Erasmus Experience in Antalya, Turkey by Ricky

Why did you choose to go to Antalya, Turkey?

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Because I wanted a different experience from the european one, and to have the chance to spend 6 months or 1 year in middle east is not easy.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

6 months. Compared with the other Erasmus students my scholarship is probably the lowest one 230euro per month but in Turkey is enough (my single room is 90euros per month and is very big).

What is the student lifestyle like in Antalya?

It is good! Antalya is a tourist city so there are pubs with live music, clubs and you can move to other places also hitch hiking... there are very good naturalistic places and friendly guys.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Antalya to other students?

Yes. Actually the university is not very equipped for the English courses, but a lot of times they organize ad hoc courses also just for 2 students with a teacher that can speak English. Or some times they "manage" with projects to complete in a stand of the exams.

The city is good, the photos on google definitely don't permit to understand what a beautiful place it is.

What is the food like?

It is good. It is also economic to eat at the restaurant, the diet is full of meat and vegetables and it is possible also for vegetarians to find good food.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Antalya?

It is very cheap compared with the rest of Europe. With 400 euros you can rent a huge flat with 3 rooms and a livingroom. 90/100 euros are enough for a big single room.

How much does it cost to live in Antalya?

It is cheap. Not even comparable with Europe.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

Actually, it is not easy at first, because most of them don't speak english.

In the university it's easier to find a teacher that can speak English, and sometimes they organize ad hoc courses for foreign students.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Antalya from your city?

By flight.

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Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Antalya?

Downtown, there are good pubs with live music and clubs.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Antalya?

Mangalevi.. is a chain of a restaurant where the prices are at kilo but you can take 100grams of a different kind of meat. With 10/15 TL (4/6 euros) you can eat a lot of meat, salad and drink.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There is the archaeological museum (opened by the Italian occupation in 1922) and a lot of attractions are all around the region of Antalya (Romans rests, Romans therms... ), it is very rich of history.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Antalya in the future?

I can advise to hold on if there are some problems before to come here for the learning agreement, somehow here it is possible to adjust everything. Besides, I suggest traveling from here to the other countries in the middle east (Iran is one of the safest and beautiful places in the world).