My Erasmus Experience at Istanbul Aydin University (IAU)

Istanbul has always held a special place in my heart, full of love and fascination. I have always admired the city, especially its language and culture. When I went there for my Erasmus semester, I had very high expectations and thought everything would go perfectly.

At Istanbul Aydin University (IAU), I had the chance to meet many intelligent, kind, and welcoming people. The Erasmus administrative staff – including the coordinator, the director, and their assistants – were truly professional and very supportive, especially when it came to communication in English.

However, regarding my faculty and study direction, I believe there is still a lot of work to be done. If a university cannot provide proper academic support in English for Erasmus students, it would be better not to sign Erasmus contracts in that field at all. It is very challenging to face multiple language barriers at the same time. Even though I faced difficulties, I managed to overcome them because my goal was to learn and gain knowledge.

The professors were mixed – some were excellent and inspiring, but unfortunately, others provided little to no support, which made me feel disappointed. The quality of teaching was inconsistent, and in some cases, it would have been better not to meet certain lecturers at all. The administration also needs improvement across different faculties, as not all students receive the same quality of service.

Life in Istanbul as a student was another unique experience. The city is vibrant, beautiful, and full of opportunities, but at the same time, living there as a young woman can sometimes feel challenging. It is an expensive city, and occasionally I felt unsafe in certain situations.

Overall, my Erasmus at IAU was a journey of learning and self-growth. I am grateful for the friendships I made and the experiences I gained. At the same time, I believe there is still room for the university to improve, especially in supporting Erasmus students academically in English.