Eat, Pray, and Study at Turkey
Many people want to study abroad for various reasons. But, of course, there are ups and downs. Turkey is one of the most popular countries to study, but you have to be prepared to miss Indonesia because of its food and learning atmosphere. Especially during this pandemic, which keeps people from staying at home and lying down all day. Spring weather and Eid al-Adha will make you feel at home there.
The story became the ups and downs of Balya Ibnu Mulkan, an alumnus of Industrial Engineering at the Islamic University of Indonesia who is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Turkey. The International Communication Program of the Islamic University of Indonesia held this Ramadan light chat while hanging out waiting for the time to break the fast on Friday, May 28, 2021.
Fasting and Eid in Turkey are very unattractive, according to Balya. Fasting atmosphere and Eid with regular days there is no change at all. Although he was grateful because the weather was not so hot in the range of 16-19 degrees Celsius, explaining the long fasting time. Fasting time is also longer than in Indonesia, which is only about 14 hours. “This year it’s only 16 hours because it’s spring . Last year, it could be 17 hours because it was summer,” said Balya. Especially during the pandemic, which requires them to only stay at home, can’t go anywhere and is closely guarded by the police.
Food is a complicated problem for Indonesian students in Turkey. Food in Turkey is too sweet and tends to sour. Balya admits that none of the types of food that he can enjoy and fit on her tongue. Balya feels tormented about eating; once or twice is okay for him, but for a long time, it becomes very torturous. “Every time I eat, I always want to go home,” Balya confessed.
If in Indonesia, one supervisor can accompany 30-50 students. “Here (Turkey), one lecturer only accompanies four students,” said Balya.
There is even an interesting phenomenon related to eating and studying in Turkey, which Indonesian students commonly experience. According to Balya, the length of the study period in Turkey does not depend on the student’s achievements, whether they are brilliant or not. For Indonesian students, it depends on the environment and food.
On average, it takes two years to complete a master’s studies. But Indonesian students are faster than the usual travel time. “Usually I don’t feel at home because of the food and the environment,” said Balya.
Apart from food, there is also a social environment and learning atmosphere. Indonesian students usually chat with each other casually and work in groups to do assignments. But not in Turkey. This very different learning culture is a challenge for Balya. The challenge is getting real because the supervisor’s assistance is rigorous. If in Indonesia, one supervisor can accompany 30-50 students. “Here (Turkey), one lecturer only supevise four students,” said Balya.
