Merhaba!
I’m a third-year Economics student at Khazar University, and I spent my 2024-2025 fall semester as an Erasmus exchange student at Koç University. This was my third time in Turkey, but Erasmus made it feel completely different. Living in Istanbul, studying, and experiencing everyday life gave me a whole new perspective on the country. There’s something about being here long enough to not just visit but actually settle into the rhythm of the city.
Istanbul is a city that never stops surprising you. It’s a mix of history, modernity, chaos, and calm all at once. And of course, it’s the city of cats and mosques. You see cats everywhere—lounging in cafés, sitting beside shopkeepers, or just strolling through the streets like they own the place (which, to be honest, they do). The mosques are incredible too, each with its own beauty, but Çamlıca Cami was my absolute favorite. Standing there, looking over the entire city, was something special.
The Erasmus Experience
What made this semester unforgettable wasn’t just Istanbul itself but the people I met. Erasmus isn’t just about studying; it’s about stepping out of your comfort zone, making friends from all over the world, and sharing experiences that go beyond cultural differences. Koç University had plenty of events that helped us all connect, but the best moments were often the unplanned ones—random conversations, spontaneous trips, and long nights spent talking about everything and nothing. One of the most memorable events I attended was the “SHAPE YOUR CAREER” program at the Bursa Renault campus. It was a great opportunity to learn about the industry and connect with professionals.
Exploring Beyond Istanbul
While Istanbul has so much to offer, traveling around Turkey was another highlight of my time here. Bursa had this historic charm, and the cable car ride to Uludağ was something I’ll never forget. Eskişehir had a young, vibrant energy, and İzmir felt completely different from anywhere else—relaxed, coastal, and full of life. But the real standout for me was Çeşme. The beaches, the clear blue water, the atmosphere—it was just perfect. If I had to pick one place to go back to, it would be there. Entering 2025 in İzmir was also something unique. The city had a different energy, a special atmosphere that made it unforgettable.
Challenges and Takeaways
Of course, not everything was easy. Adjusting to a new city and a new academic environment came with its struggles. Also, managing time between studying and exploring was a challenge, but it taught me a lot about balance. One important thing for future Erasmus students to know is that the scholarship isn’t paid monthly. My program provided 70% of the scholarship in the second month, while the remaining 30% depends on passing courses and fulfilling specific requirements. It’s definitely enough to enjoy your time here, but planning ahead is key.
During my exchange time we even worked on a thesis related to COP29. It was an incredible opportunity to contribute to discussions on climate policy. Through this project, I had the chance to highlight Azerbaijan once again in the context of COP29, emphasizing its role and commitments. I want to express my gratitude to my groupmates and my teacher Alper Yılmaz—when I suggested the idea of writing about COP29, they supported it wholeheartedly.
Another unforgettable teacher was Hilmi Buğra Abbasoğlu, who taught Fundamentals of Financial Management. He wasn’t just an instructor; he was one of us—young, talented, and truly inspiring. I have no doubt that our paths will cross again in the future, especially in the professional world.
Final Thoughts
Before I went to Turkiye, I had friends who supported me throughout the process, and even while I was there, I had friends from Khazar who continued to help me. Some of them even managed to teach me a few things despite the distance. And then, there were the incredible people I met in Turkiye—the ones who made my experience unforgettable and who I can’t wait to see again.
Erasmus in Turkiye was more than just an academic exchange—it was an experience that changed the way I see things. It gave me new friendships, unforgettable memories, and a deep appreciation for this country. For anyone considering an exchange program, I’d say go for it. It’s not just about studying abroad; it’s about growing, learning, and seeing the world from a different perspective.
Teşekkürler, Türkiye!
Abdulla Nuriyev
