My Expectations Before Visiting Turkey As I get ready for my study visit to Turkey, I feel very curious and excited. When I think of Turkey, I envision a beautiful city by the sea, where cats roam freely, people smile, and the sound of prayers emanates from mosques. I also think about Turkish ice cream, kind people, and elegant architecture that shows both Asian and European styles. To me, Turkey seems to be a bridge between two worlds: East and West, tradition and modern life. During this trip, I hope to learn how Turkey’s society connects its culture, development, and democracy. I want to understand how education helps people grow and how it supports the country’s progress. I am especially interested in the way universities in Turkey operate, and how children in different areas can access good education. I also hope to see how learning about culture and history in school helps young people understand the concepts of peace and justice. My main focus will be SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. I want to explore how Turkey provides equal education for everyone, and how schools teach students to respect diversity. I believe that education can foster understanding and contribute to a stronger, more peaceful society. I also want to learn how teachers include culture in their lessons and how students share their own experiences in class. As a political science student from Thailand, my background may shape my perspective. Coming from a country that is still developing, I want to compare how education and democracy are practised in different contexts. My experience with AIESEC has also taught me the importance of cultural exchange and effective communication. I think visiting Turkey will help me see modernisation and globalisation in a new way, especially in a country that connects Asia and Europe. To collect information, I plan to take photos and videos, write brief notes, and engage in conversations with local people, including students and teachers. These conversations and observations will help me understand how education in Turkey supports both learning and peace. In conclusion, this trip is not only a chance to travel abroad, but also an opportunity to learn about people, culture, and ideas. I believe that what I see and experience in Turkey will help me grow as a learner and as a global citizen.
Phornpailin Gebben (Pailin) Kasetsart University