Erasmus Experience in Istanbul, Turkey by Anna

Why did you choose to go to Istanbul, Turkey?

Hi everyone! I chose Istanbul because my University studies are related to Balkan countries and one of the languages I was studying at University was Turkish. It is my firm belief that the best way to learn a language and practice on it would be if you live even for a short period of time at the country that the language is spoken. So I found my self many many many times at Istanbul: firstly around the year 2010 for 2 months renting a room at Taksim, the center of the city, secondly around 2011 for 6 months as Erasmus student renting and living at the Asian side of Istanbul and lastly around 2012 for 6 months as an Erasmus practitioner renting and living at the European side at Arnavutkoy - Bebek. I learned pretty well the city and people...trust me..!

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

Well, as far as I can remember as an Erasmus student my scholarship was around 350 euro....and as an Erasmus practitioner around 450 euro. I went there at the beginning with my own budget and after a while I got my scholarship. Maybe the delay was because I live in Greece, maybe students of other countries have their scholarships before the program starts. Honestly speaking, Istanbul is an expensive city and you realize that not as a tourist but from the moment you start living there. But still it depends on the way you decide to live there. If you search enough and make smart movements you will find low rents, cheap food and a cheap way of entertainment as well.

What is the student lifestyle like in Istanbul?

People over there get excited with Erasmus students. Maybe they are attracted to whatever seems foreign. Generally Erasmus students will be surrounded by many Turkish students, will be stormed by invitations to join for food and tea (=cay), and parties. I would characterized the citizens friendly and helpful, even if you don't speak their language and even if they don't speak English still will find a way to serve you and help you. I am sure students are going to enjoy their stay over there. Istanbul is a very "rich" city as it has so many events to follow and places, touristic and not, to discover. Its contradictions among the modern and old fashion trends never let you get bored...and how could you really when you find yourself in an enormous city which inhabitants exceed 17.000.000?....

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

Yes, I would recommend the city and the University of Istanbul to other students. As far as they are at the environment of Universities they are safe and will be guided to anything they will need in order to facilitate their everyday life.

What is the food like?

I am from Greece and I find Turkish food the same as in here. For me there were not many differences so they are very delicious. And their sweets incredible! Especially baklava, and ice-creams from "Mado"..just terrific!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Istanbul?

Due to the fact I speak Turkish it didn't cost me to find my accommodation in Istanbul. Actually is very easy to find somewhere to stay and rent...the problem will come up if reality doesn't correspond to your expectations.
Being accompanied from a Turkish student that speaks English will always facilitate you for everything...The percentage of those who do not speak English is very high.

How much does it cost to live in Istanbul?

All of the times I stayed at Istanbul I needed approximately 450 turkish lira for the rent in which all the bills were included plus 300 turkish liras for my personal expenses like going out, eating, shopping without exaggerating ..So totally i needed 750 tl = 350 euros monthly. What do you think? does it cost a lot?

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

Turkish is a really difficult language but there are language courses available in the University.

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

By bus...but i live in Greece...

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

At karakoy there is a shop in which the best baklava is sold...there are cheap and expensive restaurants where you can really enjoy really good food! they are everywhere...the hard thing at Istanbul is to find a cafe where only coffee is being served..in every single place food is everywhere...food is that important in Turkey! :)

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Sultanahmet area in which students can visit Agia Sofia, Blue Mosque, Kapali Carsi, Top Kapi Palace, Eminonu area...really touristic ancient places and traditional...

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

I would advice girls not to wear mini skirts, open blouses or behave just like the way they would at their countries. They should try not to provoke with their behavior generally especially in public places or give the impression that they are very approachable especially to men..It would be better for them to be accompanied by men when they are out late at night..it would be safer for them...The blond ones with blue eyes should get used to the question "Russiadan misiniz?" (= are you from Russia?)...what can i say....it happened to me many times till i dived my hair black and they stopped asking me...:) :) Last but not least, I would advice boys to make sure that the girl they want to flirt with is not in a relationship..they might get into trouble if she is...Anyway! As far as you take of yourselves you will have the most amazing time ever!it is worth visiting Istanbul! I met the most amazing people!