Interview with Mr Bayram Aliyev
In this interview Mr Aliyev gives us an insight on his academic career and shares his experience of being an M.A. Student of Roads to Democracy(ies) at Siegen University.
What was your motivation to study in Germany?
Germany is perceived in my country as the country of strong education, cradle of democracy at contemporary era. Everyone in my country would love to study at Germany for the better education. I thought that studying in Germany would give me a chance to improve my knowledge, skills and would help me to achieve my career goals in the future.
Which steps/experiences in planning your studies do you remember best?
Every course at the Roads to Democracy(ies) program was interesting. I remember how I was trying to complete my papers before the deadlines. Although I promised myself to finish assignments before the deadline dates, but I never completed them before the deadline.
Which impressions did you have from the university?
University of Siegen is a very good place to study. Our program coordinator, Ms Frindte showed us necessary support during our studies. Our fellow students could remember her kindness and benevolence. Library of the university is well-organized for the students. We could borrow books in which it is not possible here at the libraries of Istanbul University.
Which impression did you gain form the city of Siegen?
Siegen was a beautiful city. Even, I remember now every street, apartment and every single place of this nice city. I love autumn of Germany a lot. I stayed with my friends there. Transportation was perfect.
How did you feel about your studies?
The courses were well-organized. Thanks to our lecturers, they tried to help us as much as they can. I would like to mention names of Prof. Dr. Robert Kaiser who was my thesis supervisor, Prof. Dr. Lahusen, Prof. Dr. Strünck and etc.
How did you generally feel during your studies in Siegen?
There are free language courses at the university. I attended German language courses for A1 and A2 levels. University, especially the program coordinators provide everything international students need. There are student houses, but because demands are high always, it is difficult to find a place there for rent.
Did you stay in Germany after your M.A. Studies
When I wrote my master thesis, I already got acceptance at the Pol. Science and Intl. Relations PhD program at Istanbul University with the YTB scholarship. I had to come back to Turkey in order to begin my PhD studies. I am a second year PhD student at Istanbul University. Furthermore, I am working as Research Fellow at one of the well-known think tanks here in Turkey, called Wise Men Centre for Strategic Studies (BILGESAM).
Have done an internship during your studies? Has this facilitated your entry into professional life?
Yes, I did my internship at Ankara Strategy Institute on Middle East and Turkey during my studies. As my goal was to work at think tanks as a researcher, it was very helpful for me to gain necessary experiences and to become aware of how a think tank works.
What would you advise students in their first semester for their academic path?
The compulsory courses during the first semester are very crucial for whole academic life. Especially Theory and Methods of History and Social Sciences course give necessary tools for the academic research. Furthermore, I think it is necessary for the master students to determine and shape their research areas for themselves in the first semester. It would help students to improve researching during their studies in next semesters. As deciding on thesis topic and writing thesis is the most important and as well as difficult stage of master studies, I think embodiment of research areas in the first semester would be very helpful during thesis writing period. Furthermore, publishing articles in academic journals extremely important for students who want to continue PhD studies.