Studying Political Science and International Relations at Antalya Bilim University has greatly benefited me not only academically but also in my personal and professional development. During my university years, I had the opportunity to do internships at the Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure and the Kemer District Governor's Office. These internships provided a significant advantage in applying the theoretical knowledge I had gained. Specifically, the knowledge I acquired in the Directorate for EU and Foreign Affairs related to exports, EU projects, and the Green Deal now comes into play in my current position as an export manager. Being able to utilize this knowledge in my role brings me great satisfaction. Starting my job as an export manager immediately after graduation was possible thanks to the combination of these internships, the education in my Department, and my previous work experiences. Additionally, I had the chance to participate in EU-organized projects on human rights and disinformation in Czechia. These opportunities allowed me to reinforce what I learned at the University and apply it in real-world settings. Although each of our professors had different teaching techniques, their common goal was to ensure we become good individuals and excell in whatever we do. The experiences I gained during this journey can inspire new students and guide them on their future career paths.
İpek Cinokur / Class of 2024
Studying in the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Antalya Bilim University has been an incredibly enriching experience. The curriculum is designed to challenge and engage students, offering unique perspectives on global issues and equipping us with the analytical skills necessary to navigate the complex world of international relations. Each professor has their own teaching style, and they are all experts in different areas, so when you combine their knowledge, it creates a well-rounded and thorough educational experience. During my studies, I had the opportunity to participate in an Erasmus exchange program at the University of Bucharest in Romania and intern at the Consulate General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Antalya. I am honored to be the top student in my department and one of the top three students in the Faculty of Economic, Administrative, and Social Sciences. Our professors are always open to discussing any issues with students both during and outside of classes, making this experience truly special. I have never felt like it was just about going to classes and coming back; the professors find different approaches for each student, making you feel special and as if the program and courses were designed just for you. Thanks to their guidance, I have been accepted to top Italian universities such as University of Bologna, University of Sapienza in Rome and University of Bocconi in Milan for further studies, and I am excited to apply the knowledge I gained. I am deeply grateful for my professors and our department.
Jadyra Akmukhanova / Class of 2024
As a graduate of Antalya Bilim University's Department of Political Science and International Relations in 2023, I am filled with immense pride as I write these lines. Following the completion of my undergraduate studies at Antalya Bilim University, I applied to and was accepted into the European and Global Studies Master's Program at the University of Padova in Italy. I must acknowledge that the education I received during my undergraduate studies, along with the guidance from the esteemed academics of our Department, played a pivotal role in my application and acceptance process. The high-quality education I received at this institution has significantly enriched my understanding of contemporary political and global issues. It is noteworthy that, owing to the education I received here, I have honed my "critical" and "analytical" thinking skills. Furthermore, I have seen substantial improvement in many of my academic abilities. These accomplishments during my undergraduate years were evident in the numerous academic activities I participated in. For instance, the academic exercises I engaged in during my undergraduate studies enabled me to later publish a work, in which I was able to demonstrate my academic competencies. Undoubtedly, the credit for the exemplary academic education provided at this institution goes to the distinguished faculty members of our department. Their diverse perspectives and expertise have equipped us with profound insights into various topics within the fields of Political Science and International Relations. Additionally, their unwavering support and guidance have always made us feel their presence and encouragement. I owe my current accomplishments and successes to Antalya Bilim University’s Department of Political Science and International Relations and its talented and dedicated academic staff. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to them for the invaluable undergraduate experience I had at this esteemed institution.
Oğuzhan Aksoy / Class of 2023
Antalya Bilim University provided me with more than just a degree. Its distinguished academic faculty played a significant role in shaping my personality and skills, which have been crucial for my present and future success. Here, I learned that discipline is the key to achieving success. I expanded my intellectual capacity and gained practical experience in analytical analysis. The personalized attention and interest from my professors deserve special mention. As the first graduate of the post-COVID education era at my school, I believe I could not have achieved such success without their mentorship. I completed a dual bachelor’s degree and a minor at ABU, which gave me an interdisciplinary perspective. This paved the way for my current dual master’s studies—an MSc and an MPA—at two of the world’s most prestigious universities. Alongside my studies at ABU, I co-authored one academic paper and three book chapters with my professors. I worked part-time for two years, including a role in the finance office for my Economics degree and a year as an editor for the Migration Symposium for my Political Science degree. I also served as a research assistant on a TUBITAK project and completed an Erasmus internship at the University of Amsterdam. I should thank my curriculum and extra curriculum achievements in ABU for where I am today. After completing my curriculum at University of Geneva and my internship in United Nations Institute for Training and Research, I am currently at Tsinghua University with a government scholarship, continuing my dual master studies on Sustainability.
Gamze Kandemir / Class of 2022
As an alumnus of Antalya Bilim University, I'm humbled by the call to highlight how instrumental the university was in shaping my career and academic achievements. This institution provided a solid undergraduate foundation, enhanced by exceptional mentorship from its distinguished faculty. During my time here, I secured prestigious accolades such as the Erasmus Exchange Program to Germany and the California-USA Fellowship, which expanded my global perspectives and leadership skills. These experiences paved the way for significant opportunities, including a position at Rwanda’s Foreign Ministry, a fully funded Master of Science at Oxford, and a placement at the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency. Furthermore, this solid foundation enhanced my securing of offers from over seven top global universities for PhD programs, including a prestigious Presidential Scholarship from Harvard to pursue my PhD aspiration. As this demonstrates, Antalya Science University excels in offering a vibrant educational environment that fosters growth, innovation, and a global perspective. Its interdisciplinary approach and the faculty's expertise make it a beacon of knowledge. For those seeking a blend of self-directed learning, international exposure, and career development, this university is unparalleled. It’s more than an educational institution; it's a launchpad for future leaders.
I graduated from Antalya Bilim University, Department of Political Science and International Relations in 2020. The same year I enrolled in a master’s degree program at Pavia University in Italy and currently I am preparing my thesis. Actually, the master’s degree program has showed me once again the quality of the education that I acquired at ABU. I can say that thanks to the knowledge that the Political Science department gave me, my MA classes were easier for me. During my education at ABU, I had the opportunity to work part-time at the department and with the experience that I gained there and the Erasmus Internship Program, I completed an internship with a professor in Italy this year. Though I have graduated, I am still very much attached to my university because I still feel the support of our academicians. They are still sharing with us news about internships or job openings. I consider myself lucky because thanks to the opportunities that they gave me, I knew what I wanted when I graduated. I believe that with its well-equipped and qualified academic staff, ABU Political Science Department has prepared me very well for the future.
Fatma Nur Yurekli / Class of 2020
There are many things that I truly enjoyed during my time at the Department of Political Science and International Relations. The first is how diverse the courses are, especially during the second half of my undergraduate studies. I was able to learn about various concepts, many that I had never thought about before. I was able to broaden my thinking and understanding of global affairs. Another thing that I liked was the attentiveness of our professors. Some of the advice I have received from my professors have helped me significantly in deciding my future goals. Whether it is in discussion-based classes or outside while having a cup of coffee, I was able to have intense conversations with our professors about various issues. I highly recommend the program for anyone interested in politics, and anyone who does not shy away from having debates.
After graduating, I have been working as a teaching assistant and special needs educator at an international school. I am also in the process of applying to graduate programs. I am genuinely grateful for the time I spent at ABU and the POLS program.
Betesayda Bezabeh / Class of 2019
The primary reason I selected Antalya Bilim University for my studies was the international experience of the academic staff and using English as the means of instruction. However, upon graduation, I left the University with many more reasons to be grateful. Our Department's diverse educational methods, which kept us actively engaged throughout the year, benefited our academic pursuits and future careers. The activities, such as presentations and discussions, well prepared us for the professional world. Studying alongside international students and learning from professors with a deep understanding of global developments gave me a competitive edge. The international environment and the academic staff's awareness of current academic trends significantly enhanced my critical thinking and analytical skills. One of the most essential features of Antalya Bilim University that continues to support my career trajectory is the methodological training I received, such as statistics, qualitative, and quantitative data analysis courses, which were particularly beneficial when writing my master's thesis in Women's Studies at Gazi University. Another critical factor was the moderate student population, which allowed for more personalised interactions and easy access to professors, providing a customized learning experience. This accessibility not only helped me identify my areas for improvement but also provided valuable career advice. In short, the knowledge and competencies I gained at Antalya Bilim University enabled me to start working at a UK-based company called DCT and later pursue my second master's degree with an Erasmus Mundus scholarship in the Netherlands. These achievements highlight how the solid academic foundation and opportunities provided by Antalya Bilim University have been instrumental in my academic and professional success.
Busenaz Tokgöz / Class of 2019
Studying Political Science and International Relations, means that you will be equipped with a full picture of how the world functions, and to develop your own thoughts and conclusions. I remember as a student, not only did we receive a worldwide view of politics, but we enjoyed a miscellany of subjects and seminars offered by our distinguished professors or guest speakers. In addition, our professors at the department of POLS deliver on their promises. Each course is organized and taught by a specialized professor in the field, using different methods such as: Interactive lectures, Problem-Based learning (PBL), Enquiry-Based learning (EBL), as well as research assignments. One of the other advantages of the department is its support for openness. Classes serve as open spaces for students to express themselves, to constructively ask questions and debate, and to categorize their thoughts in order to sharpen their ability to analyze situations, both professionally and personally. All these traits make the department of Political Science the best place for curious students to become rigorous in dealing with everyday issues, and elevate their awareness of the world around them.
After obtaining a Bachelor degree at the department of POLS, I pursued a Masters’ degree in European and International Governance in Brussels, Belgium. I currently work in a company in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The role requires negotiation skills, public speaking, and attention to details. It would be amiss not to mentions that I developed these skills as a student at the department of Political Science and International Relations.
Younes Ait Said / Class of 2019
My name is Beyza. I am one of the first graduates of Antalya Bilim University. At the time of university applications, I had searched the profiles of the professors. I had noticed that all of the faculty members had experiences abroad and were graduates of high-ranking universities. This was the reason why I chose to study Political Science and International Relations at Antalya Bilim University.
During my college years, I attended international programs in London and Amsterdam. I had the chance to attain multicultural experiences in courses and extracurricular activities. I graduated from the faculty with honors degree and thereafter continued my master’s at Sabancı University. I was able to join volunteer projects in Romania and Germany during my MA. This helped to further improve my language skills in English and German. I was a hardworking but a lucky young woman to build up such an international background.
Thanks to my language abilities, I could start my professional career as a Foreign Trade Manager at my current job. Besides my professional life, I allocate some of my time to other hardworking and enthusiastic young women to advance their English skills. I am a voluntary English teacher at Strong Girls Foundation with the aim of supporting young women.
Ayşe Beyza Gürlü / Class of 2017
The most important reason for why I chose Antalya Bilim University is that it is an international university. The university allows students to look at events and people from different perspectives at an international level. It gives us the opportunity to study in the same environment with people from different nationalities, with different cultures and languages.
Besides this international feature, the academic quality of prep-school instructors and the department professors impress you starting from the time you enroll in university and throughout your education. The fact that I could speak and write English proficiently only after one year made me love the university before starting my actual study at the department.
In the first years of university, I had the opportunity to do an internship in Rixos The Palm Dubai during the summer vacation. Afterwards, I found the opportunity to join a project at Amsterdam University for three months. Currently, I am working at Rixos Headquarters Turkey in the Sales & Contracting departmant.
Elif Dede / Class of 2017
