ERASMUS; Exchange Your Life in Turkey

This is Sergül Özatalar; I have been an Erasmus student in the Netherlands between 2004 and 2005 for about 11 months. It was a great experience and I have learned many things each and every day during my stay in that cute country. I have met many interesting and unforgettable people from different cultures and different nations and I have really enjoyed studying there with a different system and professors. After I came back to Turkey, I have created an ESN (Erasmus Student Network) section at my home university to care about foreign students and teach them about Turkish culture and Turkish traditions. Also we organize historical and touristic excursions to the renowned places in Turkey.
Turkey has joined the Erasmus Program (exchange study program at higher institutes) in 2004 as a European Union (EU) candidate country. Erasmus students prefer to go for Erasmus in Turkey mostly because of its great history and different culture. They want to discover the history of Ottoman Empire and visit the places of this big history. Also they want to enjoy the good weather and beaches in south of Turkey (Mediterranean Sea) as well as the north (Black Sea) and west of Turkey (Aegean Sea). There are many traditional differences inside Turkey that makes it even richer in its culture therefore, there are many things to see and learn for a new incoming exchange student.

Turkey locates in two different continents which are Anatolia and Europe. There are many alternative universities in both sides. And each city has its own transportation, accommodation, traditional foods, Turkish accent, and beautiful historical and tourist places.

Once they come to Turkey, they will discover Turkish hospitality. Turkish people from all ages behave quite friendly to international people even when they don’t understand English so much. In big cities like Istanbul, many people can speak English but in relatively smaller cities many people can not speak English fluently except well educated people and university students. But it is not a big problem for exchange students after their first month. They use body language at first and later on they start to speak basic Turkish in casual life. One of my friends had spent four and a half months in Izmir as an Erasmus student, he had managed to speak Turkish very easily because he had nade mostly Turkish friends. It is a unique chance for exchange students to learn a new language in its own country.

They must check the international student clubs at the university where they are going to spend a part of their life. And also they should buy a country guide book with maps and detailed information before coming. I advice they should make a travel schedule to see as much places as possible during their staying.

The most important aim of Erasmus Program is to enhance student mobility in the EU and strength the meaning of being a “Union” among EU countries. Erasmus students put the task on to learn from other cultures and to teach their differences each other. Today’s international students will become future’s decision makers on the high level positions of their countries. As a results of this Lifelong Learning Programme (=LLP), first Europe then all the world will be more in peace. Erasmus friendship and spirit will last forever in our soul and make strong international relations among different countries.

I feel so lucky that I have tasted that big chance once in my life during my high education at Ege University. From that time on, I always feel myself close to the other nations and I miss my friends that I have met during my international travels and meetings. We still stay in touch each other and learn about the news in our lives.

Turkey is a good choice for ones who are willing to learn more about real Turkish culture and who are curious about real Turkish cuisine, real Turkish hospitality, real Turkish everything.

Congratulations! You have made a good choice… Enjoy your stay in Turkey!

Sergül Özatalar

Erasmus Student Network (ESN)
2007-2008 ESN Turkey National Representative
2006-2007 ESN Ege Founder and Honorary President