Photo for {articletitle}

Imge Akcakaya Waite

Position and company: Associate Professor, Urban and Regional Planning Department, Istanbul Technical University
Country of work: Türkiye
Degree Attained at UCLA: PhD in Urban Planning
Graduation Year: 2016
How have you navigated cultural differences between your home country, UCLA, and where you work now?
Türkiye is my home country and where currently I work. My journey at UCLA taught me to appreciate the vast diversity of cultures present in professional collaboration and social settings, which in turn helped me navigate through the increasing cultural diversity in Türkiye, as well as my own institution.
What would you say to a UCLA student who is planning on having an international career?
I would say definitely go for it! Based on my personal experience and observation
s, I believe that UCLA equips its students with expansive international perspectives both academically and professionally, which helps them swiftly adjust to and make impacts in many international contexts. I think UCLA's diverse student and faculty profile plays an important role in this, too.
Are you involved in any international UCLA alumni groups or support networks?
I am not actively involved in formal channels but am planning to. I also keep in touch with some of the faculty and my old cohort and colleagues. Meeting them is on my to-do list every time I visit the US.


As a land grant institution, the International Institute at UCLA acknowledges the Gabrielino/Tongva peoples as the traditional land caretakers of Tovaangar (Los Angeles basin, Southern Channel Islands).


Equity, diversity and inclusion are essential values of the UCLA International Institute. These professed ideals enable us to provide the kind of broad, global, multicultural educational experience central to the Institute’s academic programs. We welcome faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and want everyone at the Institute to feel respected and valued. We are committed to ensuring equity, diversity and inclusion for our students, staff and faculty in our academic programs and centers, as well as on our campus.

The Institute is proud of its over 60-year legacy in preparing individuals who have gone on to make contributions to the business, nonprofit, government and education sectors. As a gateway to the world for the campus and the greater Los Angeles community, the Institute considers equity, diversity and inclusion essential to its mission of educating global citizens and preparing them for a multicultural world and collaborative problem solving.


© 2024 The Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved. Privacy & Terms of Use