Can you please introduce yourself briefly? How long have you stayed in Turkey? Where do you live in Istanbul?
My name is Aliona Jmurova. I am coming from Italy. My sending university University of Saleno was My Erasmus in Turkey was one of unforgettable experience I have never had. I was living in Istanbul for 4 months in Mecidiyekoy. I got my courses in Yildiz Teknik University in both Davutpaşa and Besiktaş campus.
“I immediately fell in love with the city.”
Tell us what made you choose to attend Erasmus in Turkey?
I have visited Istanbul for a project 3 years ago and I immediately fell in love with the city. Thus, I did have doubts to live my Erasmus experience there.
How were your thoughts before coming to Turkey?
I have always thought positive about Turkey and Turkish people. All people I have met before to go in Turkey were nice and friendly.
Did you undergo any culture shock in Turkey?
Not at all. I love Turkish culture and tradition. Any kind of new experience I had was always positive.
How was your first week in Turkey and at the university?
During my first week in Istanbul I was a lot disoriented because of the huge city and traffic, but fortunately I always got any kind of help from my Turkish friends and university staff.
What do you think about education facilities in your university?
They were always adequate and modern.
“Turkish professors have more direct and friendly approach with students”
When comparing two universities’ academicians, (former college and your university) are there any differences in terms of their approaches to students?
Yes, a little bit. Turkish professors have more direct and friendly approach with students than the ones in Italy.
How do you find the courses you take during the program?
The courses were in English except one, but interestingly the professors were always willing for any kind of explanation.
“The language was never a hard problem.”
Can you communicate effectively with local people? How did you manage to solve the language problem?
I tried to communicate in Turkish because I started to learn it, but most people could understand also English so, the language was never a hard problem.
Did you get used to the transportation system of the city and the place you stay in terms of accommodation?
The transportation system in Istanbul is good and efficient. The place where I lived is full of shops, malls and transportation connections.
“Turkish cuisine became one of my favorite at all and I really miss it..”
What do you think about Turkish cuisine?
Turkish cuisine became one of my favorite at all and I really miss it, especially the Turkish breakfast.
“An Erasmus student will never get bored for sure!”
How is the city in terms of living conditions as an Erasmus student?
Istanbul is full of pubs, clubs and places to enjoy yourselves. An Erasmus student will never get bored for sure!
What do you think about the social life in Istanbul?
The social life is active in any time.
How is the social life in the university campus?
Turkish students in my university were a lot friendly and funny.
“Istanbul took my breath away!”
How is the city for sightseeing?
Istanbul took my breath away!
How is the night life in Istanbul?
It’s full of any kind of entertainments
Which cities and places have you visited in Turkey so far?
Antalya, Izmir, Edirne and Cappadocia
What are the things that you like the most in Turkey as an Erasmus student?
Meeting and visiting families of my Turkish friends. This was the best way to learn more about their culture and tradition.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Istanbul?
Advantages: Travelling around Turkey will lead you to know better the country.
Disadvantages: Never provoke people about their religion and way of living. If you respect them, they will respect you as well.
What are the difficulties you encountered and the happy moments you experienced during the program? Can you tell us about a memorable moment you went through?
The happiest moments were when I travelled with ESN organization. They were really kind and funny. Any kind of event was well organized!
How did Erasmus in Turkey change your life?
Erasmus really changed my life, it brought me so many experiences that I’ll never forget. Erasmus isn’t just about studying in another country, it’s about meeting new people, trying new food, learning new traditions, etc.
“It has improved my languages and communication skills”
Did the Erasmus Program meet your expectations, why do you think so?
Definitively yes, because it has improved my languages and communication skills. I learned more not just about Turkey but also both other countries from the other many Erasmus students I have met there.
Tell us why the others should choose Erasmus in Turkey!
Attending Erasmus in Turkey will help people to overcome their bias about this country. There is a lot to learn here and when you come back to your home town you’ll feel richer inside and accomplished from this experience.
Please complete the sentence: I love Erasmus in Turkey because it’s one of the most magic and beautiful country to enjoy in Europe