Erasmus+

Did you know that you can have a second home, people that you can call family and have the greatest time of your life so easily? Erasmus is probably an answer to all of your identity crises. It may feel scary at first to live in a totally different country with people you don’t know, it happened to me too. In fact, I was crying and begging my parents not to go. But the excited and enthusiastic girl in me wanted to finally get out of my comfort zone and experience things I can maybe never experience any other time in my life. That’s how I found myself at a small city called Szczecin in Poland!

It was a huge shock to me being in an environment with so many confused young adults came here to accomplish somethings in their life. Meeting them and hearing their stories broadened my perspective of the world. I learned about so many problems of the world that I didn’t even have a clue about. I learned cultures so colourful that brought some light to my life. I had friendships that will last for a lifetime. It was very interesting to live with bunch of people from different countries and have a dinner night while everyone was bringing their own kind of food and cultures. I’m sure you can imagine the laughter and fun. I can say that I truly learnt what humanity is. When you are stuck at something and can’t find your way through certain issues, a French girl that you just met at an ESN event the other day, will help you. Or you help an Italian boy with his school work. Or you dance through the night with a couple of Greek friends and they show you what having fun is. Or when you get sick at Poland and don’t know anybody, your Polish buddy will help you through your sickness. The friendships are solid and true in Erasmus. It may be my favorite part of Erasmus. The people unite through everything. 

I had a fear of everything. Doing daily chores and running errands were a big struggle for me. But in Erasmus you have to grind through the fears and live. My social anxiety went away because nobody even cares if you make a mistake! I started talking to people and doing my work relaxed. I had so many friends that I traveled through Europe with, which would’nt happen if Erasmus didn’t raise my confidence up. I adapted into a different education system and succeeded. I truly felt free, strong and happy. I built network around the world and had some of my questions about the future cleared. There is immaculate amount of pros of Erasmus that I can write about hours but I think you got the point. 

Whether you want to see other worlds, learn new things, or you are just there to have an experience and have some fun. Erasmus is your path. Erasmus is the path.

Written by Duru Sepçi

Erasmus and Kaunas - the city where I did my Erasmus - is a chance I had in my life that has settled in my mind mostly positively. The beginning of the process was painful, like almost everyone else. The social circle I gradually gained, the excitement of stepping into a new world, and living in a foreign place in every sense kept my soul fit. During this process, I had very close friends, times when I had a lot of fun, times when I was stressed, exhausted, and of course times when I felt very lonely. Witnessing absurd snapshots, visiting different cities, seeing cultural differences, and the way they experience joy and fear taught me that every person and every culture has an extraordinary richness within their own ordinariness. I learned that the people who are happy, no matter where they are in the world, are those who are lost in this ordinariness without comparing themselves to others.

Discovering the hidden beauties and interesting things of Kaunas, Lithuania and other cultures became a habit that I did not give up during Erasmus and still enjoy. Of course, achieving such gains is possible when you learn to evaluate life through a positive filter. Erasmus is very useful in this respect. It offers the opportunity to mature by being exposed to many difficulties. I can say that it broadened my horizons and nourished my belief that there is always a solution and raw beauty in life. In the last days of Erasmus, I realized how much I knew Kaunas and how much I embraced its people. I still continue to friendships that I had during Erasmus. Another positive aspect for me is to have seen different methods and styles in my field.

Since Lithuania is a country where little English is spoken, there were situations in the city and in daily life that I did not understand and had difficulty with as a foreigner. I thought about how these situations could be improved. When I returned to Turkey and other places I visited, I started to evaluate their ease and difficulties from a foreigner's perspective. Also living in a place with a different climate, culture, language, rules and loving that place made me appreciate my own country, Turkey, even more. I rediscovered Turkey's beauties, advantages, underrated features and I developed empathy and understanding for its disliked aspects.

I loved and enjoyed Lithuania and my Erasmus journey. I have to say that it left a positive impact on me. I think that my mind gives me an advantage by looking at things from a broader perspective with what I have learned. Of course every beauty has its challenging sides and some beauties are only visible to those who take the risk and really eager to see them.

Written by Ahmet Yasin Aksu

My name is Duru and I'm 22 years old. I'm a student of Nutrition and Dietetics at Ankara University. I did my Erasmus at the University of Barcelona in the 2023-2024 fall semester.

The month before going to Barcelona was quite stressful for me. While trying to improve my Spanish, I was also trying to complete all the necessary documents. It was a challenging process to convince myself that I had to do everything on my own for the first time in another country.

After this process, I found myself thinking that everything I did was worth it as I made my way to my apartment in a historic neighborhood of Barcelona. Even when I went to the nearby market, I could see the Sagrada Familia; I could go for a swim at Barceloneta, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, or get lost for hours walking around the Gothic Quarter. I was absolutely in love with architecture. Also the food was incredible. Nothing could replace the joy of having a huge paella with friends or enjoying some patatas bravas, chipirones, or padron as tapas while chatting.

Getting used to my new life in a new country wasn't easy at first. Despite having English and a bit of Spanish, I struggled a bit because the official language is Catalan. However, both local and international friends were always there for me during this process. I found my second family here. Thanks to them, I greatly improved my Spanish.

Although my campus was a bit far from the center of Barcelona, studying nutrition and dietetics in a campus focused solely on food, in a different country, and in a different language was a very different and beautiful experience. It gave me a lot of knowledge and experience that will definitely help me in my future career.

During this time, I joined ESN at the University of Barcelona. Thanks to the events they organized, I was able to better adapt to the city and meet other Erasmus students.

Throughout my Erasmus journey, I also had the opportunity to visit other cities and countries. During these trips, I encountered many cultures, tried new foods and made friends from different nationalities, races, and languages. These trips definitely expanded my vision and perspective.

The greatest thing Erasmus has given me is the realization that I can overcome anything on my own, even though stepping out of my comfort zone was scary, it could add a lot to me. I have definitely become a more confident and self-assured person. I will always remember my Erasmus with longing.

Written by Duru Koçtürk

Living and learning in another country isn’t just an educational experience; it’s also a change in lifestyle and perspective. My Erasmus experience transcended being merely a semester of learning for me; it evolved into an adventure that deeply impacted my life.

Beginnings are always challenging...

When I took my first steps in Warsaw, I was aware of the many unknowns awaiting me. The initial period in a city filled with a different culture, language, and people was quite tough. However, with time, I adapted to this new environment and began to feel at home. During this process, my adaptability skills improved, I became more flexible, and I developed a more open mindset towards differences.

Struggling means you're growing.

The Erasmus experience provided enrichment not only academically but also socially and culturally. Interacting with students from different countries, getting to know their cultures, and sharing my own encouraged me to adopt both a universal and unique perspective. These interactions broadened my worldview.

Moreover, the Erasmus experience significantly contributed to my personal growth. I found myself in various situations, which strengthened my ability to cope with them. Experiences such as making new friends in a foreign city, traveling alone, and not being afraid to step into the unknown made me stronger and more confident.

You return as someone different.

When I returned from Warsaw, I didn’t just bring back a transcript; I returned with a bag full of memories, experiences, and learning. This experience marked a significant turning point in my career and personal life. I felt more equipped, especially because the Erasmus experience gave me the courage to explore endless possibilities worldwide, inspiring a lifelong journey of learning and discovery.

But coming back doesn’t always mean it's the end.

As my Erasmus experience came to an end and I returned to my home university, I wanted to recreate and share the experience that ESN had provided abroad. Joining ESN wasn’t just about reminiscing about my time abroad; it also gave me the opportunity to assist new students, facilitate their experiences, and be a part of their journey.

Joining ESN not only meant becoming a member of a student organization but also contributed to my personal development. It enhanced my leadership skills, improved my ability to communicate with new people, and deepened my awareness.

The Erasmus experience was more than just a semester abroad; it was a transformation and growth adventure that will remain one of the most valuable memories of my life.

Written by Doğan Mert Hüsrevoğlu

As a citizen of Turkey embarking on an Erasmus exchange program in Slovenia aligned perfectly with my aspirations for personal growth and seeking out thrilling new experiences. I couldn't have been more excited about the opportunity. The exceptional warmth and graciousness displayed by the locals in this community completely alleviated any concerns or hesitations I had upon my arrival. Their genuine kindness was sincerely appreciated and made all the difference in helping me feel at home during my stay.

I fully immersed myself in Slovenian culture outside of the classroom. As I strolled through the capital city's lovely streets, Ljubljana, I was enthralled by the city's fusion of old-world architecture and energetic vibe. I was deeply affected by the vibrant riverbank cafes, the well-known Triple Bridge, and the magnificent Ljubljana Castle. Especially for the sunset, Castle is perfect option with friends and drinks. Due to the city's substantial student population, it had a vibrant youth that added to its allure.

The chance to interact with people from all around the world was one of the most amazing parts of my Erasmus experience. To promote intercultural exchange, the university's Erasmus Student Network (ESN) arranged a wide variety of programs and events which also includes organizing trips abroad. These events, which ranged from foreign cuisine festivals to cultural exchange nights, offered a venue for forming relationships and discovering various traditions to highlight the wide variety of our group. Thanks to these events, I made good friendships with Slovenian students and were eager to promote their culture and traditions, as well as with other Erasmus students.

For accommodation, there are student dorms mostly available for every student. To be localized both culturally and to make friends easily dorms are the best options always. I have stayed in Dom D in Kardeljeva Ploscad. It is a kind of home 2+0. You have 2 bedrooms for 4 people and a kitchen and bathroom inside the room. In May, there are student festivals just in front of the dorms which you can also watch from your window.

There are so many place-to-go in Slovenia such as the gorgeous Lake Bled which is encircled by snow-capped mountains, Triglav National Park where you can hike between undiscovered waterfalls and breathtaking views, Piran where you can feel the Italian atmosphere while swimming. If you finish all places for Slovenia you can also travel outside of Slovenia on the weekends with cheap flights via WizzAir and RyanAir from Venice or Zagreb mostly.

Pharmacy Education at Ljubljana University

Ljubljana University is the only university that has a pharmacy education program in the country. In terms of education, my experience at the University of Ljubljana highlighted the stark educational differences between Turkey and Slovenia. One aspect that particularly surprised me was the close relationship between students and instructors, allowing for enjoyable interactions outside the classroom. Additionally, the pharmacy education I pursued revealed why I had previously found laboratory courses in my home country less efficient.

There are significant differences that I believe my friends, especially those participating in the Erasmus program, should be aware of, particularly in my field of study. Let's consider the pharmacognosy course as an example. During our Erasmus laboratory sessions, we not only studied plants but also examined the herbal products available in pharmacies, conducting practical research in the process. This approach helped us put our theoretical knowledge into practice. In every course I attended, emphasis was placed not only on theoretical understanding but also on its practical application. In contrast, back in Turkey, we mainly processed plants using slides, whereas, in Slovenia, we had the opportunity to examine a wide array of plants displayed in jars. This hands-on experience enabled us to independently explore and solidify the information provided.

Another pharmacy course, pharmaceutical technology, stood out due to its practical approach. Unlike the memorization-oriented education I experienced in Turkey, this course in Slovenia focused on methods that allowed us to retain what we learned more effectively, particularly in preparation for our future roles as pharmacists. We were granted the autonomy to use the devices commonly employed in Slovenia, offering valuable experiences applicable to our professional lives. While the Turkish counterpart of this course involved manual transaction-based problem solving, the Slovenian curriculum incorporated Excel spreadsheets that would be extensively used in our future careers. By interpreting the results and simplifying complex transactions, students gained a deeper understanding of the subject matter and its practical significance. Lastly, for medical devices availability and permission to use by students were at the more efficient point than in Turkey, unfortunately.

Being an Erasmus student in Slovenia was so precious for me as a person who would like to be both in nature and. It is a small country but you can feel many advantages of it most importantly feeling at home away from home thanks to the familiar faces and kindness and sincerity of both locals and other Erasmus students. The only thing that I regret about my experience was not choosing my exchange period for 9 months. If you are going to Slovenia for your Erasmus Exchange, I am sure that you won’t regret choosing it! Enjoy!

Written by Aybala Imer

Hi Everyone! Welcome to my page!

On this shining sunday here in a beautiful city in Poland, I would like to share my (totally) the best moments in my life; having my Erasmus experience as Erasmus+ exchange awardee.

My name is Ayesha, I came from a country far in the east, more than 15 hours sitting on a plane, called Indonesia. Since I was little, never come to my mind of what is europe? How does it looks like? Does Europe exist in real or just in my dream? I don’t even have a single audacity to dream of studying and stepping my feet in this continent, Never! But you know what? 10 years after, i finally arrived here, studying here, as Erasmus student in Poland which its never feels real to me at all!

It all started with my journey when i flew from Indonesia to Turkey for pursuing my bachelor degree, where i got my chance to go for Erasmus+ programme.

During some days before my departure to Poland, i did having such a hard time. It will be my very first trip to Europe continent without any Idea accompanied with the fear of facing different condition and culture. Eventually, i couldn’t sleep well for 2 weeks before my flight! Ugh!

After many hard times of dealing with my mental and physical preparation, I found myself sitting near the Vistula river at the heart of Torun city, one of the most historical city, where Nicolaus Copernicus was born. I could not believe, its been my second week in my Erasmus journey and i enjoyed it so much!

I am pursuing my Erasmus programme in Nicolaus Copernicus University with the warmest teachers, staffs, and professors i’ve ever meet in my life. At the first day of my stay, I was introduced to the Torun’s culture with its routinity by the help of my lovely mentor from Erasmus Student Network of Torun.

I am having a really enjoyable adaptation during my stay. I started to meet some friends from many countries, different ethnics, and diverse background. For example, i met a girl from my country neighboor; philippines to far west Spain as my roommate. Moreover, the Erasmus office actively providing us many activities for students that allows us to stay touch to each other, such as palm tree workshops in the Easter week! It was a really good chance for me to see the culture that i have never seen before, its not really exist in my country so i am happy to see how polish people actually celebrated it!

This beautiful city that I stayed, Torun, is just depicting my childhood dream of seeing medieval buildings with stone paved. Obviously, I spent most of my time walking and strolling around the old town of Torun, such as the riverside of Vistula, the house of

Nicolaus Copernicus, the ruin of Teutonic Castle and the market square. Other than that, i have my faculty buildings in the old town where the University held a project called “Welcome Cafe” for International Students to talk and get to know more about Polish culture.

My Erasmus journey is truly like a big window for me, i am beyond grateful to be able to see all the things that i thought it just exist in my dream. Being here in Erasmus also allowed me to experience the beautiful result of the big decisions i’ve taken in my life, to step out of my comfort zone!

Thank you for this opportunity, Erasmus! I got my other second home full of happiness and moments to cherish forever.

Written by Ayesha Safiya

I'm Hakan, a 24-year-old student studying politics and economics at Ankara University. Participating in the Erasmus program in Timisoara, Romania, was my first time traveling outside of my home country, and it was both exciting and nerve-wracking to experience a new culture.

As soon as I arrived in Timisoara, I was struck by the diversity of the people I met. I found myself surrounded by individuals from all over the world, each with their own unique cultural backgrounds and experiences. Through my interactions with my international friends, my perspective on the world expanded, and I gained a deeper appreciation for different cultures.

One of the most valuable aspects of my Erasmus experience was the opportunity to attend various events and learn about education culture in Romania. I was able to participate in cultural festivals and attend lectures and seminars on a range of topics. These experiences not only helped me gain a deeper understanding of Romanian culture and education but also allowed me to connect with people from different backgrounds and perspectives.

Adjusting to life in a new country wasn't always easy, but my international friends made the transition much smoother. They were a constant source of support and encouragement, and I felt like I had a second family away from home. With their help, I quickly became acclimated to the local customs and way of life in Timisoara.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my Erasmus experience was the opportunity to travel to different places. With my newfound friends, I was able to explore the surrounding areas and visit cities I had only ever dreamed of seeing. These experiences helped me grow as a person, and I gained a greater appreciation for the diversity and beauty of the world.

Despite the challenges I faced, I emerged from my Erasmus experience as a more confident and independent person. I learned that stepping outside of my comfort zone could be intimidating, but it could also be incredibly rewarding. I gained a deeper understanding of different cultures and made lifelong friends in the process.

Overall, my Erasmus experience in Timisoara, Romania, was a life-changing journey that I will never forget. It taught me the importance of embracing new experiences, stepping outside of my comfort zone, connecting with people from different cultures, and broadening my understanding of education culture and lifestyles.

Written by Hakan Gürkan

The Erasmus Student Exchange Program in Milan, Italy during the spring term of 2022 was an incredible and unforgettable experience. Milan, known as the fashion and design capital of Italy, offered a vibrant and culturally rich environment for students from all around the world. This summary aims to capture the essence of the program, highlighting cherished memories and experiences.

Upon arrival, we were greeted with warm Italian hospitality and quickly settled into our new surroundings. The Erasmus community was a diverse group, comprising students from various countries, each bringing their unique perspectives and backgrounds. The multicultural atmosphere fostered an environment of learning and cultural exchange, which greatly enriched our experience.

Academically, Milan proved to be an excellent choice. The renowned universities in the city provided top-notch education, and the Erasmus program ensured seamless integration into the local academic system. The courses offered were engaging and intellectually stimulating, covering a wide range of subjects. The opportunity to learn from esteemed professors and interact with fellow international students expanded our horizons and broadened our understanding of different academic disciplines.

Living in Milan itself was a dream come true. The city exuded elegance and style at every corner, with its grand architecture, stunning art galleries, and fashionable streets. Exploring Milan became a daily adventure, as we wandered through the historic districts, such as Brera and Navigli, soaking in the rich history and vibrant atmosphere. The iconic Duomo di Milano, a magnificent Gothic cathedral, never failed to leave us in awe with its intricate details and breathtaking views of the city from its rooftop. Milan is also famous for its art, architecture, and food. Students had the chance to visit famous museums like the Pinacoteca di Brera and the Leonardo da Vinci Museum. Food was undoubtedly a highlight of our experience in Milan. The city offered an array of culinary delights, from traditional Italian pasta and pizza to mouthwatering gelato and creamy cappuccinos.

The weekends presented opportunities for further exploration, as we embarked on adventures outside Milan. We took advantage of Italy's excellent transportation system and visited nearby cities like Florence, Venice, and Rome. Each destination had its own unique charm and cultural treasures, leaving us with unforgettable experiences and a deeper appreciation for Italy's rich heritage.

But it was not just the sights and sounds that made our time in Milan special; it was the people we met and the friendships we forged. The Erasmus program acted as a catalyst for meaningful connections with students from all over the world. We bonded over shared experiences, late-night conversations, and the thrill of discovering a new city together. These friendships transcended borders and will undoubtedly endure long after the program.

As our Erasmus journey in Milan came to an end, we were left with a treasure trove of memories. We had grown personally and academically, becoming more open-minded, adaptable, and culturally aware individuals.

In conclusion, the Erasmus Student Exchange Program in Milan during the spring term of 2022 was an enriching and life-changing experience. From academic growth to cultural immersion, the program offered a unique opportunity to explore one of Italy's most vibrant cities while forging lifelong connections. Milan will forever be remembered as a city of dreams, where memories were made, and horizons were expanded.

Written by Bora Arslan

Did you say Erasmus?

That sounds like an amazing experience!

Erasmus+ is indeed a fantastic opportunity for you to broaden your horizons, explore different cultures, and make lifelong connections. It provides a platform for personal and academic growth, fostering understanding and appreciation for diversity.

Through Erasmus+, you can study, train, volunteer, or engage in various educational activities abroad. The program promotes international mobility, enabling students to immerse themselves in new environments, learn new languages, and gain a deeper understanding of different societies.

The chance to visit beautiful cities in Europe and experience local cultures is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the Erasmus+ program. Each city offers its own unique blend of history, art, architecture, and traditions, providing a rich and immersive experience for participants. It's an incredible way to expand one's perspective, challenge preconceived notions, and develop a global mindset.

My last say is "Once Erasmus, Always Erasmus !"

Written by Hasan Canbulat 

I participated in the Erasmus + program in Maribor, Slovenia between October and February. Maribor is a small city a little far from the capital city of Slovenia. Life in Maribor was usually calm, and the city was beautiful, especially its nature. Before going there I had no friends or acquaintances who went to Maribor for Erasmus so I was clueless about a lot of things. At first, it was hard to adapt there but after a few days, I was all fine. Seeing other Erasmus students experiencing the same things as me was a relief, and I think it helped us connect quicker and at a deeper level.

I studied at the University of Maribor, Faculty of Economics and Business. In the period I was there, the University of Maribor had more than 200 Erasmus students and most of them were from my faculty. Because of that, pretty much everyone whom I took classes with was also an Erasmus student. In some of my classes we worked on group projects, which I enjoyed very much. I think this environment made the group projects a medium for socializing with other international students.

With the Erasmus + program, I found a chance to travel to many countries and met amazing people along the way. Slovenia shares borders with Italy, Croatia, and Austria. Because of its location, it was very easy to travel to other countries. I choose to spend a good amount of my time and energy on Erasmus while traveling, which is exhausting from time to time, but definitely worth it. I have learned plenty of things both from the process of traveling and the countries I have been to. I feel like aside from moving to another country, my travels helped my personal growth a lot. I was able to experience different holidays, cuisines, and cultures while traveling, and those experiences are valuable to me.

Being constantly in an international environment taught me a lot about other countries, not just about their cultural values and way of living but also their way of thinking. Moving to another country is not always easy. Even though such disruptive change seems like a scary thing, it is worth going through all those processes. In that sense, my Erasmus experience made me step out of my comfort zone and explore what is beyond it.