Like many foreign students who embark on an academic sojourn, Gökhan Doygun (master's student in European Studies) encountered snags and hurdles along the way. Once at the UT, he met other Turkish students who shared similar stories. In part to help future Turkish students pursuing degrees at the UT, Hassan Sözer (now chairman), Doygun and several other Turkish PhD and master's students banded together to form an official group on campus: TUrkish Student Association at Twente or TUSAT.
According to its exceptionally user-friendly website (available in three languages), TUSAT intends to `advance the intellectual, social and cultural interaction between Turkish, Dutch and all international students; to orient incoming students to the university environment and assist them in their efforts to adjust to the new community; to support solidarity among Turkish students at the UT; and to represent and publicize the Turkish culture in the best possible way.' This may be a tall order for a fledgling organization, but the ambitions are sincere.
Doygun waxes enthusiastic about the organization, `We share problems. We help newcomers come to the UT and adjust. Even prospective students can check the website to deal with visa issues. Turkish students are increasingly interested in studying abroad. We want to help be a bridge between the UT and those students.'
Doygun is also quick to point out that his peers at TUSAT wish to convey a positive, cosmopolitan image of the Turkish community at the UT. With that comes a noteworthy generosity in spirit, as he notes, `We have created our own coordination system, and it is open to anyone, not just Turkish students.'
TUSAT currently has about 40 members and is growing. The board hopes to reach out to the students of Turkish origin at the UT.
Members pay 20 euros per year. Per Turkish custom, those who have more pay more, so some members are already contributing more than the requisite fee. Additional funds come from the International Office, whose support has been invaluable, according Doygun. TUSAT is searching earnestly for further sponsors.
Upcoming events for TUSAT include hosting a Turkish movie night once a month for no charge. On February 23, they will officially announce their presence on campus at an Opening Reception at which Rector Magnificus Zijm is expected to speak, among other distinguished guests. April 23 is Children's Day, an international event now recognized by UNICEF and which originated in Turkey in 1935. TUSAT intends to celebrate this special day at the UT later this spring.
For more information on TUSAT, check out their website: www.tusat.org
Gökhan Doygun
