SUMMER
2020 Issue

KUNNECTION SUMMER 2020 ISSUE

Latest on Global Partnerships

Koç University has been engaging in discussions with the leading institutions from all around the World to explore potential areas of collaboration and several new partnership agreements have been signed for the mobility of students and academic staff members. Representatives of international institutions as well as Ambassadors and Consul Generals of many countries have visited Koç University since the start of 2020. Also, since the start of 2020, Koç University faculty members have been thriving in national and international research award programs and grant programs.

Experiencing Diversity: Every exchange has a story!

Participation in an exchange program is not just a memorable experience, it is an international learning process that propels one towards acceptance and understanding of an array of different cultural and community perspectives, as well. Being on exchange whether as a student or a professional gives lots of advantages in life, education, and career. You constantly find yourself in situations outside of your comfort zone, in which you truly learn more about yourself. As Andre Gide once said, “Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” Read the stories of our students and get ready to feel inspired!

International Social Innovation On Campus

Global Learning and Leadership Program (GLLP) ‘s 1st Project Bazaar gave students the opportunity to present their social change projects with KU community. Partnering with Suna Kıraç Library, during Fall 2019, UIF Students organized several mindfulness sessions to offer students the opportunity to relieve stress in the final’s week. KU Global Aid Students has successfully moved their project “Let’s Be United” to Gaziantep with the funds they received from AT Kearney Global Management Consulting Firm. With the funds they received from Global Youth Leadership of Service Learning Institute of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 2 GLLP students have successfully completed their project that aims to improve the social integration between Syrian and Turkish young girls while increasing their self-confidence.

Global Programs & Projects: Peacemakers Wrap Up and a New Beginning with BANUU

After two and a half years of hard work, PEACEMAKERS Project: “Peace Dialogue Campus Network: Fostering Positive Attitudes between Migrants and Youth in Hosting Societies” was finalized on April 1. During the project’s lifespan, Koç University, Universidade Aberta, University of Bologna, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Gaziantep University and Humboldt University collaborated to produce four intellectual outputs; as well as social inclusion projects designed and carried out by a selected group of students trained to become Peace Envoys. While one project is finalized, we have also had a new beginning with our new Erasmus+ KA2 Project ““BANUU: Designing new pathways for employability and entrepreneurship of Iraqi students in Archaeology and Cultural Heritage” recently.

International Community News

Welcome Events for newcomer students are one of the ICO traditions where new students meet and converse over some refreshments. This Spring 2020 event witnessed a new addition since the KU Musical Club gave a short concert and introduced Turkish acoustic music to newcomers. The ICO launched a new project for those foreigners who want to practice their Turkish conversational skills with KU volunteer students, called Turkish Practice Hour. Initially, the project was called Turkish Coffee Hour, where some Turkish coffee was going to be served at the meetings. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ICO had a quick action and moved the project to an online platform. Last but not least, the ICO had an interview with a Ph.D. student, Muhammad Zeeshan- the culture coordinator of the Pakistan Students Association (PSA), to see an international student perspective on campus and in Istanbul.

Times Higher Education Rankings for 2020 announced!

THE World University Rankings and Impact Rankings has been announced recently. Koc University continues its tradition to become one of the top-ranked institutions both in Turkey and in the World. To see our THE Rankings for 2020, click Read More below.

The editorial staff welcomes story ideas, comments, and news.
Drop a line at exchange@ku.edu.tr

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