Erasmus Experience in Izmir, Turkey by hussein

Why did you choose to go to Izmir, Turkey?

my choice was mainly based on the presence of a high educational center of my specialty in this city , then I review that it is beautiful and economic city also , another point for me is that most people there are Muslims even with secular system I still can practice my religion without fear or feel like odd .

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

I visit Izmir 2 times each for 4 month , one in 2011 and another in 2013 , in the first time I live at the hospital in which I was trained in so I did not pay for accommodation ,second time I stay in bornova ( area around the university so it is a students' place ) with good prices depending on if u stay alone for share a flat with others , I range from 200 euro for room in a good flat , I also affected by how many months do u will stay

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

yes , very much

What is the food like?

very nice , u can find all the taste from oriental food to the fast food ( not very common but easily found )

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Izmir?

for a room in a good flat with others u may spend about 200 euro

How much does it cost to live in Izmir?

accumdation plus transportation plus food
acc. nearly 200 euro
transportation ( u can have a discounted card for public transport with ur student ID ) depend on the distance but public transport are available and nearly cost 1 euro / time )
food u can have a good traditional meal starting from 4 euro , fast food starting from 5-6 euro

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

language is not very easy to grip , for me it was not so hard as we have many words in common with Arabic , language courses are available in a special center ( TOMAL)

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

air plan to Istanbul then another air plan or there is a bus but it takes about 8-9 hr.
air plan ticket from Istanbul to Izmir cost start from 45 euro

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

alsancak

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

recep usta
konyala
kichinate
hisar restaurant

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

share local experience with people there , get some friends for local citizen they are really helpful and very friendly