Emaan Shahab | 2024-02-0027

Going for an exchange semester to a foreign country seemed daunting to me at first, but those feelings of doubt were very quickly washed away once I arrived in Azerbaijan. While living independently, navigating through the architecturally diverse city of Baku, and studying in a refreshingly new environment, I have gained a level of worldliness that was only possible by learning about a multifaceted culture through interactions with my course professors, and even unassuming conversations with taxi drivers and shop owners. ADA University’s large percentage of international students also gave me the opportunity to interact with a diverse set of people, who brought forward equally diverse sets of opinions and perspectives. Living in Baku as a student, I got to see the city through a completely different lens than I could have as a tourist. From late night walks on the sea boulevard, enjoying delicious dolma next to the Maiden Tower, to simply sitting in the library or playing volleyball in the forest at the university, every moment was unforgettably surreal. After spending six months at what can only be described as the greatest experience of my life, I returned home with wonderful yet bittersweet memories of friendships that will stay with me forever, and stories I will never get tired of retelling.

All of this was only possible because of the opportunity given to me by the LUMS International Office, and I will forever be grateful for Ms Gulmeena’s and the OIA’s help throughout the process.