BY AMNA KARA (MAN/IV)
Name: Camilla Kadymova
Department: COMD/II
Country of Origin: Russia
What do you like best about Turkey?
Even before I came to Bilkent I loved the Turkish culture in general, and after moving to Ankara I’m in love with weather—it’s so much better than Moscow’s!
Are there any similarities between your country’s culture and Turkey’s?
It’s hard to point out anything specific, but since I don’t have much trouble living here, I would say that the cultures are not so different after all.
What will you miss most about Turkey/Bilkent?
After graduating I think that I’ll most miss the feeling of being part of a huge international community, being able to meet people from all over the world
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
Definitely the library. The collection of books there is stunning. Last year I even found a complete set of the works of Dostoevsky published more than a hundred years ago in Russian!
Why Turkey?
I was studying financial management in Moscow before coming here and realized that I wasn’t interested in that major at all, so my mom said that I could study whatever I wanted to if I got a scholarship here.
What’s your favorite Turkish food/favorite part of Turkish culture?
My favorite food is lahmacun, and I love that you can buy tea anywhere and anytime!
Where do expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
It’s hard for me even to imagine what will happen to me after graduation, so I can’t really answer this question; I just hope I’ll be able to travel around the world without having to work in one place!
What’s the hardest challenge you’ve overcome in Turkey?
The language barrier. If you don’t speak Turkish, you become very limited. It’s hard to make friends, hard to attend any activities or lectures.
What cities have you visited in Turkey? Which one do you like the best?
I’ve been to Istanbul, Antalya, Kemer, Bodrum and Northern Cyprus, and Istanbul has always been one of my most favorite cities in the world. The place is magical!
Do you have any hidden talents?
I used to make jewelry when I lived in Moscow, and recently I started a blog where I’m writing reviews on books I’ve read, places I’ve been, etc. If anyone is interested, it’s @camilla.kadymi on Instagram.
What’s a question you’re asked frequently, or the most interesting comment you’ve heard at Bilkent/in Turkey?
Well, usually every time I say that I’m from Russia I get a lot of jokes about vodka and questions about whether I ever feel cold, but after a year I’ve gotten used to them.