Ayse Narci
- November 29th, 2023
- in International Resident Profile
Your Name: Ayse Narci
Home Country: Turkey (Turkiye)
Year you arrived in Tuscaloosa: 2005
What languages do you speak: English and Turkish
What is your profession: I am currently working at MBUSI (Mercedes-Benz) as a data analyst and am also an entrepreneur.
What brought you to Tuscaloosa? Pursuit of a Master’s degree. I earned a Master’s degree in Transportation Engineering, under the area of Civil Engineering, in 2009, and another in Operations Management in 2019, both from The University of Alabama.
What was your first impression of Tuscaloosa? It is a small, cute, safe, and green place that doesn’t have big city chaos.
What were the hardest parts of adjusting to living here? Transportation was the hardest part to adjust. There is no public transportation that I used to use it my whole life. I had to buy and learn to drive a car.
What were some things you liked best when you arrived? People are amicable. They like to talk, and help. Especially, UA had many activities for students to gather, and I had several friends immediately.
What are some things you have come to like about Tuscaloosa over time? After growing a family, I love that it is a safe place and easy to drive around to access the kids’ activities.
What can Tuscaloosa do to make this community better for international residents? Housing is a big problem for the new residents. It is hard to find places available for shorter terms. Providing more options for rental housing would be great. Also, giving a city tour would be great.
What statement would you like to share with other people who have recently come to Tuscaloosa or with people in the Tuscaloosa community at large? Tuscaloosa is a safe and cheap city where they will have opportunity to do their postponed dreams. The friendships they have here will last forever. I would suggest trying to talk and know as many people as they can without hesitation. Don’t be shy.