Bookstagram 101: A Brief Beginner’s Guide to Bookstagram.

February 29 2020

If you have been on the internet for some time, you have most likely heard of the terms “Book Blogging” and/or “Bookstagram”. I do not think you have wondered about their meaning because it is pretty obvious! Something related to Books! I will explain them briefly though. Book Blogging is an activity in which a reader shares their thoughts, book-related ideas and reviews of the books they read on their online platform. Bookstagram is a form of book blogging. What makes it distinct is the use of an Instagram account as a platform, unlike standard book blogging which requires a website (like WordPress, Blogspot and other blogging platforms).

I have created my account back in 2018 after stumbling upon a Bookstagram account during one of my aimless scrollings on social media. I was instantly lured into the idea of creating an account because it seemed very motivating, interesting and fun. A very useful way to use social media in a productive way, I thought. I would share my reviews, engage with readers from all around the world and make friends who love reading. It was the case indeed.

If you are a book reader who wants to share their ideas and reviews with other readers, you should consider joining the Bookstagram community. In this article, I will share some tips and advice, and everything you need to have to spend a good time on Bookstagram. All of what I will share is based on my experience as an Algerian Bookstagrammer,

1- Are You a Person Who Loves Reading?

You cannot start a Bookstagram if you are not a person that does not love and enjoy reading. That’s the essential rule (Regardless of the language in which you read, of course). You do not need to be the most prolific and avid reader; reading a book, and posting a review once in a while is completely fine as long as you have the passion to read books and write your thoughts, and sharing them with other readers.

2- Do Not Worry About Getting an Audience and Followers.

You do not need to worry about having a small number of followers or none at all. We have all started from nothing, and it came with time. Bookstagram definitely requires a certain audience or followers, but it certainly does not come into existence overnight. In order to build an audience you can:

– Follow Bookstagrammers whose content might interest you and motivate you to read.

– Engage with other readers by commenting on their posts, especially if they have asked a question or for an opinion.

– Participate in reading challenges. There are a lot of them, with different themes and concepts. They can be weekly, monthly or even annually.

– Join a book club! Joining a book is not only a chance to make new friends share opinions with, but it also allows you to know what to read next! There are multiple book clubs such as: Diverse Classics, Because We’ve Read, Diverse Spines, Belletrist, Our Shared Shelf, and more!

– Use #bookstagram hashtags. There is a lot of book related hashtags that you can use under your posts to make them appear other users’ feeds or search results of a certain hashtag.

3 – Do Not Force Yourself to Read What You Would Not Enjoy.

Reading books that you would not enjoy might lead you into a reading slump. How to know if you would enjoy it or not? Simple. You can check other people’s reviews, ask someone who has read that certain book for their opinion, or you can simply give it a try. In case you did not like it, you can stop and put it aside. It is completely normal too. You might also want to read a certain book that seems enjoyable to you, but you are a little bit anxious because it is deemed too “mainstream” by some of your friends who might judge you for reading it. Just read it! You do not have to feel bad about anything you enjoy reading. Bookstagram should be all about fun and enjoyment, not forcing yourself to read books that cause the exact opposite.

4- Book Photography and Editing.

Being a Bookstagrammer requires taking photos of books or anything related to books because photos are the main point of Instagram after all. It also plays an important role in attracting a certain audience. You do not need something spectacular to take great photos. A smartphone is enough, and of course books!

For the background of your photos, anything can do the job. A white bedsheet, wall or table; a bookshelf, whether in your house or at some library and the landscapes around you. For props, a cup of coffee or tea can be perfect. You can use anything you have as a prop. Or you can take photos of multiple books using the same setting. You do not need to constantly worry yourself about that.

You can always carry a book or two with you, maybe you will stumble upon a perfect setting to take a photo of your books. It can be a cozy and cute coffee shop, a beautiful building infrastructure or just a calm and green garden. I usually do not recommend using filters on photos, but I use Snapseed and the Instagram editing tools just for brightness, contrast and structure. It is all very simple.

5- Thinking of Captions.

Captions play an important part in Bookstagram but do not stress yourself too much while thinking for an appropriate one. A Bookstagram post caption can mainly be a review, as it can be a reading update, book recommendations, To Be Read list, or just an inspirational quote. Do not forget to add a question to your followers in your posts, it helps maintain engagement and can start discussions with them.

6- Beware of Temptation.

The Bookstagram community is very large and has people from all around the world in it. Whenever you see fancy bookshops, bookshelves, cozy coffee shops and the large choice of books other readers have, do not feel upset. We are all aware that different people have different privileges, but do not let that stop you from enjoying your passion for reading and reviewing books.

I believe these are the most essential advice I can give but do not limit yourself to these. Let your creativity and originality give you new ideas and concepts to make your Bookstagram a better place for you and for your followers.

Should You Read Self-help Books?

February 26 2020

psychology, self-help, self-help books

Today’s fast-paced world is notably characterized by an overload of information, the strive for social media perfection, and a staggering number of cases of mental illnesses worldwide. It is no surprise, then, that most people have been resorting to ‘self-help’ books for guidance lately. Defined as any book written with the intention of helping its readers change or improve aspects of their lives, self-help books have now become a cultural phenomenon. However, as the sales volume for this genre continues to rise, are they really worth reading?

Whether self-help books should be read or not cannot be answered without knowing why so many people are obsessed with them first. To put it simply, the reason is a dire need for motivation and self-improvement, prompted by social pressure. And this pressure is largely highlighted by social media. Online, there are certain high standards set for people to meet that cannot be fulfilled by everyone, thus leading people to grab books such as The Secret, desperately yearning validation and acceptance. Eye-catching titles such as The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*** by Mark Manson and 12 Rules For Life by Jordan Peterson also greatly pertain to the popularity of this genre. There is almost a promise for solutions and keys to happiness in that vocabulary. And that is why people do not think twice when it comes to these books; it is basically human instinct.

The true mystery, however, lies in the results of reading these books. Is there a real benefit? The answer is yes and no.

Self-help books are a great start for motivation. They provide the inspiration to push you in the right track toward personal development, and often leave people with renewed excitement, and a fresher, sometimes clearer perception of the world. They help with maintaining a positive thought process, offer hope as well as the confidence that anything is attainable with the right mindset and potential. In fact, a quote from Mark Manson’s aforementioned work is the perfect illustration of this: “we don’t always control what happens to us. But we always control how we interpret what happens to us, as well as how we respond.”

It is worthy of mention as well, that some self-help books are more than just sources of inspiration. There are those that suggest a set of principles, meant to educate and widen the perspectives of the readers. The purpose of this is for people to learn how to effectively analyze different aspects of life, and wisely approach future situations. Malcolm Gladwell’s book Outliers, for example, examines both the successes and failures of famous people as case studies. He does so to point out the real factors of their achievements and alter the misconceptions generally associated with success.

However, these books are not as magical as the self-improvement industry paints them out to be. Many of them actually take advantage of the desperate people seeking methods to better themselves and ways to increase their productivity, by falsely convincing them that these books hold real solutions to their issues.

They do that by giving false hope. The readers are almost promised an overnight fix for their problems when buying the book, which presents happiness as an endpoint that they will eventually reach the last page. A good example of this is Rhonda Byrne’s view in her book: “You will attract everything that you require. If it’s money you need you will attract it.” Not only is it delusional, but also misleading. While positive thinking does play a big role, it means nothing if no real action is taken to change the situation. Many psychologists even claim that it makes people complacent and drained of motivation.

Most of these books are also just repetitive pages of overused motivational phrases and platitudes that pay no attention to individual differences. That is to say, oftentimes, they offer general pieces of advice that do not cater to everyone. What works for one person will not necessarily work for the next, which will ignite an urge for comparison that will leave the person miserable, again and will push them to look for another self-help book that may or may not be useful.

Self-help books have become insanely popular recently, and demands for this genre continue to increase. It goes without saying that they are incredible sources for inspiration and motivation for people seeking personal growth and improvement. However, it is best to remember they do not offer miraculous cures for problems and choosing the ones that will most appeal to your person, is the only effective way to truly benefit from them.

Author: Nachoua Nour Nait Ali.

Stoicism: A Timeless Life Philosophy

February 22 2020

Marcus Aurelius, meditations, philosophy

In life, humans have been fighting the different factors around them that caused negative feelings like fear, irritation, failure, and despair and that has not changed since the beginning of humanity. The new technology and modern life with all that it offers could not liberate humans from these aspects of life. This dilemma drove one of the greatest emperors of Rome, Marcus Aurelius, to write his diary that survived against all odds of two millenniums. Because the lessons that it presents to this issue are still applicable nowadays. Especially that life is getting more complicated with the materialistic development of the new world. This book is ‘’Meditations.’’ It prompts the readers to review their relationship with themselves, the others, God and life itself.

The Philosopher Emperor and The Book of Life:

Marcus Aurelius was the Emperor of the greatest civilization back in 180 AD: the Roman civilization. He is the only historical figure that was introduced as an emperor and a philosopher. He proved the theory of Plato that every ruler has to be a philosopher to succeed. In spite of his daily duties and personal problems, he managed to keep a diary. Surprisingly, he did not intend to publish it, but just as a means to keep reminding himself of the rules and principles that he learned through life. Little did he know that these instructions would remain till the 21st century and inspire lots of other people in their lives including myself. His diary was published as” Meditations”.

This book constitutes the bedrock of what is known as Stoicism or the philosophy of indifference. It is an ancient philosophy that was one of the most popular disciplines in the West. Practiced by both the rich and the poor, the kings and the slaves in the pursuit of The Good Life. I was impressed to know that great historical figures like George Washington, Emmanuel Kant, Thomas Jefferson, etc. I have followed this philosophy that defeated the frames of time and place.

How Can We Attain Peace Of Mind?

When you go through the different passages and pages, you can sense how Marcus was addressing himself. So his words were genuine, realistic and show a level of wisdom that a lot of preceding emperors could not attain. He did not utilize complex terms or deep philosophical notions, but simple and relatable words of truth that we all could understand if we open our minds and hearts. Each quote made me stop and think about how compatible it is with my life. I was personally influenced by this philosophy. It encouraged me to delve myself into introspection. It taught me how to meditate on my thoughts and behaviors towards different matters.

Meditations made me grasp the fact that I have no control over anything external in my life, not my body, not calamities, not how people judge me. The only thing I can control is the way I perceive those things like he said: ” If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.” that was helpful with dealing with anxiety and stress.

Through his pages I learned to be present at the moment, for the past is already gone, and the future has not come yet. They are both a result of human thoughts so why worry about it? We only live once, and the future that we anticipated yesterday is ”now” so why do we keep escaping it? As he said: ” Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it if you have to, which the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present”.

The Subjective Perception Is Not Reality

He praised gratitude and highlighted a very important idea which is our judgmental nature. We are too oblivious to the fact that we filter life through our own opinions and judgments without observing it for what it is in reality. According to him, whatever happens in life is neutral, but the way we respond to it depends on our subjective view. For instance, Some may see hardships as a negative experience that would make their lives miserable and fall into the victim trap. While others may view them as a positive experience, a challenge, or a test from God…etc

Marcus states that it is misleading to label anything in life as positive or negative. Instead, we should observe it the way it is and react to it based on virtue and honesty. As I quote:” Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.” So the only thing we can do is to alter the way we see and react to life, then everything will change accordingly, just as he said:” You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.’’

Follow Your Virtuous Nature

In addition to many other important lessons mentioned in the book, he emphasized the most important rule: virtue and nature. He helped me answer a question that baffled me for a long time: what is the meaning of life? Marcus simply answers that by Nature. He argues that humans are naturally virtuous and they should pursue this characteristic no matter what. To subside to their nature that requires them to work and do their duties for the common good. And get rid of laziness, selfishness, and fear of life and death. To seek honesty and authenticity, to do good and avoid vices and live in peace with one another.

This may seem Utopian, but it is indeed realistic if we think about it thoroughly. It is also mentioned in most religions in spite of the fact that ”Meditations” did not hold a religious or conceptual theme. Stoicism is a practical philosophy that people with different ideologies and beliefs could apply.

Author: Hibat Errahmane Hadjadj.

The Nature of Bias

February 21 2020

bias, science, subjectivity

Science’s greatest virtue has been and always will be its detachment from subjective opinions. Thus, making bias the nemesis of proper scientific progress. Bias -either scientific or otherwise- originates from our very nature. In fact, I would assume its origin lies in our mind’s need to avoid contradictions between internal desires and external reality even at the expense of truth itself.

Our flawed, incomplete knowledge of the world around us compels our mind to fill in the gaps according to our own “narratives”. Hence, ignoring many facts that do not fall within them and emphasizing the ones that do. Therefore, making us see the world the way we wish to see it. Enclosing us within an echo-chamber where only our narratives are heard. These narratives are commonly the result of abiding by an authoritative source. Such as social norms, religious doctrines, or even political figures. To a point where your own mind considers these sources more truthful than your own senses.

There is one notable psychologist who delved deep into his exploration of the mind’s perception of both itself and the world around. It is Sigmund Freud. He conceived the concept of “repression”[1] which he described as a mechanism where the mind hides all desires that do not conform to the previously mentioned authoritative sources within the subconscious. These repressed desires however still play an important role in making some views more appealing than others without the person even noticing on a conscious level.

This is also the reason behind the unreliability of anecdotal evidence – evidence originating from personal experience- in science. Since we would always be inclined towards noticing things supporting our views. Another source of bias is our mind’s tendency to rationalize events around us. In other words, giving them a reason for occurring after the event has already occurred. These mechanisms give “inertia” in the form of resistance to changes in our previously held opinions; therefore, compromising our judgment in various matters.

The only escape from the image drawn to us by our minds to fit our paradigm of reality is to doubt our own instincts and thoughts. It is only through empirical evidence and complete negligence of any concepts that we take for granted, unless supported by reality, that we can come into a proper view of this world. However, I do not wish to imply that this concept applies to scientific thoughts alone. Even though it is mostly spoken of in such context. But instead, I would emphasize the fact that we are prone to bias in every opinion we hold. Be it political, social, cultural, ethical or even those opinions we hold about each other. We must always be watchful of biases. So that we never find ourselves stuck in a foolish sentiment that reflects nothing but a narrative we wrote ourselves.

Author: Wail Rimouch.

Obstacles of Learning a Foreign Language and How to Overcome Them

February 20 2020

langauges, learning

On Learning a Foreign Language :

Regardless of what drives you to learn a foreign language, you would find that it can be overwhelming sometimes. Several people have reported encountering some challenges when trying to learn a new language other than their mother tongue while still enjoying the process all along.
In this article, we will try to cover some of the most common issues Algerian youth might face when tackling a new foreign language.

Finding Motivation :

As you try to learn a new language you are basically trying something new. Something that your brain is not used to. Hence, why you might encounter any sort of resistance from your brain. Resistance to change is a natural defense mechanism that has existed in our minds since forever.

What you can do about it is to set up a starting ground for your journey. What drives you to learn this language? Why this particular language? A small paper with pencil notes would suffice. Try to aim for consistency when setting goals or milestones by setting small ones. Say for instance that you aim to learn 5 words per day. 5 new words a day would mean 150 new words added to your vocabulary by the end of the month. That is quite an achievement if you ask me!

Learning Resources:

Another issue that you might encounter when approaching a new foreign language is the lack of adequate learning resources.

Several options may come to mind here. If you can afford to pay for classes, private schools may be a decent choice to get you started. Of course, some schools are only concerned about money and neglect quality. However, you can always ask people around you about their opinions. Or check the school’s page on social media for recommendations and comments. You would be surprised to see that some fellas out there do take the matter seriously and provide an honest and objective opinion about the product they tried.

If paid classes are not for you then you still have our common gigantic friend called the Internet. You will find way more learning materials than you can ask for and for free most of the time. However, it comes with a cost. The problem with the Internet is that being free and accessible made it possible for everyone to share content, which means tons of information, but not necessarily useful. For this, my friend, I recommend you invest some of your time to select learning content suitable for you.

You can check various sources to pick the most suitable one for you (Apps, Blogs, Youtube). For apps, you may want to check Busuu, Duolingo and Memrise. All three are available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. They also provide free access with monthly paid subscriptions for the full content. BBC Learning English is one of the most reputable websites when it comes to learning English and comes with a delightful interface. If you already are familiar and decently proficient with French then Anglais Facile websites collection are your go-to. You can replace “Anglais” on the website address or on your Google search bar by your language of choice. e.g: Allemand Facile, Espagnol Facile Not only the integrity of the websites is FREE, but they also come with tests for you to measure your level in that particular language and choose where to start from.

It may take you some time to find what suits you the most. But hey, it is free, so we cannot complain about it.

If you are using or know other tools, please share them down below in the comments section. So that other people can benefit from them too.

If neither of the previous options suit you, you should try to find people around you who share your interest in that particular language. This will allow you to practice the language and make some friends in the process which doubles the benefit and the pleasure if you ask me. You can simply ask people about your language of interest in your school, workplace or neighborhood. You would be surprised at how eager Algerians are when it comes to learning foreign languages. A little kindness goes a long way. So always show appreciation when people accept your request to practice a language with them and avoid being clingy or needy at all costs.

Managing Your Time :

Finding time to spend on learning a new language can be a bit hectic nowadays. Depending on whether you are working or still go to school, you may have convinced yourself that you do not have that much time to spend on learning a foreign language. The thing is that you do have time. You are just unaware of it yet. Algerian youth tend to spend up to two hours on transportations per day.

If you use one of the apps or websites we mentioned, you can pretty much do it on your phone during this travel time to school/work. You can also download videos or podcasts on Youtube in the evening to watch/listen to them the day after on the go.

As for private schools, the majority provide an evening schedule of an hour or two past work time. Or a full day schedule during weekends to suit the majority of their potential clients.

If you managed to find someone with whom you can practice your language of choice, you are pretty much dependent on their schedule. However, you can always communicate and coordinate with them to set up for a meeting in a coffee shop or a parc. You can both practice your language and have some fun at the same time. Video chats and voice chats are also an option here if you cannot have a physical meeting.

All in all, languages are a very useful addition to your professional kit and quite fun to learn once your appetite is stimulated. You will get to visit places without actually moving from your place, simply by discovering their culture through the language. I highly advise you to pick a language of choice and invest some time learning it. It will payout for your time and effort in the future.

First Love.

February 19 2020

first love, love, nostalgia

It was so hard to miss.

How he stared at the Polaroid pictures in his hands for so long, seeming lost in each one of them. The way his eyes softened, allowing a nostalgic heart-melting smile to take over his features. I’ve never seen that look on him before, and I thought I knew all about him by now.

It was a moment when the pictures in his hands were slowly coming to life, one after the other. One look at his eyes and I could see it all. For once, I could see right through him. His dreams, hopes, and memories were laying there in the open, every truth untold and every broken promise. Stories of bright summer days and long starry nights spent on the run from a cruel reality that threatened to put an end to everything magical discovered by two wandering souls; his and hers. I felt his agony as it seeped through the cracks of every wall he took cover under over the years and watched his old wounds as they bled all over again. And then I saw her name.

It was written in bold letters all over his scarred heart, engraved so deep and pulsing with every beat. It was so hard to miss indeed. And so I knew. They say no man ever forgets his first love. I witnessed that. It was her all along and nothing could ever change that for him. Not even after all these years.

Author: Serine Safia Achache.

Mevlana Exchange Program

February 18 2020

Algeria, feedback loop, Hero, Leaders, Leadership

My Experience as a Mevlana Exchange Student in Istanbul, Turkey.

In the beginning of 2019, my university (University of Béjaïa), where I study English language and literature, posted about an exchange program in Turkey, at the University of Istanbul. The program is called Mevlana Exchange Program. I hesitated at first, but then I just thought that I will not lose anything by applying and it will be another life experience.

In recent years, a huge number of Algerians, especially the youth, have shown considerable interest in migrating to Turkey. Whether for work, studies or for better living conditions and opportunities in general. I have seen a lot of people all over social media asking about how to get to study in Turkey. Also, many others have asked me, through my Instagram account, about how I got to study there, and what I think of studies in Istanbul as a whole. I have had the idea of writing something about this experience for a while. It might not be general, 100% relatable or even helpful to all, but I am sure it will be useful to some, especially Algerians who are considering to study in Turkey. Luckily, I had the opportunity to study in Istanbul as an exchange student for one term. I will be talking about the program I was in and the relevant information you need to know about it.

I will start with a brief explanation of the exchange program. What is it? Who can participate in it? What is required and what to do if you get selected? And I will tell you all along this article about my experience with each step. I wanted to share this part especially, because I have struggled a lot in finding relevant information or previous experiences from other students about this program. I ended up not finding anything at all which triggered a lot of confusion and stress.

What is the Mevlana Exchange Program?

Mevlana Exchange Program (Mevlana Değişim Programı) is a program created and funded The Mevlana Exchange Program is funded by YÖK, the Higher Education Council of Turkey. It aims to exchange students and academic staff between the Turkish higher education institutions and higher education institutions of other countries. Selected students will get to study for a semester at a Turkish university. It can be anywhere in Turkey, and not necessarily be in Istanbul. They are awarded a scholarship for four months, and the amount will be announced with the results.

Who Can Participate in the Mevlana Exchange Program?

Basically, to participate in this program, your home university, in any country, must sign a Mevlana Exchange Protocol with a Turkish university. So, the eligibility criteria depend on your university’s Vice-Rectorate of External Exchanges.

What Is Required? And How to Prepare for it?

First of all, you need to be enrolled in the university which has signed a Mevlana protocol. Whether in a bachelor’s program (licence), a master’s program or a doctorate one. The papers you will need are very simple and do not require a lot of effort. You will need:

– The Application Form: Filled on a computer, printed and signed then scanned to make a digital copy.

– Previous transcripts of grades (relevés de notes). The required GPA (grade point average) is 2.5/4 minimum which is something above 13/20 in our grading system.

– Student certificate of the current year to prove you are enrolled in your home university.

– A Certificate of English proficiency. Not necessarily IELTS or TOEFL. It can be a certificate of English language from your university’s language center (like mine) or from a private language school. The required score is 50/100.

– A valid passport (Scan the information page only).

You will have to scan all of these, without any translation. Then you will insert the scanned papers in an MS Word document and save it as a PDF. Finally, you will have to send the saved PDF document to the e-mail address indicated in the announcement. It can be to your university’s Vice-Rectorate of External Exchanges or directory to the Higher Education Council of Turkey, as the latter is responsible for selecting the student for the program, and not your university.

After submitting everything, you will have to wait about 2 to 3 months. Make sure to check the Mevlana page of the concerned Turkish university (I found out that I was selected on the website of Istanbul University, a week after the announcement of results because my university’s coordinator did not care to inform me or check for the results)

What to Do if You Get Selected?

If you get selected, everything should get simpler. You will have to fill out a form to choose the exchange term (Fall or Spring term), and send it to the indicated address. Usually, it is the Mevlana Coordination Office of the host university. And then you wait for the Acceptance Letter which you will need to apply for a student visa. Meanwhile, check the host university’s website and try to find courses you are interested in taking in the department you have applied for, because you will need to fill a learning protocol of the course you take in your home university and the ones you will take in your host university. Also, never hesitate to email the head of departments, professors or any person who might help you get more information.

You will later receive another information form to fill, in which you choose if you are going to stay at university dormitories or somewhere else. If you choose the latter, you will have to look for a place yourself. Keep in mind that all the expenses (i.e. accommodation, transportation and food) are included in the program’s scholarship. However, the scholarship might not be enough so take into consideration your own budget.

My advice is to try to check the location of the dormitory, the reviews on Google, the price and all relevant information. Personally, I did not want to stay in dormitories because sharing a room with 5 other people is relatively expensive compared to a private room in a shared flat with other students (which is what I did). The prices vary and depend on your budget. Once again, you will receive another form to fill out for the transportation card application.

When you receive your acceptance letter, you directly apply for a visa. Prepare your application beforehand and contact the visa application center for any questions or confusion. They will reply briefly with the accurate information that will keep you on the right track and help you avoid any mistake while preparing your documents. After applying for a student visa, take the time to check the courses on the host university’s website and carefully select the courses you want to take in order to fill another student information form and the learning protocol. The courses have to be similar or related to the ones you take in your home country, and must be approved by the head of your department and the Vice-Rector of External Exchanges. Then you scan them and send them to the Mevlana Coordination Office and wait for your visa results!

What to do once you arrive in Turkey?

When you arrive in Turkey, go directly to the Mevlana Coordination office and take the original scanned documents with you, especially the learning protocol. There, they will tell you what to do and they will guide you during the registration process and the residence permit application. As for applying for the residence permit, you have to open a bank account in which you will receive 80% of your scholarship’s funding in the beginning of the program.The 20% in once you pass all the exams and earn 30 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) which is the equivalent of having 30 credits in Algeria. The whole scholarship’s amount will be announced with the results. For example, if you will be accorded a scholarship of 4800 Turkish liras; the High Council of Education will send 3860 Turkish liras to your bank account during the first month. Then the remaining 960 Turkish liras once you complete the program.

I have been given a list of documents to get in order to apply for a residence permit which had 4 biometric photos, health insurance (you need to make one in Turkey since Algerian health insurance is not valid for a residence permit application. You can get one from any insurance agency or travel agency, but beware of scammers! Its price should not surpass 200 Turkish liras; I got mine from Istanbul Foreigners’ Office for 187 Turkish liras). Get a tax number from a tax office (called Vergi Dairesi in Turkish) and pay the tax fee (about 89 Turkish liras for students) in the same office. If it is not possible to do the payment there, you need to find another office just for the payment. A copy of your passport’s information page. Then take all of these to the Mevlana Office where they will help you fill the online application form.

What to Do Once The Program Is Over?

Once the semester is over and exams passed, you will get a transcript of your grades. You will take to the Mevlana Coordination office to confirm your attendance, and get a certificate of attendance. Furthermore, you need to fill the final report in which you evaluate the program and your experience. Then wait for the remaining 20% of your scholarship’s amount.

My Overall Opinion, Pros and Cons of Life in Istanbul:

My experience as a student of English language and literature in the oldest university in Turkey has been very good despite some barriers. The professors were all very competent with a rich background on the courses they teach. The university is in a very central and historical place which means it is very close to almost all touristic places and monuments as well as all of the transportation. I got to make a lot of friends from different countries, whether participants in the program or students from the university.

However, life in Istanbul is not all fun and dreamy as it sounds. Always remember that being a tourist and a student in Istanbul are completely two different things. Life is expensive and you need to be savvy about your budget (Do not worry about transportation, you will have a student IstanbulKart that allows you a 200 monthly rides subscription with 40 liras). Turkish has also been some sort of a frustrating barrier in the beginning, as a lot of people out of those tourist places do not speak or understand English. So my advice is to learn as much Turkish as you can before going to Turkey.

It has not been an easy task to find a room with a certain budget and that is close to transportation, but thankfully I found a very suitable one. And that was through a Facebook group called “SHARING FLATS IN ISTANBUL” and many others like this one, you will find a lot of posts from people looking for flatmates, and you can post your own. If you find an offer that interests you, message the person and ask them if you can see the place. Never pay or accept anything before seeing the place in person. All the while beware of scammers and liars.

I have honestly liked my stay in Istanbul and would have loved to stay longer, but that was not possible. Maybe in future years.

Author: Imad Moussaoui.

I Accept My Pain

February 17 2020

Algeria, illness, pain, Recovery

One of the most powerful phrases I have ever heard is “I accept my pain”.

This may be too vague to understand. We are all hurt in one way or another. We all went through hard times, faced obstacles, and been into battles with no sword. But we all survived our battles. There are those who were aware of how they survived all of what they went through. Then there are those who have no clue about what happened and how it ended.

The Story Behind the Phrase.

Once I was watching “Code Black”, which is an American series, and a line “I accept my pain” hit me. A doctor in the series said it. She lost her little girl in a car accident and could not cope with it. She did not want to talk about it and she used to avoid going upstairs so that she does not pass by her daughter’s room. In order to forget about her daughter’s loss, she kept herself busy at work. This scene seemed somehow realistic because there are times where we do not admit the fact that we are hurt, disappointed, upset, mad… etc.

All we do is pretend that we are doing great and put one of our masks on our faces as if we are strong enough to let someone cause us such harm. However, the truth is we are human beings. We are weak and strong, and we will always be so. In other words, we do not like to show, talk, or share any of our emotions or the way we feel about something. All we do is keep them inside our minds and hearts. We do not let them out because we end up being afraid of the way we may look in front of others. We do not consider our mental health as a priority. We do not even believe in such a term, we try to fake it till we make it. Fake being good till you are.

Admitting that We Are Hurt Will Not Change Who We Are.

A lot of people think that showing emotions is a sign of having a weak personality and being too naïve or stupid. In a study which was conducted by UCLA psychologists “Putting Feelings Into Words Produces Therapeutic Effects In The Brain”, the team emphasized the importance of talking with a therapist or a friend or writing in a journal about feelings. They mentioned how this can affect a person’s brain by helping a person to be more active and mindful.

Sharing the Pain Proudly.

Two years ago, I was diagnosed with severe anemia. I could not breathe as I used to. I forgot about working out, hanging out with friends, having girls’ night with my little sister, traveling,…etc. I had to give up on too many things that made me happy before I got sick. I could not accept the fact that I am sick. I did not like it. Especially going to the hospital every week for a checkup and being in bed for weeks without having the strength to stand on my feet to get myself a glass of water. It was really hard to accept this. However, after accepting the fact that I am sick and that I need help, which was not an easy task at all, everything changed for real.

The way I accepted it was through talking about my sickness with pride. I shared my insecurities with my mother and best friends. I even joined support groups on Facebook where I had the chance to meet with females whose cases were worse than mine. I was no longer depressed. I could talk about it with others without feeling sorry for myself. I began to see life’s colors again and find happiness in little things.

It is not an easy task to accept the pain, especially if we are used to being active and strong. It is fine if we admit that we do not feel good. It is fine to ask for help. It is fine to consider our mental health as a priority, and it is fine to accept the pain.

Author: Manel Lydia Khelil.

Monthly Archives: February 2020