Oral assessments (sözlü sınav) account for 30-50% of grades in North Cyprus universities. Having evaluated hundreds of students, PAIU professors reveal what separates the excellent from the average.
By Department:
- Engineering: Professors expect answers with practical relevance. Use Cyprus-specific applications — solar panels are a good talking point.
- Humanities: Show cultural awareness by referencing local events, literature, or artifacts. Mention the ancient Kyrenia shipwreck in history exams.
- Business/Economics: Incorporate Turkish economic terminology like “KOBİ” (small businesses) and “enflasyon hedeflemesi” (inflation targeting).
Body Language Tips:
- Smile, make eye contact, and gesture occasionally. Professors here value confidence without arrogance.
- Avoid crossing arms or looking at your phone pre-exam — it’s seen as disrespectful.
- Pro tip: Greet professors in Turkish with “Günaydın hocam” — even if your accent is off, it earns points.
Last-Minute Tricks:
- 1 hour before: Review 10 key terms or phrases in Turkish. Use sticky notes on your notebook.
- 30 minutes before: Chew mint or cinnamon gum to increase alertness and reduce dry mouth.
- 5 minutes before: Power pose in a mirror (arms overhead, wide stance) for a quick confidence boost.
