Erasmus Experience in Istanbul, Turkey by Helena

Why did you choose to go to Istanbul, Turkey?

Because Istanbul is the best city of the world!! It's a place with a long intense history and interesting for architecture students. I wanted to go to a big city and study at a university where courses in English are taught. But most importantly I wanted to experience a living I never knew about.

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

I got Erasmus money for 2 semesters. It was about 300 Euros per month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Istanbul?

As an exchange student the life is very relaxed in Istanbul. You should focus on experiencing the local culture and try to get in touch with local people. The city offers you everything at any time.

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

The city FOR SURE, universities not so much. In order to be honest, in Turkey organization is often lacking and (depending on the university of course) the quality of the courses is lower than in other european countries (e.g. Germany). Nevertheless it's a great experience to learn and study with people from a different culture and try to understand how their understanding of work is.

What is the food like?

The breakfast is the best! Within the time you will get to know local places with good food. It's totally worth to pay a little bit more money to have a nice meal with a bombing view.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Istanbul?

I was very lucky to have a local friend in Istanbul who directly helped me to find an apartment in Cihangir. In Turkey everything is negotiable so it's helpful to have a native speaker with you who knows some insider tips!

How much does it cost to live in Istanbul?

It really depends on your lifestyle. Despite the fact that Istanbul is the far most expensive city in Turkey, if you want to live low-budged, you can totally do that. Then it could even be cheaper than in Europe. But if you'd like to enjoy the city in any way it can offer, you might spend even more money than at home. But it's totally worth it. You only live once!

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

I attended an intensive course before the semester started. It was more of a fun start to get to know people. Later the ITÜ also offered courses. In my case, I didn't learn so much in the courses but i'm sure there are other people who put more work into it! The best of course is to learn the language on the street.

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

By plane of course.

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

I wasn't so much of an Erasmus-concentrated friend, but what I heard where all Erasmus students go to was Eski Beyrut, Araf, Beat etc... Me myself went more to Tünel / Asmali Mescit region to Kücük Otto, Kasette, or Minimüzikhol in Cihangir, and kept my ears open for special events, like festivals in summer.

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

It really depends on how much money you want to spend. If you are willing to pay, restaurants in Nisantasi, Bebek, Arnavutköy and Suada offer you the best view and quality. For lower budget there are many in Besiktas (for breakfast especially). Cihangir also became a more expensive district. Just walk around and let your feeling leed you!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Mosques, mosques, mosques. From Mimar Sinan most of the time, of course. Bazars etc. but most of them are full of tourists, main stream attractions. To explore the city more originally, try to leave the main roads and make an individual root.

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

For girls: don't wear too short see-through clothes. It's still a muslim country and it's better to respect that. Otherwise you can make some bad experience, especially at night in Taksim. You should be aware in which districts you are going, at what time, with who and how you are dressed. As a foreign girl it's always better to have a boy with you. But otherwise, you should test the boundaries, and you will see yourself!