Erasmus Experience in Izmir, Turkey by Viktorija

Why did you choose to go to Izmir, Turkey?

I am from Lithuania, we always have bad weather :) That is why I decided to there where sun shines through the all year :)

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

The scholarship depends on your home university, so students from different countries get different scholarships. But I had got around 400 euros per month and it was enough to pay for a dormitory and to have some fun :)

What is the student lifestyle like in Izmir?

Acitve! Especially if you are Erasmus student. You want and you have to see and try everything! You are so busy that you do not even have a time to think that you are tired :D

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

Of course! Izmir is the most modern city in whole Turkey, people are closest to Europeans so there you will not have a cultural shock :)

What is the food like?

At first I was a bit scared to try turkish food, but after the time I tried I fell in love :))

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Izmir?

No, because I lived in a students' dormitory.

How much does it cost to live in Izmir?

About 250-300euros per month.

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

Turkish language is a bit difficult, but everything always depend on a person, if he wants to learn a new language, than he will :) There were language courses available, but it was a bit late aroud 6p.m. at this hour everybody already planning to go out.

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

By plane.
Kaunas - Istanbul - Izmir
The cheapest and the fastest way.

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

Dugeon! The best students' night club in Kucuk Park.There you can find live music all night, nice people and it is close to dormitory.

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

There are huge variaty of restaurants near the sea side (in Alsancak) and they all are good.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

It is good to visit Kulturpark, Ataturk Monument and of course Kemeralti Market for shopping.

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

Do not let girls to walk alone at night. My roommate had a really bad experience.