BY EBI KRISTO (MAN/II)
Name: Jiwon Shin
Department: Psychology
Country of Origin: South Korea
What do you like best about Turkey?
I enjoy discovering new places, and I love how Turkey has lots of things to offer in that respect. Sites and cities like Cappadocia or Pamukkale are the main reasons why I decided to choose Turkey for my exchange experience.
Are there any similarities between Turkey and your home country?
The biggest similarity between the two countries is the respect for people who are older than us. In South Korea we refer to those people in a formal language, which is also the case here in Turkey.
What will you miss most about Bilkent/Turkey?
I adore Turkish cuisine and the home-cooked meals that are consumed here. I have found Table D’hote Restaurant on campus to be a good representation of that, and I will miss it greatly when I leave Turkey.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
Table D’hote Restaurant, because of the taste of home they bring to the food.
What’s your favorite Turkish food and/or favorite part of Turkish culture?
I have not tried a lot of Turkish foods, but my favorite until now is lamb shish kebabs. As for culture, I like the word “canım.” Every time someone says that to me, it feels like someone cares deeply for me and that they love me, even if we are strangers.
Where do you expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
I see myself in the Netherlands, riding a bike by a river and enjoying the weather.
What’s the hardest challenge you’ve handled in Turkey?
Probably the language barrier.
What places have you visited in Turkey, and which one is your favorite?
I have visited Selçuk, Şirince, Fethiye, İstanbul, Cappadocia, and Muğla (Datça, Marmaris).
What’s an interesting question or comment you hear frequently at Bilkent/in Turkey?
A lot of people tell me to be careful when I cross the street because cars will not stop for pedestrians.
Describe yourself in three words.
Hardworking, adventurous and positive.