Erasmus Experience in Izmir, Turkey by Sabina

Why did you choose to go to Izmir, Turkey?

Because I thought it might be an interesting and different city to visit.

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

My scholarship was for four month, it was around 300 Euros per month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Izmir?

I think its very good, in the district Bornova live many students, there are lots of bars and restaurants to go.

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

Yes I definetely would recommend.

What is the food like?

Delicious :) I loved the turkish food, some things like baklava were too sweet for me, but all the döners, kebabs and especially food called manti was my favourite.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Izmir?

Yes, it did, me and my other classmate didn´t want to live in a dormitory, because for us it was expensive, that is why we decided to look for shared flats. This option is however without a turkish friend quit tought. But eventually we find one :)

How much does it cost to live in Izmir?

I was in Izmir two years ago, so thus I don´t remember exactly. But the prices for food etc were not expensive.

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

The language is for me not that easy to learn, I mean basics you can learn very quickly, bur for having a real conversation I believe it is usefull to attend some intensive course, listen to turkish movies or song with subtitles etc. The course I attended at my university in Izmir was a basic course.

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

Definetely by a flight.

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

Depend on the day, during the week in Bornova, during the weekends clubs in Alsancak.

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

Restaurants called Bay döner for eating Iskender.