Can you please introduce yourself briefly? How long have you stayed in Turkey? Where do you live in Istanbul?
My name is Fabio Grimaldi. I am from Italy. I was studying in University of Turin. My department is CLEST. I was in Istanbul for 12 months. I was studying in YTU (Yıldız Teknik Universitesi), which was an amazing university and I lived for a while in Sisli and then I moved in Kadikoy in the spring semester.
Tell us what made you choose to attend Erasmus in Turkey?
The Turkish culture made me to choose Turkey.
How were your thoughts before coming to Turkey?
I was just excited and a bit worried.
Did you undergo any culture shock in Turkey?
I think I didn’t.
How was your first week in Turkey and at the university?
My first week in Turkey was fine. I walked all over the city by myself to discover all the interesting places. In the university, it was a bit complicated to find the right building and the classes but these were pretty good experience.
What do you think about education facilities in your university?
They are modern and really better than Italian one.
When comparing two universities’ academicians, (former college and your university), are there any differences in terms of their approaches to students?
The Turkish one is more friendly and open to discussion and it helps the students. The Italian one is more far away from this.
How do you find the courses you take during the program?
I found them easier than Italian ones.
Can you communicate effectively with local people? How did you manage to solve the language problem?
I could use some basic words. That’s why I attended the Turkish lecture offered by the university.
Did you get used to the transportation system of the city and the place you stay in terms of accommodation?
Yes of course. It took just one month to get used to it and I could travel easily to everywhere.
Can you tell us some cultural and social differences between your hometown and the place you live in?
Many people are at outside at every hour during the day. Also, the eating habits are different. In Turkey, you don’t have any regular time for eating. It seems that you always eat.
What do you think about Turkish cuisine?
It is very delicious but I don’t like when you put yoghurt on pasta.
How is the city in terms of living conditions as an Erasmus student?
The best part of the Erasmus is being able to live in this expensive city very economically.
What do you think about the social life in Istanbul?
It is the best in Europe. Even when you go out alone, you can manage to find someone to spend the evening with. The Turks are really friendly.
How is the social life in the university campus?
It is really good. The Esn (European Student Network) is always organizing events in both campuses and then you feel like a part of friendly environment.
How is the city for sightseeing?
Gorgeous. You can walk every day in different places and discover new and amazing spots.
How is the night life in Istanbul?
Great. All the bars, pubs and clubs are open all the night. I think it is amazing.
Which cities and places have you visited in Turkey so far?
Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara, Trabzon, Adana, Fethiye, Capadocia and Bursa.
What are the things that you like the most in Turkey as an Erasmus student?
Food, weather, the Bosporus and the mosques.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Istanbul?
The traffic at some specific hours is a real disadvantage but you can always find new places, the cheap food, the chances to find cheap accommodation. These are all advantages of Turkey.
How did Erasmus in Turkey change your life?
It made me be more self-confident and readier to create the life I want.
Did the Erasmus Program meet your expectations, why do you think so?
Yes, it did 100%. Because it was better than I expected.
Do you have any recommendation for those who are planning to attend Erasmus in Turkey?
Prepare yourself to enjoy the best moment of your life and live in Kadikoy.
Tell us why the others should choose Erasmus in Turkey!
Because it is an opportunity to make a valuable Erasmus experience different from all the others and to see how the Turkey is beautiful.
Please complete the sentence: I love Erasmus in Turkey because
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