Kadir Oğuz Türkan, Global and International Relations, Binghamton University - METU'2026
Hello! My name is Kadir Oğuz Turkan. I am a 2026 graduate of the METU/SUNY Binghamton Global and International Affairs (GIA) Dual Diploma Program.
At a time when everyone tends to praise themselves and the groups they belong to—when appearances and carefully crafted images often outweigh reality—I would rather present a full picture of my university experience than simply highlight its bright and glamorous aspects. Instead of offering a glass that's only half full, I'd like to serve a completely full one. And to do that, I want to begin with the challenges.
One of the most difficult aspects of the GIA program is having to relocate and readjust every year—spending two years in Türkiye and two years in the United States. Throughout this journey, I experienced both culture shock and reverse culture shock. At the end of each academic year, I often felt as though I was starting over from scratch and leaving behind everything I had built.
Now, as a graduate who has found a job in New York City and is living a life beyond what I once imagined, I can clearly see how much this entire experience has shaped me. The responsibilities that came with each move, the challenges I learned to overcome, and the diverse people I met and formed meaningful friendships with all contributed to my personal growth. Looking back, I realize that the very difficulties I mentioned at the beginning became the experiences that enriched and strengthened me the most.
I can honestly say that if I had chosen a different university program instead of this one, I would probably have been happy there as well. I would have built a future for myself by making the most of the opportunities that program and university offered. If someone had asked me about it after graduation, I likely would have spoken highly of it, simply because I always strive to make the best of every opportunity.
However, I simply cannot compare the opportunities offered by the SUNY Dual Diploma Program with those available at any university in Türkiye today. The unique stories I have to tell, the friends I have made from all around the world, the distinctive perspectives I gained through my coursework, and the invaluable academic resources I had the chance to study have all become part of a skill set that sets me apart wherever I go. While in Türkiye, I brought perspectives shaped by my experiences in the United States; while in the United States, I contributed the unique perspective of someone who was born and raised in Türkiye. That combination has become one of my greatest strengths.
I am truly grateful that I chose the SUNY Dual Diploma Program.