Student International Exchange Programme 2008/09
Osman Kurt, our first exchange student from Suleyman Demirel University in Isparta Turkey, reflects on his year of study in the School of Theology, Religion and Islamic Studies.
Osman Kurt
Erasmus Student
I remember fondly a year ago, arriving from Turkey my first sight of Carmarthen on a sunny morning, which made me think of a scenic post card. I have since had so many good experiences in Carmarthen and in the rest of the United Kingdom.
It has been great to be part of the school of Theology, Religion & Islamic Studies, especially being in well structured lectures. I feel that I have learnt how to study this subject methodological and phenomenological through academic sources. I am very grateful to my Religious studies lecturers for giving me their time and attention. I especially feel that I would have liked to continue to research the topic of religion and film, which I encountered within the module ‘Holy Hollywood’. I feel that this academic subject has helped me understand the relationship between western media and religion. I also found lectures on the various religious traditions very well presented by the lecturers who gave me a good insight on these traditions.
I have to say that I very much enjoyed the trips organised by the International Office that took me to places such as Cardiff, Bath and London. It was great to travel with fellow international students who had come from such diverse cultures as United States, Japan and Germany.
I very much enjoyed the two days in the Gregynog retreat centre where the School holds their annual student conference. It was a very good experience for me.
Outside of the University I have very much enjoyed meeting Muslims from various backgrounds including Sufis. 
I would like to thank Dr Amjad Hussain for having introduced me to a variety of British Muslims in Wales and England. 
I enjoyed taking part in British Muslim celebrations such as Eid festivals, Mavlid festival, Sufi gatherings and simply going to Friday prayers. This year also gave me the important opportunity to meet a British household in Pembrokeshire where I was welcomed to stay in their home and enjoy their hospitality. I would like to thank Jessica Moraity and her family for being such great hosts and introducing me to British hospitality!
I advise future Turkish students to come to this University to study religion – this place is perfect for the betterment of their study. This is due to not only the great academic standard of studying religion but also that this place gives you a tranquil, peaceful and natural environment wherein to study.
My last comment is that after studying one year here, I would not hesitate to come back to continue my further academic studies.
