Hey all! I'm Batuhan: parent to two adorable cats, self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur, and aspiring polyglot among other things. I'm a '26 from Istanbul, Turkey, and I am passionate about behavioral economics, sonic arts, postcolonial literature, and social media marketing! Be sure to reach out with questions regarding exploring the liberal arts, study abroad programs, research on campus, international student experience, and study abroad programs!
Academic Program
Cognitive Science and Art History
Favorite Thing Right Now
My personal blog Write Your Tongue! #shamelessplug
Writing 5 is one of the courses that count towards the first-year writing requirement. The course covered content relating to the self, transformation, and social dynamics relating to majority and minority. Dr. Godley is simply phenomenal. Her instruction was extremely accessible even though she covered intense topics. I could not have enjoyed my Writing 5 more!
Design Thinking was above and beyond my expectations. The course is structured around weekly projects, where we apply different cognitive strategies to cover topics like design principles, human need-finding, brainstorming, scenario building, and visual thinking.
Introduction to Cognitive Science covers a variety of fields including psychology, computer science, linguistics, and philosophy to provide insight into cognitive processes. This course helped me develop an understanding of all facets of cognitive science and which ones I would be interested in further pursuing as part of my major.
Psychology 10 is a deep dive into almost everything you might need to become well-versed in conducting research, analyzing data, and interpreting findings in a statistically sound manner. Professor Pfister is the most approachable professor I have ever had the pleasure of learning from. Statistics isn't exactly my forté, but I now feel confident in my stats foundation!
I loved taking this class with Madame Alverde, a professor from Université Toulouse ; Jean Jaures was an incredible experience. She made sure to correct our mistakes on the spot and improve them eloquently.
From Toulouse to Hanover: A Journey of Growth and Rediscovery
It feels surreal to be back on campus, navigating the familiar paths of Hanover after immersing myself in the vibrant streets of Toulouse. My time in France was nothing short of transformative, touching me linguistically, socially, and personally.
"So, how was Toulouse?" is a commonplace question from friends who bump into me on campus. "I think it was a good reset." is my short answer.
And indeed, it was. My primary goal was to improve my proficiency in French, a language I had only a basic grasp of before embarking on this adventure. Initially apprehensive, I threw myself into every opportunity to practice – from heartfelt dinner conversations with my host family to dynamic discussions in my classes and spontaneous chats with French peers. Gradually, I found myself not just navigating academic contexts but also effortlessly engaging in social interactions, embracing French colloquialisms and cultural nuances along the way.
Fondation Bemberg, one of the culture hubs we visited for our classes.
The beauty of Toulouse extended far beyond its picturesque landscapes. It was in the rhythm of daily life – the leisurely dinners, the animated exchanges on street corners, the seamless blend of history and modernity – that I discovered a newfound appreciation for the French way of living. I forged connections with local youth, delving into discussions on politics, digital culture, and art, each conversation enriching my understanding of the world and myself.
Between when I was last at Dartmouth and now, I feel calmer and almost more sense of my place at Dartmouth than before, which I did not expect following a time when I was away from Dartmouth. I anticipated a period of readjustment, yet I found myself surprisingly at ease, grounded by the lessons I learned overseas. My time in Toulouse instilled in me a deeper sense of self-awareness and purpose, reaffirming my commitment to fostering meaningful connections and pursuing academic passions. As I navigate the corridors of Dartmouth, I do so with renewed vigor, cherishing the bonds of friendship and embracing opportunities for intellectual exploration.
My time away truly changed me and the way I interact with the communities I partake in, including Dartmouth.
I am grateful for the opportunity to have experienced the magic of Toulouse and to carry its lessons forward as I continue to grow and evolve. From immersing myself in French culture to rediscovering my sense of belonging at Dartmouth, every moment has shaped me into the person I am today. As I embark on new academic pursuits and adventures, I invite you to join me on this journey of discovery. Stay tuned for more tales from abroad and insights into the exciting chapters that lie ahead!
Over half of Dartmouth students study abroad at least once during their undergraduate journeys—quite a high percentage, right? Do you want to know how to best prepare for your own abroad experience? Come check what it was like for me.
At Dartmouth, there is an undergraduate requirement for language; after all, it is the liberal arts! Fulfilling this requirement looks different for various people and I will focus on my experience.
On Monday, April 8, 2024, a phenomenal total solar eclipse occurred — and we happened to be within the path of totality. As a result, Dartmouth hosted a variety of eclipse-related events on- and off-campus. Find out how I spent the eclipse!
Traditionally, Dartmouth students take three courses during a term, but I decided to take four courses this term! Learn about course load and the academic system at Dartmouth.
