BY MAHİR HASSAN MİAN (ECON/II)
Name: Malika Sarsenkulova
Department: Management
Country of Origin: Kazakhstan
What were your first impressions about Türkiye?
I first visited Turkey at the age of six, and it was an enchanting experience. As a young child, exploring the diverse landscapes, tasting the endless varieties of food and encountering the abundant natural wonders and wildlife were incredibly captivating. I vividly recall telling my family, “This is the place where I want to live one day.” Remarkably, 12 years later, that dream became a reality.
What do you like best about Bilkent and Türkiye?
At Bilkent, I’m particularly fond of the campus and its serene environment. As for Türkiye, its unparalleled hospitality stands out. Everywhere I’ve gone, I’ve been warmly welcomed, often with small gestures of kindness, or ‘ikrams,’ that truly touched my heart.
What will you miss most about Bilkent/Türkiye?
Undoubtedly, it’s the people I will miss the most. The memories of gathering with close friends, sharing our cultural foods, exchanging valuable advice and simply enjoying each other’s company will forever hold a special place in my heart. Additionally, I’ll miss the insightful guidance from my professors, each of whom has played a pivotal role in shaping my personal growth and broadening my perspectives.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
A Building study tables because I can go there in between classes and I will always meet someone to chat with when I don’t want to study. :d
What’s your favorite Turkish food and why?
In terms of savory dishes, kumpir and çiğ köfte top my list. For desserts, soğuk baklava, kadayıf and irmik helva with ice cream are my favorites. These dishes hold a special place in my heart as I tried them for the first time with important people in my life, enhancing their flavors and making the experiences unforgettable.
Where do you expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
I aspire to have established a successful career in investment banking and to have a loving family with children by my side in 10 years.
What’s one thing you learned from Turkish culture?
Turkish culture has taught me the importance of being helpful and expressing emotions openly.
What places have you visited in Türkiye, and which one is your favorite?
I’ve had the opportunity to visit Antalya, Pamukkale, Bodrum, İstanbul, Konya, Zonguldak, Eskisehir and Cappadocia. Among these, Bodrum stands out as my favorite due to its breathtaking coastline and vibrant atmosphere.
What’s an interesting question or comment you hear frequently at Bilkent/in Türkiye?
“How do you survive at -40 in Kazakhstan?”
Describe yourself in three words.
Resilient, ambitious, compassionate.
How is the studying experience at Bilkent?
Studying at Bilkent has been both challenging and rewarding. While there were classes I passed without attending lectures, there were also courses that demanded countless hours of studying yet still eluded me in obtaining high grades. Despite the challenges, I appreciated the academic rigor and the opportunity to grow intellectually.
