Erasmus Experience in Isparta, Turkey by Ionescu

Why did you choose to go to Isparta, Turkey?

Hello guys, I choose to come in Isparta because I applied with Erasmus+ Inthership for a job, and I found it here thanks to my professor from İzmir Kâtip Çelebi Üniversitesi.

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

My intership was for two months but if you decide with your manager to stay more you could by contacting your university and make a new agreement. I have received 500 euro per month and in total I stayed three months.

What is the student lifestyle like in Isparta?

From what i see, pretty nice, there are some wonderful pubs and traditional caffeteries where you can spend nice moments and have fun. In weekends you can see a lot of students in the center, drinking and having fun. Also if you like to go at shopping, I recommend Iyaşpark Mall, where you can find nice and cheaper clothes.

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

Yes, the university is very good, it`s has almost 80 000 students and it`s very big with two entrance, the East entrance and the West one. From East to West or opposite you can go by the bus of university. Also Isparta it`s a nice place were students could have a nice scholarships with a beautiful experience.

What is the food like?

It`s good, I ate outside and  liked it, the  food it`s not so expensive and I think at the dining hall of the university, surely is more cheaper for students. You could try, Kumpir, pide, menemen, kebab, fish and don`t forget to try Turkish delight (lokum), tulumba and baklava.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Isparta?

In my case no because my professor took me at his home, but I don`t know about accommodation prices. Surely you can find accommodation at university because it`s a big one and have student rooms and apartments for students, which are located in Isparta center.

How much does it cost to live in Isparta?

In my opinion around 350-400 euro per month, with your rent and the bills included like: internet, electricity and water, food, maybe new clothes, if you like shopping and trips. You can make it more cheaper by sharing the rent with someone and also the food.

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

I don`t know this, iIcame with a intership here but I think there are because of the high number of students and also foreign students.

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

I`ve came by airplane from Bucharest, the capital of Romania, to Antalya and from Antalya to Isparta by bus. The airplane ticket was cheaper, 69 euro with a 20 kg luggage included, and from Antalya to Isparta it`s only 7 euro by bus. Also in Isparta, students can go by bus with only 1,50 turkish lira using the bus card, which it`s a advantage for them.

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

I recommend the bars of Isparta center, were all the students go and there you can spend good moments and have fun. As example Gramofon caffeteria and Huni or Gevşek bar. 

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

Everywhere, but most of all in center, where is a traditional restaurant from 1873 year, Kebapçı Kadir, and the food it`s really great. You should go here and it`s situated in center near LC WAIKIKI shop.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Honestly I didn`t saw anyone until now, but I heard that they have nice museums like: Etnografya Halı ve Kilim Müzesi, also the first ortodox church was here and you can visit it, Aya Payana, also you can see Ancient cities like Psidia Antiocheia, where  is The Augustus Temple, Romans baths, ancient theatre and Bizantyne church.

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

I recommend Isparta for scholarship and also inthership but honestly it will be amazing for a student to come here with a scholarship because the university has a lot of students, so you will had many friends with who you can trip, see cultural places and have fun. Also you should go at a Turkish weeding to see how delightful is, not only the food but also their traditional dance.