My name is Handan Titiz and I am from Turkey. I am a 22-year-old senior and psychology major. I decided to come to UMass Boston because I thought it would be a great opportunity to study in another country and get a better, broader global view. I was right.

When I first arrived at the campus I was amazed by the wonderful views of the ocean and the Boston skyline. I thought I would have trouble finding my way around, but people were very friendly and helpful. There are many different students here, and many international students who enjoy helping each other. I remember when I was working on a difficult paper and one of them told me about the international student writing workshop.

I really enjoy experiencing the American lifestyle. I feel I can be an individual and meet people of many different kinds. I am involved in Psychology Club activities, volunteering to participate in research studies, and giving campus tours to students who may want to come to UMass Boston. Being involved in these activities gives me the chance to make friends who have interests like my own. I also enjoy visiting places near campus, and in nearby states. And, I like Boston Pops orchestra concerts.

I like my professors very much. My classes are comfortable and I get good attention from my instructors. They are easy to talk to – especially my favorite psychology professor who helped me a lot. She would look over my work early, giving me a chance to improve it before the due date. That helped me learn the material better, too. Now I plan to go to graduate school and eventually earn a doctoral degree.

Most of all, I was surprised by how simple everything is here. My greatest challenge, in fact, was getting used to daily life – from greeting to eating. Because of my experiences in the US and at UMass Boston, living in a new country and culture on my own, I have built stronger self confidence to last me the rest of my life.