Scholar Spotlight: Emre Esin and Derin Oner Build Global Scholarship and Friendship

Hudson Global Scholar: Emre Esin and Derin Oner
Hudson Global Scholars program: Providence Country Day Global Campus U.S. Dual Diploma
Home: Türkiye

Education is more fun with a friend. Just ask Emre Esin and Derin Oner, Hudson Global Scholars who have grown together as learners and friends through their U.S. Dual Diploma programs. Emre and Derin met as children, earned their Turkish and U.S. diplomas together, and are now roommates in their first year at Florida International University.

Emre and Derin agree that it’s encouraging to have a friend working alongside you during this academic journey. They’ve motivated each other to meet challenges and embrace inquiry and discovery enjoyable.

Even as a young child, Hudson Global Scholar Emre Esin always wanted to study abroad. When he realized that his school offered the chance to enroll in the U.S. Dual Diploma Program, he knew he had to take advantage of the opportunity.

Emre’s longtime friend and classmate, Derin, recognized the opportunity, too, and enrolled alongside Emre. Derin knew that the U.S. Dual Diploma program would have a great impact on his future.

Emre and Derin have been friends since about age five when they met at their American school in Turkey. They were already close before enrolling in the U.S. Dual Diploma program, but being global scholars together has brought them even closer. They would call each other, study, and tackle their assignments together. When one of them didn’t understand a concept, the other was there to talk it through. They supported one another through challenging times while balancing Turkish and American classes. Not only has Emre and Derin’s friendship made their time as U.S. Dual Diploma students easier, but their synergy has also made it more fun.

Both Emre and Derin decided to continue their education abroad in the United States and now attend FIU in Miami. They also decided to be roommates. Emre enjoys the camaraderie and having a friend and classmate, which has made the transition to FIU easier, and Derin is happy to attend the same university as his friend.

Emre and Derin’s experience at FIU has been filled with excitement and discovery. Derin appreciates FIU’s extensive resources, particularly its large campus, free gym, and diverse cafeteria, which even includes vegan options.

Emre, has enjoyed the thrill of adapting to a new culture. There journey began in August when their families flew in from Turkey to help them settle in, easing the transition and making it a memorable bonding experience. Both Emre and Derin agree that the supportive and kind FIU community has made a positive impact on their adjustment. 

People are always ready to help if they’re lost or in need of guidance. Classes have been rewarding for Emre and Derin. Emre enjoys the challenge of studying computer science, while Derin especially likes the economy class because the professor is friendly and makes the lessons interesting.The diversity of classmates from around the world adds another layer of depth to their education, making FIU a unique place where Emre and Derin feel both challenged and welcomed.

Emre is majoring in computer science an interest he cultivated as a U.S. Dual Diploma student. His favorite course in the Hudson Global Scholars program was his computer science class, in which he developed his coding skills and games.

As a self-described procrastinator, Emre often waited until the last minute to complete his assignments. However, in this class, Emre went above and beyond, giving himself extra challenges. He built a 5×5 puzzle as a coding project, demonstrating his productive abilities.

Derin is studing international business with the goal of gaining a global perspective and understanding the business context in many countries. His accomplishments and goals already give him satisfaction.

Since they studied English at school from an early age, both Emre’s and Derin’s English skills were already strong going into the U.S. Dual Diploma program, but they believe that the program helped them further practice and refine their communication skills. Derin’s writing, reading, listening, and speaking have all improved. Emre believes that English is the most important global language to learn, and the development of his advanced language skills has given him confidence at Florida International University.

To those considering the U.S. Dual Diploma program, Emre encourages them to enroll and “set their futures.” Derin challenges students to learn about as many cultures as possible.

Both Emre and Derin are enjoying this next chapter of their studies. Emre also hopes to join a basketball team or club, one of his longtime passions. Derin wants to continue his practice of martial arts. Beyond these plans Emre wants to take advantage of the flexibility of the U.S. university system by focusing on his studies and then deciding what’s next for his future. Derin hopes to return to Turkey after completing his degree to establish his own trade company.

Emre and Derin feel prepared for whatever lies ahead, especially with a good friend and classmate by their side. When asked what it was like to complete the U.S. Dual Diploma program with a friend, Derin says, “I feel very lucky.”