like I left 10 pounds heavier, but my heart was so full and warm! I’ve also been exploring Ankara more, especially the Bahçelievler area. It’s surprisingly cozy. I thought it was just a stop on the way to Tunus, but there’s a lot there. Bodrum still stands out as my absolute favorite for its breakfasts and the dream that, one day, I’ll buy a house there and watch those magical sunsets. Looking ahead this semester, I’m hoping to visit Cappadocia 2.0, Greece, Tunisia (which I visited as a child and would love to see again) and maybe Jordan if time allows.
What’s an interesting question or comment you hear frequently at Bilkent/in Türkiye?
“Where are you from?” I hear it all the time. As an obvious foreigner, it’s the first thing people ask. The other classic is “Bilkent is really hard.” Now that the second semester has started, I’m also getting “Are you an Erasmus student too?” since I’m hanging out with a lot of the new Erasmus students.
Describe yourself in three words.
Attentive, resourceful, funny.
How is the studying experience at Bilkent?
Overwhelming! Daily classes and mandatory attendance are a big shift from Norway, where I might go to class twice or three times a week and do the rest at my own pace. At Bilkent, some days run from 9:30 to 5 p.m.; finding self-study time has never been more challenging. But it’s a different way of university life, and I’m glad to experience it. The finals experience was particularly intense, four exams in two days! It was difficult to manage when to study what, and I was afraid I’d mix up the syllabi and start writing the wrong things. But it went well, and I’m happy I passed everything. The whole GPA system was new to me, since we don’t have that concept in Norway; we just have grades from A to F, where A-E are passing grades and F is a “fail.” One unique experience was being here during the semester break when everyone left. Saying goodbye to friends I’d seen every day for four months was rough, especially helping my friend Julia pack three hours before her flight. She was like my “fellow Scandi,” here, and we could speak to each other in our languages, which felt like a piece of home. After everyone left, I had one day completely alone in Bilkent before leaving for Georgia, which felt a bit empty but also so quiet and peaceful. When I came back, the campus was full of life again with all the new students. This semester, I’m trying to be more structured and have more control over my studies rather than treating school as a “side quest” like I did last semester. I’m enjoying the academic side more now that I’ve seen a lot of the country and don’t feel that pressing need to explore everything constantly. Plus, having a roommate who also loves what she’s studying makes discussing “school” fun.