Azerbaijan University successfuly hosts students visiting through exchange programs. Osman Yilmaz, a student of İnönü  University, Turkey, studied at Azerbaijan University in the fall term of 2016/2017 academic year. Osman Yilmaz is a third-year-student majoring in Teaching English. He came to Baku from the city of Malatya, Turkey via “Movlana” exchange program.

Credits received by Osman Yilmaz at Azerbaijan University will be recognized appropriately by İnönü University. He is the first student to have taken part in “Movlana” exchange program at İnönü  University.

Having been awarded a certificate upon successful completion of semester by Azerbaijan University rector, Farid Ahmadov, Osman Yilmaz shares his impressions about Azerbaijan on our webpage.  

- You are the first student of İnönü University who  participated in “Movlana” exchange program. Why did you choose Azerbaijan? 

- My university has established contacts with a number of universities in Turkic-speaking countries in the framework of "Mevlana" exchange program. My priority was Azerbaijan. I was brought here by such slogans as “Brother nation” and "One nation, two states", often used in Turkey's daily life, education environment and media. I was willing to express my gratitude for the opportunity offered to me by university, to study here, to become familiar with Azerbaijani history, culture and traditions, and to see with my own eyes brotherhood between the two countries. 

- You came to Baku in September. What were some of your difficulties at first? 

- There were hardly any problems with adaptations. Cuisine and food-related troubles did not come up either. Everyone was very welcoming and friendly. It is just that when I came, it was very hot in Baku. Kütahya, where  was born, and Malatya, where I am studying, are in the dry climate zone. I've had problems adapting to hot and humid climate. Now, however, everything is fine, the weather is fine in Baku, and Turkey is freezing with cold. 

- What can you say about student life in Azerbaijan University? 

- Both my teachers and my classmates are warm and friendly people. I took 6 courses during the semester, and successfully passed all the exams. The group sizes are small, consisting of 20-25 students. It allows maintaining the high quality of education and plays a major role in the development of English language skills. Teachers are able to pay sufficient attention to every student. I was a starter in the German language. I took intensive German lessons and have made a lot of improvement. What caught my attention was that exams are conducted in rooms with cameras under very strict control, and there is a bell ringing between lessons. 

- How did you spend your leisure time? 

- There are many interesting sites in Azerbaijan. People are really friendly and hospitable, and not only in Baku, but also in regions. I have been almost everywhere, to Qobustan, Ateshghah and, particularly I’d like to point out, Icheri Sheher. I have travelled to Sheki, Guba and Qirmizi settlement in Khinalig village,  and also visited Guba Genocide Complex. After what I have seen in Guba, I can say with cofidence that my people have not harmed or persecuted anyone. Azerbaijan is a country where representatives of many religions and peoples live in peace and tranquility. 

- What are your impressions of local students? 

- Everyone is very welcoming, without exceptions. However, female students tend to focus on education and self-development more than male students. I have to admit, unfortunately, male students lag a little behind females. 

- What else has surprised you here? 

- Everyone treats others with respect, and but women are treated especially respectfully. I , and I think all guests of Baku, have noticed that the elderly, especially females, are given away seats in public transport. This tradition doesn’t exist in Europe and is slowly disappearing in Turkey. 

- The semester is over and you are going back to Turkey. Are there any reasons why you would like to come back again? 

- I’m going back to Turkey with very good impressions. I have gained a lot spiriually. I’d use any reason to come back to your country again. I first came to Baku in September when , they say, it was already comparatively cool, although I found it hard to adapt to. Next time I’d like to visit in August – at the peak of heat and humidity in Baku – to see the difference and to challenge myself. 

- Thank you for the pleasant conversation. Give our regards to İnönü University staff. 

- Thank you too.

Public Relations Department 
11.01.2017