Four months of searches, a full range of feelings from despair to hope, and then abrupt news : "You have been successfully matched with TURKCELL. Our congratulations! " Week of preparations, friends greetings and a warm leave-taking, everything as it should be.
And now I am in Istanbul among 14 people around the world: mysterious India , "beer-minded" Germany, witty and astounding cooking Italy, broadly smiling Serbia, hot Tunisia and charming Georgia, China and many many others. All this in a one, very large room, with all conditions for a good life. We are in clover!
Meeting with the local committee @ Istanbul was also very warm, I barely managed to get off the plane, and was invited to the AIESEC's promo-action for students. Of course, as they caught a sight of alive trainee on a horizon, moreover not working yet, they asked me for a speech. Collecting my thoughts, I’ve made a speech in their native language, picking tumultuous applause. =) Later on, in 1,5 months, they would come once again to see the "wonder" of Ukraine, quite fluently speaking in Turkish.
Afterwards, getting started with work. The first day I simply read a magazine and wrote memoirs. At the second, I got an Internet access. The rest of month was just like that. Maybe other trainees were more lucky, don't know. Of course, sometimes they would give us a tasks, but we(me and Marco from Italy) cope with them very quickly. In general, working at TURKCELL, according to surveys of people, is very prestigious. It is the second largest mobile operator in Europe, and one of the largest companies in Turkey. Be fair to say, that is specificity of R&D Department. You have to analyze mobile communications market, identify trends, narrow area of interest, and only then manage a project or a report, having no trainings, no pre-work education. It is pleasant that recently we started to attend seminars and conferences. But their practical use for us is doubtful. There is a prospect to oversee a project devoted to development of intelligent, smart, next-generation Internet, considering the best students of Turkish universities involvement. But there is still a lack of proper knowledge how to do all of above mentioned. So, there is still so much to do and to learn!
As regards to participating in any kind of congresses and conferences, it reminds me adaptation camp when I first came to AIESEC. Perhaps it could be remembered as well as a first kiss. Here was the same, storm of emotions, squall of communication, a great many of a new acquaintances, luxury hotel, reckless parties and crazy outings (yes, the Turks are no worse than the rest of the world ;-)), then sugar-cubes’ kind and warm words. When making a speech or participate in the discussions, feeling like Ambassador of Ukraine and all its peoples. It is really the experience, simply fascinating all your spirit.
In our free time, we are actively rest, visiting all the very best places. The junction of antique and modern, Europe and Asia, considering spring's own unique charm, with a beautiful landscapes around, amazes and enchants you. Walking down the old streets, aromatic smells of ancient bazaars, song like sellers voices and music of a see shore...
Just imagine that all fruits and vegetables are outside of the store or supermarket. Simply, no one would protect them! While a seller can be helping someone inside of the store. Oh gosh! I was embarrassed first, but then get used. In fact, they are very very diverse people out here, as you know.
No doubt it is too early to make more precise conclusions. I believe that it is only beginning of a promising start of an exciting adventure, a another new page in my life.
As one well known song says: "Well… Everything gonna be alright, everything gonna be okay..." =) And I can add, La vita è bellissima!
