INTERVIEW WITH GUEST LECTURER DR. DIDEM KEPIR SAVOLY

1. On what purpose was the Student Support Centre of the University of Sopron established?

Living and studying abroad is rich but challenging experience. Transition to new culture, country and school environment can have many challenges. These challenges can be experienced even more difficult when the students are far away from their usual and familiar support system. That is why Student Support Centre at the University of Sopron will have an important role to help students to deal with their academic, personal, career or culture related issues. 

2. What are your previous experiences in the field of student support?

I have experiences as an academic advisor and an individual counsellor at several universities in Turkey and US. Also I studied at my bachelor, master and doctoral degrees in the field of psychological counselling and guidance, specialized in career counselling.

3. In what kind of matters could the international students ask for your help?

The issues that the students ask help are the followings:

Missing home; not wanting to go home; difficulties reading, writing, or listening to lectures in a foreign language; adjusting to major differences in the educational system; problems getting help for physical illness due to difference in the medical system; not being understood when you express yourself in your usual way; roommate conflicts; family related issues; difficulties in making friends, decision making and problem solving; problems interacting with professors, advisors or employers; issues with career exploration and planning; dealing with others' misperceptions about your culture or country; finding that some people are prejudiced against others from different cultures; finding that things that were a problem at home are still a problem even though you are in a new environment; problems with sleeping, concentrating, academic performance; physical illnesses

We are trying to help students to overcome the following challenging emotions:

Feeling sad, worried, lonely, confused, frustrated or angry, overwhelmed, helpless or stuck, a lack of confidence, fearful of the unknown and unfamiliar.

4.      How are the students’ cases monitored after the consultations?

Depending on the topic we will work, some of the topic can be resolved in one sessions, but some of the topics might need more sessions. If this is the case, we will agree on a working plan such as meeting once a week or every 2 weeks. After the termination of the sessions, they will be monitored with follow up sessions.

5.      The international students usually have different cultural background. Is it important to you to get familiar with the given country and its culture?

Yes, it is very important to know the student’s culture to approach his or her issue in order to understand and help properly.

Created: 2022.03.22