Rustam Muradov: “The knowledge I gained at AzUAC helped me to Achieve High Results at Turkey’s Strongest University.”

 

Rustam Muradov, a third-year student of group 117i of the Faculty of Architecture, who had the opportunity to study at the Middle East Technical University (METU) ofTurkey during the fall semester within the framework of the bilateral cooperation agreement between the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction (AzUAC) and METU, has already returned to Baku. Rustam shared his impressions during a semester at METU:

 

- “Participating in the student exchange program was my long-standing dream. The main reason for my decision was to share my experience in architectural education with other architectural schools and to adopt their achievements. Therefore, I chose the Middle East Technical University, one of the leading and influential universities in Turkey that trains highly qualified engineers in technical fields. According to the ranking table compiled by the Times Higher Education (THE) of the United Kingdom, METU is the only Turkish university that is amongst the world’s top 100 universities since 2014-2015. Students of this university have the opportunity to gain experience in the most famous companies located in Silicon Valley of the USA, and operating around the world. Additionally, through the student exchange program, they have the opportunity to study at leading universities worldwide.

 

- How is the teaching methodology of instructors at METU, and what aspects do they prioritize duringlectures? Generally, in what aspects does education at a Turkish university differ from our education system?

 

- At METU, after participating in lectures by various professors, students can choose subjects of interest to them. As a result, students have the opportunity to focus on topics that interest them the most. Creative approaches in teaching are positively received, everyone’s opinion is listened to attentively, and after passing through the filter of analysis, gets accepted. Practical classes, usually in the form of projects, involve studying the selected area in nature for the project, group discussions, debates, defending course projects in front of juries, and so on. Students are given freedom, attendance in classes is not specifically monitored, but fulfilling assignments becomes quite difficult when not attending classes. I especially liked the meetings with prominent architects to discuss and share experiences while working on projects of mine and other students during the educational process.

 

- What can you say about the lectures and exams in the Faculty of Architecture? Is there much difference in the teaching process?

 

- The Engineering and Architecture faculties are considered among the strongest faculties of the university. 13 engineering specialties are recognized by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) of the United States and comply with the program standards of the States. Renowned architects are invited to lectures, interviews are conducted with students, and all the positive and negative aspects of architectural education are discussed. Such an experience was very beneficial for me. Various architecture-construction companies were invited to relate theoretical and practical knowledge. During the meetings, discussions were held about the future perspectives and requirements of the companies. Faculties of Fine Arts, Economics, and Management of METU are also famous.

 

- Did you have any difficulties in classes and exams?

 

- Although I faced some difficulties in the first days, I quickly got adapted. When there was any problem in classes, the teachers helped us. I went through all the difficulties and achieved success, ranking among the top three students of the year with high scores. Recognizing the responsibility entrusted to me, I tried to justify the trust shown to me. Because I had to represent the university where I studied as an advanced higher education institution, my homeland Azerbaijan as an innovative country and an integral part of the modern world. I made several presentations about the history and contemporary architecture of Baku in front of the audience of over a hundred people. No one remained indifferent, and I felt the pride of the audience for Azerbaijan, the shining star of the Turkic world! I would like to express my special thanks to the rectorate of AzUAC and the Department of Foreign Relations for creating the opportunity for me to study at METU. Also, I would like to thank my teachers at my home university. Because the knowledge I gained here helped me achieve high results at Turkey’s strongest university.”