Onat Isik

Turkey, MA International Relations

Oxford Brookes was probably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made because Oxford Brookes has a different ideological understanding, that is different to what we’re experiencing today. It’s very multicultural, it’s not one sided – which is really important.

Onat Isik - Turkey, MA International Relations

Why did you choose Oxford Brookes?  

One of the reasons was because of my scholarship. It was a great chance for me to actually have this advantage actually. Also the city itself is beautiful in Oxford and I had a few of my old professors actually recommending it to me actually.

Why did you choose to study this particular course?  

Well I did International Relations for my undergraduate degree from Durham University. I studied the same course there and wanted to continue. I also really want to understand how people in different countries see the world and how this forms a massive network across the world where everyone is interconnected. Interconnected through social media and through diplomacy. I feel it’s very key to understand this.  

What have you really enjoyed about your course?  

Here in Oxford Brookes there’s a multicultural understanding at the university. In my classroom you get people from all around the world and it is the best thing to have for students that are studying International Relations. Having this multicultural understanding makes us rethink the things we have read in the media, so we can better understand each other.

How do you find the teaching style here at this university compared to your previous experiences?

Oh it’s great. In lectures especially we have a lot of discussions. We argue and really question our ideology and the way we understand the world.  

Do you live in university halls?

Yes I live in the Clive Booth postgraduate centre. It’s very good, it’s very modern. I have hall-mates that come from different countries too, so it’s fantastic. We all come together and sometimes cook together, enjoying different foods from different countries.  

What are your future plans?

I have two plans. First, I would like to get into the Foreign Ministry of Turkey. If not, I would like to continue and get a PhD. I’m about to apply to various different universities all around the world to continue my studying.