At IHS, we believe in the power of education and its impact on building more sustainable, inclusive cities. Through various scholarship programmes, dedicated students from around the world have had the opportunity to pursue their passion for urban development at IHS. In this series, we highlight the journeys of the scholarship awardees, and in this interview, we introduce you to Baris Arikan from Türkiye.
Baris, a Civil Engineering graduate from the Middle East Technical University, is currently pursuing a Master’s degree at IHS in the Urban Environment, Sustainability, and Climate Change track. With professional experience in both construction and finance, acquired at the Ministry of Treasury and Finance in Türkiye, he is driven to make Ankara more sustainable. His diverse professional background has shaped his decision to follow an academic career in urban studies, aiming to tackle the city’s pressing environmental challenges.
On a path to transform Ankara
Baris shares how the knowledge he has gained at IHS aligns perfectly with his goal of creating sustainable change in his hometown of Ankara. The programme’s focus on urban environment and sustainability equips him with the theories and insights necessary to address his city’s challenges.
"I want to combine and enhance my knowledge to contribute to making my city, Ankara, and my country, Türkiye, more sustainable and environmentally friendly," he says.
Why the Netherlands?
Baris’ decision to study in the Netherlands was a factor he considered carefully. He values the country’s high English proficiency, which makes living and studying easy as an international student. Upon arriving at IHS, Baris was impressed by the welcoming environment and the cultural diversity surrounding him. This multicultural atmosphere has enriched his academic experience and facilitated the transition into his studies.
"After completing this programme, I will be able to contribute to Türkiye’s efforts in environment and climate change, which are crucial topics in the EU accession process."
Baris Arikan
Learning in a diverse, international setting
At IHS, students are equipped to engage with subjects that may be new to them. Baris reflects on what the programme has taught him so far.
"I believe IHS has already started to improve my knowledge about the area I am studying, as I was not familiar with the types of courses and subjects before," he says.
One additional key benefit of studying at IHS is the opportunity to learn in a diverse, international classroom. With students from various backgrounds, they enjoy the exchange of ideas and experiences, which broadens their perspective. The peer-learning environment, combined with real-world case studies, helps students apply their knowledge to practical challenges, further enhancing their academic experience.
Opening doors with the Jean Monnet Scholarship
A pivotal aspect of Baris’ journey is the Jean Monnet Scholarship, a European Union initiative designed to support Türkiye's EU accession process. This scholarship, which focuses on topics related to Türkiye’s negotiations with the EU, has allowed him to delve deeper into environmental and climate change studies, topics he is passionate about. "After completing this programme, I will be able to contribute to Türkiye’s efforts in environment and climate change, which are crucial topics in the EU accession process," Baris concludes.
