Erasmus Experience in Istanbul, Turkey by Patrick

Why did you choose to go to Istanbul, Turkey?

Because a company offered me to work there.

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

It was about 5 months. I received around 300 € to cover my living costs. I didnt paid for accomodation

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What is the student lifestyle like in Istanbul?

I didnt studied in Istanbul. But the student life as i got to know from friends was quite relaxed. They organised allot of house/flat partys.

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

I didnt study at the University of Istanbul. I rather recommend the city for hollyday but not to work.

What is the food like?

Turkish food is very delicious, much chicken, rice and beans. You can find restaurants anywhere. Also baked goods are really delicious and you can find many bakerys.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Istanbul?

No, my company gave me.

How much does it cost to live in Istanbul?

If you live with small budget and without paying rent, around 400-500 should be enough.

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

The language is quite easy to learn, i did an language course using a application on my phone

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

Definately a flight

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

Most people go to taksim area as there are many students and a lot of pubs and cafes but this part of the city got a bit wasted during the last decade and there are too many people.

I recomend Kadiköy. The pubs and bars are less filled with people and the locations look more beatiful, they also play the better music.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There are many historical buildings like the hagia sophia and other impressive mosques to visit. If you prefer nature, i reccomend the belgrad forest. Also mountain biking is possible there

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

As many Erasmus Students pay too high prices, compare many prices of flats and dont make your decicion too fast. Check the neighborhood, some areas are not that safe!

Party less and travel and discover more, there are so many beatifull and undiscovered places in and around Istanbul.