"I have always valued getting to know people well and building lasting relationships. Some of the people that I met in Turkey will be friends forever.  I was very worried about being able to relate to the people in Turkey but that fear ended after my first fifteen minutes on the job.  Yauvz, one of the dealers, and Ozgur became our best friends.  We went out with them after work and on the weekends, and were invited to their homes for dinner on several occasions.  The friendships we made in the workplace completely opened up the city and enhanced our experience greatly. We were able to talk frankly about all kinds of different topics ranging from the latest political decision concerning Cyprus to why Turkish women don't like to talk to American guys in bars.  The friendship aspect of the job was what will make this trip something I will never forget.  I only hope for the opportunity to return the favor when they come to America.  The lessons learned in Turkey will stay with me and help to guide me for the rest of my life.  I gained confidence in my ability to adapt to new situations, and look forward to new challenges knowing that I have the necessary tools to be successful, and those tools were forged in Istanbul, Turkey."

James Sheridan
Summer '99 MSU Alumni International Academic Internship
Istanbul, Turkey