BY EHSAN SHAREEF (CTIS/III)
Name: Petra Dorazínová
Department: IR Erasmus+
University: Masaryk University
Country of Origin: Czech Republic
What were your first impressions about Türkiye?
I landed with no SIM card and two big suitcases, completely lost, not knowing where to go or how to reach anyone. But then, out of nowhere, a stranger stopped and helped me carry my bags. Even though we could not understand a single word of each other, it made me feel welcome right away. Later, riding the bus into Ankara at night, tired but wide awake with excitement, I looked out the window and saw the whole city glowing with lights. I remember thinking, wow, this almost looks like Manhattan around Armada.
What do you like best about Bilkent and Türkiye?
What I like best is how everything sits together on one campus, so I never have to go far for anything. The free buses are such a lifesaver, and everyone has been so kind and hospitable, always ready to help without even being asked.
Are there any similarities between Türkiye and your home country?
There is more in common than I expected, honestly. We both love our tea, we both lean a bit liberal and open minded and we both enjoy a good smoke and a cold beer. So, in some quiet ways, it almost feels like home.
What will you miss most about Bilkent/Türkiye?
I think I will miss the cats most of all. They are everywhere, and somehow just seeing one wandering around is enough to brighten my whole day.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
Walking down the stairs by building 76 is my favorite little moment, and just past that, there is the lake. It is peaceful and pretty and always worth the walk.
What’s your favorite Turkish food and why?
I really love the desserts here. Sweets are just my thing, so anything sugary and Turkish makes me happy.
Where do you expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
More than anything, I want to be happy. I would love to stay with my boyfriend, be financially secure and feel comfortable enough to buy the little things I want without worrying about money. I hope I have found a job I enjoy by then. I want to have tried as many hobbies as I possibly can, filled my closet with clothes I love and surrounded myself with good friends. Mostly, I do not want my life to feel boring or the same every single day.
What’s one thing you learned from Turkish culture?
I think the biggest thing I have picked up is the mindset of helping people and being warm and open to strangers even when you do not know them at all. It is such a simple idea, but it has really stayed with me.
What places have you visited in Türkiye, and which one is your favorite?
I have been to Cappadocia, Eskişehir and Amasra, and Amasra is my favorite by far. The people there were so kind and the nature was just beautiful. The sea especially took my breath away. At one point a random little dog started following us around, which made the whole trip even sweeter.
What’s an interesting question or comment you hear frequently at Bilkent/in Türkiye?
Almost everyone calls their professors “hocam” here, and once I started noticing it, I heard it everywhere.
Describe yourself in three words.
Trying my best.
How is the studying experience at Bilkent?
It has been very different from what I am used to. The mandatory attendance took some getting used to and having to write full essay answers instead of multiple-choice questions still feels a little unbelievable to me. I keep asking myself, “Why would we do this?”
