In this episode of our Career Talks series, our guest is researcher Semanur Darbaz. After her undergraduate studies in Turkey, she did Erasmus in Switzerland and is continuing her master’s and doctorate in England on a scholarship.

We talked through a rich career and migration story that runs from Istanbul Bilgi University to the University of Bern in Switzerland, and from the academic system in England to her doctoral research and museum work at Nottingham Trent University. It was a candid, practical conversation for anyone aiming to do a master’s or a doctorate abroad, looking for academic funding, or curious about adapting — and about loneliness — in another country. Enjoy the episode!

📌 Chapters:
00:00 Introduction: Who Is Semanur Darbaz?
01:05 Choosing a University, Comparative Literature, and a Minor
02:50 The University of Bern and the Erasmus Experience
03:30 Comparing the Education Systems of Turkey and Switzerland
04:30 The First Years Abroad: Loneliness and Settling In
06:15 Moving to England and Applying for a Master’s
08:20 Academic Scholarships and Ways to Fund Study in England
10:45 Nottingham Trent University and the Doctorate
12:30 Writing a Thesis Abroad, Academic Pressure, and Time Management
14:15 The Language Barrier, Accent Differences, and First Jobs
16:00 Museum Work, Archives, and Cultural Projects in England
18:10 Academia or the Sector? A Career Crossroads
20:00 The Cost of Living and Student Life in England
22:15 The Psychological Side of Living Abroad, and Homesickness
24:30 Advice for Anyone Considering Academic Migration, and for Undergraduates
26:45 Future Plans and Goals After the Doctorate
28:00 Closing and Recommendations from the Guest

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eem6W5NX-Gw