18/07/2025
International exchange programs for Sabancı University students offer unique opportunities for both academic and personal development. Ekin, a double major student in Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences who had the opportunity to study at Venice International University (VIU) this year, shared this special experience with our university. In this interview, which covers everything from sustainability and interdisciplinary education to Venice's captivating atmosphere and cultural diversity, Ekin spoke to GazeteSU about his education at VIU, the opportunities he encountered, and the impact of this process on his career goals.
1. First, could you briefly introduce yourself?
My name is Ekin. I am a 3rd grade double major student in Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences. I was accepted to the University of Venice for the spring semester in the Management Sciences program. Academically, I'm interested in sustainability, marketing, and supply chain management. Furthermore, learning about different cultures, gaining new perspectives, and exploring the world have always been a passion of mine. In my free time, I enjoy exploring new places, taking photos, reading books, and pursuing art.
2. Why did you choose the University of Venice for your exchange program?
The most important reason I chose the University of Venice was the city's deep history and its unique location, which brings together diverse European cultures. The idea of studying in Venice, where art, history, and architecture come together, appealed to me. The University of Venice impressed me not only with its architecture and art, but also with its interdisciplinary and rich academic environment. The University of Venice's interdisciplinary courses and international student-faculty structure offered an ideal networking environment for personal and career development. Furthermore, the unique and detailed course content within the "Globalization Program" was one of the most important factors in determining my choice. The detailed and carefully prepared course content on specific global topics within this program impressed me. I was also drawn to the reinforcement of the theoretical knowledge we learned in class through weekly extracurricular field activities. I believed this experience would provide me with new perspectives not only academically but also culturally.
One of my biggest motivations for choosing this university was the fact that they choose the best professors from the best schools in each country within a worldwide academic network.
3. What were your expectations before leaving?
Before leaving, I expected the University of Venice to offer me a great deal, both academically and culturally. My biggest expectations were to experience a different educational system, develop myself in an international environment, and meet new people. I can say that these expectations were largely met. Academically, I found the interdisciplinary perspective and the culture of group work very stimulating. Taking classes from academics from different countries and universities, and sharing the classroom environment with international students was very beneficial for networking.
On the positive side, I was most surprised by the genuine relationships I established with students from different countries and the projects we developed together. On the negative side, the slower pace of bureaucratic processes and some official procedures was initially challenging. But over time, I adapted to this process and tried to remain solution-oriented. The university's Student Affairs Department was always there for us with their support.
4. What was the experience of living and studying in Venice like?
Living and studying in Venice was an unforgettable experience for me. Seeing traces of history and art in every corner of the city was like wandering through an open-air museum during breaks or during my free time. The campus offered a warm atmosphere that brought together an international student community. The fact that the campus is located on a small island in Venice was also an interesting experience. The small class sizes and the opportunity to interact directly with the professors exceeded my expectations.
Daily life, on the other hand, was an experience I initially struggled to adapt to, but over time, I began to enjoy. Getting lost in Venice's labyrinthine streets, commuting to school by vaporetto, and even navigating the canals to shop for groceries felt different and tiring at first, but it made me feel like I was part of the city.
What struck me most was that every day, a new detail I encountered—a statue, a bridge, a small square—echoed the spirit of Venice.
5. Is there any memorable moment or cultural event you've been to during your stay in Venice?
One of my most unforgettable memories during my stay in Venice was witnessing the city's famous carnival. The city was transformed into another world with colorful masks, historical costumes, and stage shows in the streets. People of all ages were wandering the streets of Venice in either their own original costumes and masks, or in historical costumes. It was fascinating and entertaining to see these people, as if it were a commonplace occurrence in everyday life. Special concerts and shows were also held in the city square on certain nights. Being present at one of the world's most famous carnivals was unforgettable for me.
6. Did you have the opportunity to learn new things in the courses or projects you participated in as part of the program?
The courses and projects I participated in at the University of Venice demonstrated to me the value of an interdisciplinary perspective. Working with students from different countries and departments taught me to approach the same problem from multiple perspectives. Discussing topics like sustainability and global governance from the perspectives of engineering, economics, and the social sciences was particularly instructive.
One of the most important things I learned was that relying on a single discipline can be insufficient when seeking solutions to complex problems, and that combining different perspectives can yield much more creative and effective ideas. The university's diverse environment helped me develop my analytical thinking and gain a broader perspective on the world.
Furthermore, every Friday, we organized field projects and excursions related to the city, either through lectures or as part of our "Navigating Waste Water" course. What stands out for me is the wastewater treatment plant site I visited as part of my "Navigating Waste Water" course. This site provided me with the opportunity to put my sustainability course into practice. We had the opportunity to observe the collected wastewater as it progressed through the treatment plant step by step and to hear from experts. This fieldwork also helped me write my final report for the course.
7. What kind of opportunity did the collaboration between Sabancı University and Venice International University (VIU) offer you?
The collaboration between Sabancı University and Venice International University offered me the opportunity to develop myself in an international and interdisciplinary environment. Thanks to VIU's consortium structure, I met with students from different countries and disciplines, took joint courses, conducted projects, and experienced different perspectives on global issues. This diversity enriched me not only academically but also culturally.
It demonstrated to me the importance of an interdisciplinary approach, especially when addressing complex global issues. Discussing and seeking solutions to issues such as sustainability, climate change, and migration from the perspectives of engineering, social sciences, and economics was invaluable. Sabancı's involvement in such an international network enabled me to experience this and gave me the ability to see the world from a broader perspective.
8. How was your communication with students from different countries?
Communicating with students from different countries was one of the most enjoyable and educational aspects of my exchange program in Venice. We all came from different cultures, but through shared projects, group activities, and social events, we forged strong bonds. This diversity gave me the opportunity to share my own culture and understand how others view the world.
One of the most unforgettable moments in terms of cultural interaction was the "culinary night" we organized as exchange students. That evening, everyone prepared and shared a dish unique to their country, and we discussed our cultures through the food. At the table, not only did different tastes come together, but also different stories and lifestyles. That night, I once again felt the richness our differences create. At the end of the semester, I returned to Turkey having made lasting friendships from many countries.
9. How do you think this experience contributed to your career goals or academic journey?
My experience at the University of Venice was a valuable stepping stone towards my career goals and academic journey. The interdisciplinary education and international environment allowed me to develop my analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, the experience of working with people from different cultures strengthened my ability to participate in global projects and multinational teams in the future. Academically, the courses I took and the projects I participated in allowed me to deepen my knowledge in areas such as sustainability and innovation. I believe that such international and interdisciplinary experiences will provide significant advantages in my career plans. This process has increased my motivation to continuously improve myself and create innovative solutions.
10. Do you have any advice for Sabancı University students interested in participating in the program?
My most important advice for Sabancı University students interested in participating in the program is to plan their preparation well and keep an open mind. Stepping into a new country and culture can be both exciting and challenging at times, so being flexible and patient is crucial. Academically, it's beneficial to research the course curriculum and the university's opportunities in advance, manage your expectations, and prepare yourself accordingly.
As for life there, I recommend participating in social activities as much as possible to connect with people from different cultures. Being tolerant of cultural differences and remaining open to learning will make the experience much richer and more memorable. Furthermore, paying attention to the small details of daily life—for example, tasting local delicacies, exploring the city—will transform the program into not just an academic experience but a lifelong one.
9. How do you think this experience contributed to your career goals or academic journey?
My experience at the University of Venice was a valuable stepping stone towards my career goals and academic journey. The interdisciplinary education and international environment allowed me to develop my analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, the experience of working with people from different cultures strengthened my ability to participate in global projects and multinational teams in the future. Academically, the courses I took and the projects I participated in allowed me to deepen my knowledge in areas such as sustainability and innovation. I believe that such international and interdisciplinary experiences will provide significant advantages in my career plans. This process has increased my motivation to continuously improve myself and create innovative solutions.
10. Do you have any advice for Sabancı University students interested in participating in the program?
My most important advice for Sabancı University students interested in participating in the program is to plan their preparation well and keep an open mind. Stepping into a new country and culture can be both exciting and challenging at times, so being flexible and patient is crucial. Academically, it's beneficial to research the course curriculum and the university's opportunities in advance, manage your expectations, and prepare yourself accordingly.
As for life there, I recommend participating in social activities as much as possible to connect with people from different cultures. Being tolerant of cultural differences and remaining open to learning will make the experience much richer and more memorable. Furthermore, paying attention to the small details of daily life—for example, tasting local delicacies, exploring the city—will transform the program into not just an academic experience but a lifelong one.
11. Finally, what are your thoughts on Sabancı University's membership in the VIU Consortium?
Sabancı University being the first university from Turkey to join the Venice International University (VIU) Consortium is truly a great opportunity and a source of pride for students. Venice University offers a program that only accepts students from select universities worldwide. Being part of such a prestigious and interdisciplinary international network broadens students' horizons not only academically but also culturally and socially.
Thanks to this consortium, Sabancı students have the opportunity to learn, develop projects, and discuss global issues alongside distinguished students from different countries. Such international experiences provide a significant advantage in students' careers and help them become well-rounded and self-confident individuals. The fact that Sabancı University creates opportunities for its students through such collaborations also contributes to strengthening Turkey's position in the academic arena.
