Cansu is currently writing her thesis for the master’s European Private Law. ‘I am researching the Secularization Regulation, a rule created by the European Union in 2019. This law enables monitoring financial institutions when they resell a loan or mortgage. I am investigating to what extent this regulation can prevent a next economic crisis.’ Her preliminary results look promising. ‘My analysis shows that the legislation is a good step forward.’ 

Cansu talks about her studies and future plans with great ambition and enthusiasm. Last year she received a scholarship from the prestigious Jean Monnet fund, financed by the European Union. In addition, Cansu is hoping to graduate cum laude and is now doing an internship at the renowned Office for Metropolitan Architecture in Rotterdam, in their legal department.

While not intended at first, Cansu is now planning to stay in Amsterdam after her graduation. ‘I really like daily life here,’ she says, ‘The people are a lot calmer than in Istanbul. I feel like everyone respects each other more. I also like the compactness of the city. I can go anywhere by bike.’

All the good friends she made during her studies made her feel at home in Amsterdam. ‘As international students, we became very close during the lockdown. I think it’s very important to have good friends when you live abroad, far away from your family.’  

Despite experiencing an eventful year, Cansu reflects on it in a positive way. ‘I took my bachelor's degree in Turkey, where I didn’t study European law before. In this way, my master’s has really enriched me. I would love to apply all the knowledge I have gained this year.’  

The AUF Student Fund supports UvA students who end up in difficult situations due to corona. We support them with a crowdfunding campaign and subsidies from the Amsterdam University Fund. In this way they can continue their studies without any further issues.