Erasmus Experience in Istanbul, Kadir Has University, Turkey by Laura

Why did you choose to go to Istanbul, Turkey?

I chose Istanbul, Turkey because one year before I applied for the Erasmus Scholarship my best friend studied there and she told me so many stories and I was so curious to see that, to live and feel the life of that culture.

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

My scholarship lasted 5 months, but I only received 525€ for every month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Istanbul?

Well, I really wasn't the typical Erasmus student. I was not the type of girl that goes out a lot in the nights or that is at parties all the time. Actually, I enjoy more walking in beautiful places, visiting historical places.

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

I could recommend the city if u wish to study in a place full of history and full of culture, but I can't recommend the University of Istanbul since I studied at Kadir Has University.

What is the food like?

Food is wonderful, in my opinion. I love spicy food and they really have this kind of food. Also, I love sweets and Turkey is the paradise of sweet things. I was 50kg when I left Romania and I returned home with 57kg... I think that says a lot about their food and how much I enjoyed it. I still cook some dishes that I learned there.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Istanbul?

No, I found my accommodation with the help of a group from Facebook. It didn't cost me money, but it costs me a lot of time and a lot of conversations with many people.

How much does it cost to live in Istanbul?

It depends on every student, on everyone's type of life. I think you can live normally with a minimum of 1000TL and maximum, well maximum doesn't matter, it is how much you have or how much you like to spend.

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

I do not think Turkish is easy to learn for the ones that have as native language a latin language (Romanian, French, Spanish, Italian etc). No, as far as I know in Kadir Has there were no courses especially for learning Turkish.

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

I came by coach because it's the cheapest way.

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

Well, I like the places from Ortakoy and Yenikoy, but I also like Taksim at nights.

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

Hmm, right now I can't. But if I meet you in Istanbul I can show you.

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, Basilica Cistern (I absolutely loved it), Topkapi Palace, Istanbul Archaeology Museum, Süleymaniye Mosque, New Mosque, Chora Church, Galata Tower, Eyup Sultan Mosque, Pierre Loti, Miniaturk, Rumeli Fortress, Maiden's Tower (Kiz Kulesi), Gulhane Park, Dolmabache Palace and many other places.

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

Enjoy anything in Istanbul, from the crowded places you go to until the perfect and quiet, peaceful places that you will visit.