Erasmus Experience in Istanbul, Turkey by Patricia

Why did you choose to go to Estambul, Turquía?

Well.. I chose Istanbul, because I fell in love with the Middle Eastern culture, religion and customs. I planned to go Erasmus right when I started uni, but I didn't had the chance to go only during my master's. Istanbul was my first and only choice and I was so happy that I passed the interviews and all the selection process.

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

I studied in Istanbul for 2 semesters of 4. 5 months and the scholarship was 500 Euros per month. Overall it was okay cause the living costs in Istanbul are not so high like in the rest of European countries.

What is the student lifestyle like in Estambul?

To me student life in Istanbul was really great. Honestly I didn't expect to see that Erasmus community here is one of the biggest in Europe. I had different experiences and I had way more fun than home. Living in Istanbul, wether you are a student or not, is way different than Europe and the rest of the world, that's why the city attracts so many people. I had a positive experience in Istanbul and I was really lucky, because I know people who hardly adapted to Turkish lifestyle.

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

Definitely. I already recommended it. My university was really good, with high quality staff and teachers... and the city is simply fascinating.

What is the food like?

Don't even get me started. Turkish food is one of the best on planet earth. I had the chance to try Turkish cuisine before, but not in Turkey, which is a totally different story than the real turkish food cooked in Turkey. I loved everything, from simit, to corbas, to kebabs or iskender. Deliciousness.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Estambul?

No, it didn't cost anything. Accommodation was recommended to me from the school, they helped with the process wether is was dorm or flats.

How much does it cost to live in Estambul?

I spent like 700-800 euros per month, but I could have spent less of course. I used to live in a fancy dorm, but I had everything I needed there.

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

I took a basic Turkish class at university. It wasn't so easy to me, coming from a latin language speaking country, but I got to learn common expresions that I used in my daily life.

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

The easiest way it's by plane, just one hour flight from Bucharest. But it is cheaper by bus or train.

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

I always used to go out in Taksim, there is the real nightlife of Istanbul, with a variety of clubs and pubs for every taste and budget.

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

I had some really nice breakfasts in restaurants by the Bosphours, in Ortakoy or Bebek. I also had the chance to eat in a syrian restaurant in Fatih, which was really good. Galata area has some nice restaurants as well, but I can't remember any of their names.

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Istanbul it is all about culture and places to see and visit. Apart from the really famous sites, my favourite areas were Fener and Balat.

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

Please come to Istanbul! It is a life changing experience, you won't regret.