The Erasmus experience in Istanbul, Turkey by Fábio Paulos

Why did you choose to go to Istanbul, Turkey?

I chose Istanbul because it was a city that always caught my attention with the photos and videos I saw of it before going there, and the fact that it was divided into two continents always made me want to know it better.

When there was an opportunity to do Erasmus there and to be able to live in Istanbul, I didn't think twice and I chose it as my first choice. And I regret nothing about choosing Istanbul, it was certainly the best year of my life.

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How long does the scholarship last? How much money do you receive as help?

The scholarship depends on the University. In my case, it was to cover the trips and part of the accommodation. At the beginning when I applied it was only for 1 semester, but after being in Istanbul I decided to stay in the 2nd semester, but I only had the right to the scholarship for the 1st semester. You need to be aware of this, and Istanbul is well worth spending a year in so apply early for a year and then you are sure to receive the scholarship for the full year.

How is the student environment in Istanbul?

It's fantastic. There are a lot of Universities in Istanbul which, in addition to receiving Turkish students, also receive lots of students from the Middle East, and of course a lot of Erasmus.

Istanbul is a city with quite different cultures, and that is noteworthy in universities when you realize that you have classmates from Iran, Georgia or even South Korea or Africa. Later in the evening in the Taksim area, the Erasmus students from the various colleges mingle to dance and drink in the most popular Erasmus bars.

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

I recommend it 100%. Erasmus is not just partying, it is for studying too, but in Istanbul, you can do both. I found teaching in Istanbul a bit easier than in Portugal, but I also think that it was because Erasmus was more relaxed. I was very well received by my university in Istanbul, they helped us with a lot of things, organized trips to certain places that perhaps if it were not for them, I would never know.

How about the country's food?

Kebabs, many Kebabs, but Turkish food is not only Kebabs, they have other delicious specialties (which I advise you to try). And best of all there are always restaurants open 24 hours a day, after a night of fun with friends you will find on the street various types of food. I fell in love with Turkish food. You will not find pork on sale easily because it is a Muslim country, but you can always go to Bulgaria for a few days and eat it there if you miss it. Sweets are usually quite sweet. Do not be afraid to try any kind of food on the street, enjoy and eat whatever you see. Be aware only because the food is usually spicy, so for those who don't like it, you should ask them beforehand so they don't make your food spicy. And it's helpful for those who don't like cooking, there is a website where you can order food to home without paying the delivery.

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How easily did you find accommodation in Istanbul?

My case was a separate case, I had a friend of mine who went to Istanbul earlier to take the Turkish course and it was him who tried to arrange the house. So if you have the opportunity to go in August to take the Turkish language course, it will be better. In addition to getting to know more Erasmus students, you will have time to find a quieter home, and it is always better to look for accommodation while there than to search on the Internet. Try to find a Real Estate Agency and join with friends to rent a full house together, so it is cheaper.

On average, how much did you spend to live in Istanbul?

I think the maximum I spent per month might have been 400 euros, but I paid very little for the accommodation. One of the advantages of doing Erasmus in Turkey is that the Turkish Lira (TL) is quite low compared to the Euro. Currently € 1 = 2, 5TL. A kebab, for example, costs about 3TL. A beer 6TL. A Simit (Turkish bread) 1TL. A tea, 0. 50TL.

What is the language like? Did you take a language course at the University?

The Turkish language uses the Latin alphabet and has many words with French or even English origin, so it will be easy to recognize some words. I attended a Turkish Language course during the first semester which helped me to understand the basics, but I would advise anyone who wants to learn Turkish to buy a conversation guide or even a grammar guide to study from time to time. And always go out on the street with the Conversation Guide because it can be very useful when there are no people around who speak English and it is a good way to develop your Turkish.

What is the cheapest way to get to Istanbul from your city?

The cheapest way I think is still going to be from Lisbon with Lufthansa, stop in Munich or Frankfurt before arriving in Istanbul. If you are lucky enough to get a Turkish Airlines promotion it pays off, but promotions are usually limited in time so it may not cover all of your Erasmus.

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Which places do you recommend for a night out in Istanbul?

The Taksim / Istiklal area is where everyone will go out, there are lots of bars with various types of music, one will certainly catch your attention, but there are two that attract more Erasmus people: BEAT and Eski Beirut (I especially like BEAT because they have two floors with different songs). Then there are other areas with bars and discos which are more expensive, as is the case of Nisantasi and Ortakoy. For those who choose the Asian part of Istanbul to live in, there are also bars in the Kadikoy area.

And to eat in Istanbul? Can you name your favorite sites?

Anywhere in Istanbul is good to eat at. I have some places I used to go to eat more often but I don't know the name, I just know how to get there so if anyone needs a restaurant to try Turkish food send me a message and then I'll explain the way.

And in terms of cultural visits?

Istanbul is huge, you will not have time to visit the whole city but there are certain places that you should visit, I will not mention the sights because almost everyone should have heard about them and it is easier to get there, I'll just talk about some points which I recommend and are not always referred to in the tour guides. Çamlica is a viewpoint in the Asian part of Istanbul where they have a fantastic panoramic view of the city, to go there go to Uskudar and take bus 15K or 15C and leave in Kirazlıtepe then just walk about 20 minutes on foot. Buyuk Valide Han, here you'll find rooftops near the Grand Bazaar where they have a fantastic view. Küçük Ayasofya Mosque, it is close to the Blue Mosque, it is a very quiet and beautiful small mosque. Mosque of Rüstem Paşa in Eminonu, in this mosque there are free books of the Koran for those who are most curious about Islam. Moda is a zone after Kadikoy where there is a walk by the Sea of ​​Marmara from where have a fantastic view over the Golden Horn, which I'd recommend you to visit at the end of the day to watch the sunset. You should "get lost" in the streets of Istanbul, on every street you will find something interesting.

Do you have any advice you would like to give to future students in Istanbul?

Erasmus time goes by so fast, so enjoy every day to visit every corner of the city. Try every dish, even those that you think you won't like because they may surprise you. Making Erasmus friends is important but making Turkish friends is the only way you will actually be in contact with Turkish culture, so make Turkish friends.