Unusual year in Turkey

Why did I choose to do Erasmus in Izmir?

Because I study international relations and European studies and Turkey is the most controverse candidate country ever. That would be official reason however there were also some personal ones like girlfriend, weather etc.

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

I got 350 euro per month which is not enough at all. Real expenditures are 500 euro per month if you dont party too much.

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

Izmir is quite nice city, people are easy going and nothing is problem. At least you ll hear that very often. And it is true if you are not in a hurry. My biggest problem here was that Turks have always enough time. If you arrange an appointment dont bother to be on time. Transportation is quite horrible fortunately I am lucky enough to live next to metro station and Ethe uni is next to another station. Bus transportation is really "great" experience. I fainted 2 times while traveling by 40 years old bus without air-conditioning. Thanks god bus was really crowded so I could not fall down so, no buses in summer!

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What is the food like?

Generally? Meatless! Prices of red meat are insane! 25tl/kg and more. But I really enjoy durum - everyone should try. You can buy cheap vegetable at farmers markets once a week but you must find out which day it is in your area.

How did you find your accommodation?

With other students. If you arrive during first two weeks of September there are hundreds of free apartments in Bornova.

What are the accommodation prices like? What are prices like for other things in general?

Dormitory was expensive - 350tl for shared room. So I quit after first month and moved into apartment with other students. I got single room for 270tl bills included!

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

Yeah, I find Turkish quite easy. Unfortunately the uni didn't open Turkish course because teacher got pregnant. But I remember something from Eilc (nevsehir). btw, Eilc was the best part of Erasmus so far. One month of studying Turkish, traveling, accommodation and food for 500tl! Nevsehir universitesi 10/10 (if they open course again - dont even think about it and apply)

Where would you recommend to go on a night out?

Nowhere, I am from the Czech republic the country where beer is for 1 euro, bottle of vodka for 4 euro (1-2 shots of vodka for this price in Izmir). Prices here are 4 times higher.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants?

In Kucuk park at the main square there is a tiny (12 m2) restaurant with red chairs (cant miss). I eat there everytime I go to school. Their durum is perfect. They already know me so I just come and my durum is on table without saying a word.

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Do not wanna judge this city because I am from Prague which is one of the most beautiful cities ever.... however, there are tons of sightseeings around Izmir (100 km). you will enjoy. And if you take extra cash you can visit all turkey Offers cheap flights!

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Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to Izmir?

Do you party hard? Take extra cash. Do you need steaks? Do not go. Would you like to improve your English? Do not go. You can't improve here. I think my English got worse because no Erasmus student can speak English fluently. Turkish students can't speak at all. So you won't bother to think about grammar after few weeks.

If you had an opportunity to spend another year in Turkey. Would you go?

Yes, yes, yes!

Overall rating of my Erasmus in turkey = 90%.

Overall rating of my Erasmus in Izmir = 75%.