Erasmus Experience in Istanbul, Turkey by Saskia

Why did you choose to go to Istanbul, Turkey?

I Always wanted to visit Istanbul and when I had the change to study there it was a easy choice to make for me.

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

How many the scholarship is deepens per year and per country. I got the Erasmus study grand and if I remember correct this one was between 150/200 euro per month. In the Netherlands also the Dutch government support students and from them I received around 350 euro per month. So in total I got around 500/550 euro per month to help me with living costs.

What is the student lifestyle like in Istanbul?

It is amazing!! There were a lot of students like me in Istanbul from all around the world. Besides studying, there are a lot of organization who organize parties and day trips etc. for international students. Also my university (Yeditepe University) has a ''buddy group'' with (Turkish) students, these people can help you with every problem you have. These thinks helped me a lot by learning how thinks work in Istanbul and to meet new people/friends.

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

YES for sure!! I had the time of my life there. Istanbul is a great, big and busy city. There is so much to see and do there, that you never get bored. Also the university (Yeditepe university) was very good and well organize. They try to make you feel at home from the beginning!

What is the food like?

The food in Istanbul is very nice and cheap!! The thinks like bread etc. is cheaper then in the Netherlands and the taste is very good. I think in the supermarket the cost of meat was almost the same in the Netherlands. The price for a diner in restaurant is also much cheaper then in The Netherlands. But the location decides the price of the restaurant, restaurants in the Asian side from Istanbul (like the area Kadikoy) are much cheaper!! In Istanbul you can also find Mac Donalds and Burger Kings etc. also the have small places where you can buy kebab really cheap (around 1 euro).

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Istanbul?

No it did not cost me any money to find accommodation in Istanbul, but it was quite difficult for me. Make sure you arrange everything when you are still at home. I was thinking that in one week I could find something for long term but this was impossible. In the end it toke me almost 2-3 weeks to find something for long term. There are several websites were you can find accommodation save.

How much does it cost to live in Istanbul?

My accommodation was quite expensive for Istanbul, but that was because I wanted a place for myself. I had a own studio with security, very close to my university and I paid 400 euro per month. If you look for accommodation in a shared flat you should be able to find accommodation for 250 per month or something. Food and (non alcohol) drinks are compared to The Netherlands quite cheap, so I did not spend a lot of money on that. Also public transport is very cheap, make sure you get an ''Akbil'' (student transport card), that's give you discount on public transport. For 1 hour in de bus, I paid around 0,50 euro. The only thing what is quite expensive in Istanbul is alcohol (in supermarket and clubs), make sure you get some from the airport and let visitors bring something with them.. ;)

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

I followed a language course in the university and also the Erasmus organization offer language course if you want. For me it was quite difficult to learn Turkish but I would recommend you to do it! Because for instance in the Asian part of Istanbul (where my university was) there is almost no one who speaks English. In these arias it is handy to know the Turkish language a little bit. In the touristic parts and the nightlife part of Istanbul almost everyone speaks English.

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

Airplane for sure

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

You should go to Taksim (European side), there is a big street (Istiklal Cadessi) with a lot of clubs and bars with different kind of music. I went a lot of times to Beat club this club is international orientated and a lot of international students from all around the world go there. In Kadikoy ( Asian side) there is also a small bar street, this area is also very nice to go for a drink.

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

I always liked the restaurant Dejavu in Eminonu, this is the touristic area from Istanbul. The food there is great and also the people are very nice! But this restaurant is in a touristic area so the food is more expensive then other restaurants.
If you want good and cheap food you should go to the area Kadikoy. For me this is the place where you can see the real Istanbul, almost no tourist here and almost no one speaks English. Note that the menu is in Turkish!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

No idea, I just bought a travel guide from Istanbul

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

If you are going to Istanbul try to make friends from other countries. It is quite easy to make friends with someone from your own country but I think you will learn more and have more fun if you are open for everyone. Especially Turkish people can learn and show you the most of Istanbul.