He is currently working as a Teaching Assistant at the International Balkan University. Born and raised in Istanbul, his academic journey at IBU began in 2014 when he moved to North Macedonia to pursue his higher education. Entering the Department of Political Sciences as a first-year student without attending the English preparatory program challenged him from the beginning and motivated him to study with discipline, dedication, and consistency.
His decision to pursue political science stemmed from a deep passion for history particularly political history. These interests shaped his perspective on society and fueled his curiosity about political institutions, social behavior, and the mechanisms of public decision-making. Over time, this curiosity naturally led him toward an academic career.
He completed his bachelor’s degree in 2018 and continued with a master’s degree in Administrative Law. In the same year, he began working as a Teaching Assistant at IBU, an important milestone that marked the beginning of his academic profession. At the start, he questioned whether he would be able to fully meet the expectations set for him, and he was determined not to disappoint the professors who placed their trust in him. This responsibility encouraged him to read more, learn more, and invest himself deeply in his academic duties. Over time, this effort helped him grow confidently into his role.
His position as a Teaching Assistant enriched both his academic and professional development. He strengthened his theoretical foundation, gained classroom experience, and participated in his first international conference during his initial year of assistantship. Alongside academic responsibilities, he developed essential administrative and interpersonal skills—learning how to analyze issues, propose solutions, and communicate effectively within both academic and institutional environments.
The multicultural nature of IBU played a significant role in shaping his adaptability. Working with colleagues and students from diverse backgrounds helped him develop a strong understanding of different perspectives and navigate international settings with confidence. Throughout this period, he also improved his proficiency in Macedonian, Albanian, and Serbian, enhancing both his communication abilities and research capabilities.
In 2023, he began his PhD studies in Public Governance and Administration. His doctoral research focuses on reverse migration, specifically the movement from Istanbul to smaller cities. Through his work, he aims to examine the social and administrative dimensions of this phenomenon and contribute meaningfully to the academic discussions surrounding migration governance and public policy.
Reflecting on his journey—from student, to teaching assistant, and now PhD candidate, he recognizes how deeply his experiences at IBU have shaped his academic identity and future aspirations. His goal is to continue building a career in academia and further develop his research in the field of migration studies, believing that this is the most meaningful contribution he can offer to both his discipline and his university.
He expresses his sincere gratitude to the International Balkan University for providing a supportive environment for learning, growth, and academic exploration. He is also thankful to the professors who taught, guided, and encouraged him, and who allowed him to walk alongside them throughout this journey.
