Erasmus Experience in Istanbul, Turkey by Emin

Why did you choose to go to Istanbul, Turkey?

İstanbul is really perfect for me. Education, accommodation everything is amazing here.

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

ı m a half scholarship student here and it is my 3 rd year here. And i m working on tourism sector.

What is the student lifestyle like in Istanbul?

It is up to you ! You can really enjoy here if you have friends in the same mood of you :) Lifestyle is good and interesting in here.

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

Exactly ! Come in here and enjoy the beauties of city !

What is the food like?

I m a muslim and Turkey is a muslim country. But for other religions you can find easily whatever you want ! Here is the Center of cultures.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Istanbul?

No, i have lots of friends from my country that they are studying here, so , there wasn't any problem.

How much does it cost to live in Istanbul?

İstanbul is really different, big and well-populated city in the world. Here you can see couple of people all around the world. So, the living conditions had been designed for everyone. If you are coming from the EU countries it will not be expensive for you then. But, in common, it is not expensive )

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

Yes, sure. In university i m learning Spanish now. You have an obligation in university on the foreign languages. You have to complete one of foreign language here.

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

İ live in Baku and the most economical way is to visit by bus.

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

Bebek is the best place ın Istanbul to hang out with girls and your friends :)

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

In everywhere you can find a restaurant to eat something. Taksim, Beşiktaş is the places i prefer to hang out.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Actually i don't use any site because in our university you can meet with more that 40 country's culture easily and it is a really big opportunity for us.

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

I highly recommend to the new students to be careful in this issues : 1) be careful when you are going outside with a huge amount of money 2) When you going outside at nights 3) Find a good friends to hang out because lots of new students got swindled.