Interview-Northern Virginia Community College

Interview Northern Virginia Community College

Kenan Top, from Turkey, is a freshman majoring in Business Administration at Northern Virginia Community College.

Why did you decide to study in the U.S.A.?

My younger brother, Ismail, mentioned about how the education system is great here. In addition, he mentioned about how perfect teachers he has. When I came here, I was not sure if I did the right decision but now, after almost two years, I am very happy about the decision I made to come here for my education because my brother was right.

How did you choose your college?

I live in Virginia and NVCC is very close to my home. Moreover, NVCC has such a great campus at Annandale.

What do you like best?

The life is very organized here. Everything is on time. When you ask something to anybody, they just love to help you. Also, it is not as hard as in Turkey to get an A from your classes.

What do you miss most?

I miss my family, friends and Istanbul a lot. I do not have very difficult time to find Turkish food here because there are many Turkish restaurants here. However, I miss “doner” (a kind of Turkish kebab) a lot because “doner” in here is not as delicious “doner” in Turkey.

What was your biggest surprise?

In the education system everything encourage you be successful. Teachers are very helpful. Especially, English teaching is very good. Teachers use many different and effective techniques to help you to learn English. I strongly recommend to study here to people whom would like to learn good and academic English. Here, everything teaches you something in your daily life. You are in such a great learning environment.

...your biggest disappointment?

I cannot say that I had a big disappointment. However, one negative thing in here is life is too expensive but you get used to it.

How have you handled:
...Language differences?

I did not know much English when I came here. Especially, during my first semester I had a little bit hard time to understand my teachers and friends in my classes. I remember when I listened to American TVs and radios for the first time I almost did not understand anything. However, by the time I get confident with that. Now, I can communicate with others easily.

...Adjusting to a different educational system?

The education system here and the education system in Turkey are not very different from each other. However, educational equipments like computers are very common here and you have much more individual help from your teachers.

What are your activities?

We have a student club, which is Turkish Student Association (TSA) at NVCC, and I am the President of TSA. This club is not for just Turkish students, but also all students around the world. We do many good activities like picnics, movie days, food sharing days, conferences, visits, and a publication.

How easy is making friends?

One of the best experiences I have had here is making friends from all over the world. In regular classes, making friends is not as easy as in ESL classes, but still I made many good friends.

How relevant is your U.S. education to your personal goals and to the needs of your country?

I would like to study MBA program in an American university and set up my own business in Turkey. I am learning and will learn many good things about business here.

What is your advice to other students?

If they can afford it, I strongly recommend studying in the USA. It is such a wonderful experience.

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