International Students at CIU Talk About May 19
International students studying at Cyprus International University (CIU) shared their thoughts on youth, their sense of belonging, and their personal journeys on the occasion of May 19 , Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day. Students from different countries who continue their education under the roof of CIU offered sincere reflections on the meaning of youth, the experiences of being an international student, and how they feel a sense of belonging on campus.
Promise Okeke:
Promise Okeke, who comes from Nigeria and studies in the Department of Nursing at CIU, also serves as a student council representative for her department. Explaining that she came to the TRNC because she did not want to interrupt her education during a strike period in Nigeria, Promise stated that she chose CIU upon the recommendation of a relative and found both the program she was looking for and a warm environment.
Emphasizing that being an international student allowed her to meet people from many different countries, Promise noted that this experience made significant contributions to her life. She said she felt a sense of belonging the moment she was nominated for student representation, adding, “Being supported in this way at a time when I thought no one knew me made me feel that I truly belong here.” Reflecting on May 19 being dedicated to youth, she stated, “If young people lose their power to dream, a country’s future will be compromised.”
Omar Mohamed:
Omar Mohamed, from Sudan, is a first-year student in the Electrical Engineering Department at CIU. He said he came to CIU upon the recommendation of a friend studying there and quickly adapted to university life. He noted that the helpfulness and friendliness of people helped him feel comfortable as an international student.
Believing that youth represent the future of a country, Omar said, “Young people are the generation that shapes a country’s future; therefore, older generations need to trust the younger ones,” highlighting the importance of confidence in youth.
Dayana Belikova:
Dayana Belikova, a student in the Radio, Television, and Cinema Department from Kazakhstan, began her studies at CIU in September 2024. She stated that being alone in a new country was initially challenging, but over time she adapted to her surroundings and began to feel safe at CIU. She shared that she particularly felt a sense of belonging during the university’s “Autumn Color Fest,” saying, “When I saw people being happy, I became part of that happiness and realized that I belong here.” Dayana emphasized that special days like May 19 remind young people of their value, adding, “Being young is a privilege, but also a responsibility. We have the power to shape the future.”
Awa Jawara:
Awa, a student in the Department of Nursing at CIU, said that nursing has been her childhood dream and she feels great happiness pursuing this dream. She stated that she came to CIU upon her friends’ recommendations and is pleased to continue her education at the university. Although being an international student comes with certain challenges, she emphasized that the supportive academic environment and her circle of friends motivate her.
Summing up her thoughts on youth, Awa said, “Youth is always strong and should make its voice heard,” adding that she believes young people in her own community should take more initiative.