Meet the 2023 Scholars

Hello, I am Yeşim Akkoyun. I am a senior student at Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Electrical and Electronics Engineering. I joined the Educ8 Empowerment Program in 2023. I was a second-year university student at that time. Many things changed in my life with this project. The 1 month I spent in London was actually a much longer period in terms of time perception. I received language education, witnessed the culture, architecture and living conditions of a different country, and received mentoring support aimed at our career development. Thanks to this project, I gained unique experiences. After the project, my perspective on life changed and my self-confidence and belief increased. I turned into a much more self-confident, goal-oriented and determined individual. On the return from the project, when I was in the 3rd grade, I was selected as the EMO Young Representative of the Eskişehir Chamber of Electrical Engineers and I still actively continue this duty. At the same time, I was selected for a rocket team at my university. We participated in the Teknofest competition as "MPGK Rocket Team" and became Teknofest finalists in the "medium altitude rocket flight" category. I'm currently a senior at university and I'm doing a graduation project with my 3 friends. And our graduation project was accepted to an exhibition for senior students organized by TMMOB. I think the small successes I have achieved with these projects are actually the preliminary steps of my professional development and I am happy for that. After graduation, I aim to become a strong engineer, useful to my country by devoting myself to my career and development.

Hello I am Eylem Korkmaz. I'm a senior Political Science student at Boğaziçi University with a passion for diplomacy. My goal is to become an ambassador, connecting cultures and fostering international relations. Internships at prominent companies like Garanti BBVA, Koç Holding and Maya Group have equipped me with the skills to navigate the complexities of the business world and interact with people from diverse backgrounds. A cultural exchange program in Morocco enhanced my ability to understand and respect different cultures. My internship at the Foreign Economic Relations Board has given me firsthand experience in the workings of diplomacy. Engaging with ambassadors from Panama and Cuba at the first day at office deepened my understanding of the intricacies of international relations. These experiences have honed my communication, negotiation, and intercultural understanding skills, making me well-prepared for a career in diplomacy. The support and belief in me from ÇYDD and yourselves have been instrumental in my journey. The enlightenment you've provided has fortified my determination to achieve my goals. I am deeply grateful for all your support. 

I am Esra, a senior student at Hacettepe University studying Political Science and Public Administration. The four weeks I spent in London in 2023  were not just a language and culture project but an unforgettable turning point in my life. This journey coincided with a time when I was deeply shaken by the earthquakes in Antakya and trying to heal the wounds of my fractured family. Amid that chaos, I applied for the Educ8 project, which gave me the opportunity to rebuild myself.The emotional turmoil I experienced after the earthquake reminded me that I needed to find the strength within myself. What I learned during this project wasn’t just about language practice or cultural exchange—it was about curiosity, passion, perseverance, flexibility, and a strong belief that I could achieve much more. It allowed me to rediscover myself, take courageous steps, and embrace change without fear.. The educational part of the project was an experience of breaking boundaries for me. In an environment resembling the United Nations, learning alongside students from all around the world showed me the value of building intercultural connections and exchanging ideas. The courage I gained from this project was so immense that, right after returning from London, I applied for a new project and traveled alone to Egypt, where I carried out a 50-day environmental project. These two experiences were polar opposites—one in one of the world’s most developed cities, and the other in a culturally diverse, underdeveloped country. Today, if someone were to pick me up and drop me anywhere in the world, I am confident that I could find my way and stand on my own two feet.The earthquakes in Antakya left deep scars, they also awakened a strong sense within me that I could contribute to fields like environmental policies and sustainability. Seeing how vulnerable our beloved Antakya and the world are to disasters and crises motivated me to take action. Currently, I am working part-time at an energy law firm, preparing for a language exam, and exploring graduate program options. I am determined to steer my career toward areas like environmental policies and sustainable economy. I am so glad to have been a part of this journey.

I am Zeynep Munar, a fifth-year medical student at Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa. Participating in the Educ8 project in London was a milestone in my life. It was my first time abroad, and this experience pushed me to discover more, adapt to new environments, and build confidence in myself.

After the program, I completed an Erasmus exchange, where I had the chance to explore a different healthcare system and academic setting. Inspired by these experiences, which complemented each other, I began learning French. This ultimately led me to secure a clinical internship in France for the upcoming year.

Educ8 taught me to embrace new opportunities, connect with diverse people, and most importantly, to challenge myself. It has been a defining moment in shaping my personal and professional growth.