Erasmus Experience in Isparta, Turkey by Elina

Source

Why did you choose to go to Isparta, Turkey?

To be honest I chose to go to Turkey, to Isparta, because I had problems with documents and I couldn't get for Erasmus in Finland.

But... I believe everything in this life happens for a reason and now I am really happy that I didn't get where I wanted in beginning. Why? Because Erasmus in Isparta was one of the greatest periods of my life, indeed.

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

I was Erasmus in Isparta for 2 semesters and both semesters I had my scholarship (total 4600 euro). I am from Latvia and I will say that compared with other countries, we have quite a big scholarships. I can say - it was enough for living and covering the living costs.

p. s. If you are girl like me who love clothes and accessories then be aware - because in Turkey you can get so many pretty things, what means spending money. For boys... alcohol is expensive there!

What is the student lifestyle like in Isparta?

Isparta is really a student city and for sure this is a good place for Erasmus. One of the best things - Isparta SDU have many mentors and they help Erasmus students all time.

As a student, you have many opportunities in the University (to join interesting clubs, have great international experience attending your chosen courses) and also active life in city (in day time).

As a student you can get bus card what means that you will pay less for riding to university and around the city. As well, students can get museum card - this means that you can visit all museums and other historical places in Turkey with great discount or even for free. Mentors usually help to get these cards!

You will also take part in social projects called Erasmus social. During my Erasmus we were planting trees, visiting children in hospital etc.

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

Will say short - yes.

But.. if you want places where to have fun at nights, Isparta maybe is not the right place, because after almost 00:00 everything is closed. But, as I assume you go to study and in this case - of course I recommend SDU.

What is the food like?

So different from my native Latvian kitchen, but for me it was not a problem. Food is delicious and there is so many things what you should try out at least once in your life.

If you want something cheap then for students it is great to have some kebab with ayran, pide or chorba (soup). If money is not important - can eat the best baklava every day!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Isparta?

No. I had information about my accommodation even before I left Latvia. University offers student apart for all Erasmus students but it is also popular to live with mentors in a flat. But in any case, you don`t need to pay to find accommodation.

How much does it cost to live in Isparta?

Isparta is really great for students because it is cheap. It is not common place for tourists and mostly there live only native people that's why you can get many things cheaper than in other cities of Turkey. For example, you can eat the same food two or even more times cheaper than in Antalya.

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

University offers Turkish language courses and in my study time they were compulsory. As I came from Baltic states for me Turkish language was pretty hard to understand. But... if you study well nothing is impossible and for sure you will find it easy to learn some basic phrases and talking skills.

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

If you mean how to get to Isparta from my city in Latvia - for sure with plane (the same as from any Eastern Europe country).

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

On a night in Isparta? Until 00:00 you can go to cafe or pubs and see live performance from Turkish musicians. You can also go to Iyas park. Actually there are not too much possibilities to have fun like you are used to do it in Europe (but it`s possible in more popular cities in Turkey).

After 00:00 you can make your own party because more likely everything will be closed.

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

I was Erasmus in Isparta almost 2 years ago - sorry, but I don`t remember names of all cafes anymore. There are plenty of them! But if you don`t know where to go there is always Burger King!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

I think that, as a Erasmus student, you will not go to visit cultural places on your own - because mentors will take care of everything! Actually in my Erasmus period they made plenty of trips around all Turkey and I had opportunity to see most famous places - Blue Mosque, Dolmabahçe palace, Kiz Kulesi in Istanbul, Antikabir in Ankara, we visit Cappadocia, Pamukkale and more and more.

Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to Isparta?

Be ready for crazy traffic on roads and take some warm clothes if you go for Fall semester!

Source