BY AMNA KARA (MAN/III)
Name: Pan MuMing
Department: Management/Exchange
Country of Origin: Taiwan
What do you like best about Turkey?
Nature and the food in Turkey, I believe.
Are there any similarities between your country’s culture and Turkey’s?
Taiwanese are kind and friendly. Generally, the people I have met here are also friendly. Even though some of them don’t know English or Mandarin, they still try to give me assistance when I need it.
What will you miss most about Turkey/Bilkent?
I will miss the food, nature, the people I met and life in Turkey.
What is your favorite place on campus and why?
It’s the Dormitories Sports Center, since I usually play ping pong there with friends.
Why Turkey?
In my opinion, Turkey is a unique country because it stretches across Asia and Europe, and includes Eastern and Western cultures, each retaining their own part. The other reason is that I don’t know Turkish, so it’s more of challenge for me and lets me step out of my comfort zone.
What’s your favorite Turkish food/favorite part of Turkish culture?
I love döner, pide and the black tea here.
Where do expect to see yourself in 10 years?
Maybe I will be working in Taiwan and will travel often on business.
What is the hardest challenge you’ve overcome in Turkey?
The language and public transportation (the buses).
What cities have you visited in Turkey? Which one do you like the best?
İstanbul, Fethiye and Ankara. Although each city is good and has its own characteristics, Istanbul is my favorite. It not only has historical and meaningful architecture, but a very convenient public transportation system as well.
Do you have any hidden talents?
Not sure; I’m trying to figure that out.
What is one question you are asked frequently or the most interesting comment you’ve heard at Bilkent/in Turkey?
Mostly, people ask me “Are you Japanese?” and “Why Turkey?”