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Büşra Akkulak
Fall 2012-2013
Warsaw University of Technology
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Erasmus is probably every new university student's dream, or at least it was for me. I experienced this process, whose timing was unclear, in the fall semester of my third year in Warsaw, Poland. If I start from the beginning, I quickly realized that things don't just fall into place after passing the exams and getting accepted. When I think about the documents I prepared to go, the only thing that comes to mind is emails and rushing around. But these stages shouldn't discourage those who are going; the excitement started the moment I bought my plane ticket and grew steadily. Of course, like every student going abroad for the first time, my family and I had questions: where would I live, would I be able to adapt to the culture there, and what about communication? But there was no need to worry too much; people get used to everything easily, especially in such a wonderful situation. I was seeing new places, meeting new people, learning new cultures, and trying to explain our own culture to others. Things unknown or misunderstood about us, and likewise, things we didn't know about other nations. Over time, everyone got to know each other. One of the best things about Erasmus was that I had the opportunity to see many cities in Europe. We would put on our backpacks, grab our maps, and walk for hours, exploring step by step. We took photos and had fun. Now, when I occasionally look at those photos and remember those times, a smile appears on my face. I'm so glad I went. And I tell everyone I know to go too. ERASMUS is one of the most wonderful experiences we can have in life.
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Nilay Akmeşe
2012-2013-Fall/Spring
Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule / Regensburg
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I spent one year in Regensburg, Germany, during the 2012-2013 academic year. I had been planning my Erasmus experience since my first year at university. I wondered what I would do if I went, how it would benefit me, and so on. However, once I arrived, all my plans were turned upside down, and I fell under the spell of Erasmus. I made wonderful friends and we had a great time together. If I had stayed for just one semester, I might not have become so attached, but I stayed for two. That charming little German city captivated me. I didn't want to come back. All that's left are a bunch of photos and memories that bring tears to your eyes and make you smile when you remember them. My advice to friends who want to go but lack the courage: don't worry about the language barrier; everyone there is like you. They are also Erasmus students. You never feel like a stranger. I never had any difficulties. Finally, if possible, stay for a year and improve your language skills before returning. You can enjoy Erasmus and develop yourself at the same time.
Erasmus is a privilege!
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Semiha Ulucenk
Fall/Spring 2013-2014
Warsaw University of Technology
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It's every student's dream to be abroad and be able to go anywhere they want freely. Erasmus is the way for every student who has this idea to make their dreams come true. My Erasmus adventure began in Warsaw, Poland. Of course, the path I took before coming here almost prevented me from enjoying this wonderful experience. However, I must say that I even miss those days. I cannot even describe the feeling I had when I first set foot in Warsaw. Despite the many warning signs in my head that made me anxious, Warsaw's unique beauty easily dispelled them all. Warsaw has a structure that adapts to everyone's mood, bringing you inner peace when needed and entertaining you wildly when the time comes. Because this city, with its large life parks, can take you away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a moment. On the other hand, you can find opportunities to have fun thanks to the parties organized. There is also the cuisine, which the Poles call unique but which we find unappealing, but don't worry, you are a student and you can easily find other options in Warsaw that suit you. Thanks to the Erasmus program, I experienced all the beauty of this city and, again thanks to Erasmus, I made wonderful friendships that I will never forget. I was one of those who went on Erasmus for two semesters, and every day I was there, I found opportunities to learn new things. Everything I learned gave me a great deal of experience. I must say that the Erasmus program offers you the opportunity to struggle on your own in a world without borders, and it's up to you to decide how much you want to benefit from it. Participating in the Erasmus program was one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life. My advice is, if you have such an opportunity, don't miss it. Good luck to everyone!!!
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Burak Kurt
Fall/Spring 2013-2014
Warsaw University of Technology
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I spent one year in Warsaw, Poland, during the 2013-2014 academic year. I had never considered doing Erasmus before. One day, while sitting and talking with a friend, the topic came up, and he planted the idea of doing Erasmus in my mind. I can't express how grateful I am to him now. Because I had the best year of my university life. Of course, as with everything, there are some difficulties with doing Erasmus. First of all, there are documents that need to be prepared before you go. There are arrangements you need to make so you don't extend your studies. But you also have a very good teacher who will help you with this. Another difficulty is, of course, stress (especially for students like me who are going abroad for the first time). There's nothing you can do to overcome this; you'll just have to be patient, and two weeks after arriving in the country, you'll start to realize what a good decision you made. There's nothing to be afraid of; within a month, you'll start to feel at home there, and by the end of the first semester, you'll start to think that time has flown by and that even a year isn't enough.
The one thing I would strongly recommend regarding Erasmus is to do it for two semesters. I initially applied for one semester, but after talking to friends who had gone, I changed it to two semesters. This was one of the most important decisions I made. Because time flies by very quickly during Erasmus. One semester is simply not enough, both in terms of developing yourself and your foreign language skills, and in terms of going to the places you want to see abroad. Because time passes very quickly there.
I traveled to a total of 10 countries, including Poland, over the course of one year. I'm not sure if I would have ever gone abroad in my life if I hadn't done Erasmus, or if I would have thought about going abroad again like I do now. But once you step through that door, I can confidently say you won't want to come back.
Looking at it from the perspective of education and language development, this is a situation that varies entirely from person to person, but this variation is always positive. Some people make little progress, while others make significant progress.
I didn't encounter any difficulties there. In addition to this, the friendships I made, the countries I visited, the cultures I encountered, the events I participated in, and my personal development are all experiences that will make me smile whenever I remember them and will provide me with a small or perhaps significant advantage in my professional life. In short, not doing Erasmus is a regret and is highly recommended...
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Deniz Görkem Özen
Spring 2012-2013
Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule / Regensburg
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I had the opportunity to study in Regensburg, Germany through the Erasmus program. When I started my degree, I had no such plans. However, over time, I began to learn about these kinds of opportunities and realized I could create one for myself. I took a chance and earned the right to go. After that, the rush to get the documents and visa started, but it was really worth it. Even that rush is effective in a person's development. When I went abroad, the first thing that caught my attention was the cultural differences. Their lifestyles, characteristics, and behaviors are different from ours. People's respect for each other and the value they place on the opinions of others is remarkably striking. When you encounter such situations, you may be surprised at first, but as you get used to them, you will notice that your perspective has broadened. Your attitude towards events and people, and your behavior in parallel, will change positively, and you will begin to gain respect. By traveling to different countries and cities, you can meet new people and immortalize unique structures and landscapes by taking photographs. When you return, you will smile as you look at the photos and relive those moments in your mind. You will make Erasmus friends at the school you attend and have a lot of fun. You can organize parties and taste each country's unique dishes, introducing them to our traditions and culture. Of course, you can't do without finding Turkish markets in the city because you may miss our own flavors. Don't worry about failing in your classes because the experiences you'll have here will guide you toward your goals for the rest of your life. With ERASMUS, you can add another dimension to yourself.
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Sinem Murat
2013-2014-Fall/Spring
Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule / Regensburg
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The Erasmus student exchange program is undoubtedly a program that all students want to participate in. Regensburg, Germany, where I went and stayed for a year as part of Erasmus, will always remain in my memory as the most beautiful memory of my life. Being together with exchange students from many different countries, just like you,
is not an opportunity that comes easily. Very different cultures, a thousand and one different lives, fun social events, endless travel plans, and perhaps most importantly, being able to face everything, overcome difficulties, express yourself and your problems, and the confidence that all this brings will truly make you who you are in a country you've never been to before and know nothing about.
Even dreaming about it is wonderful, Erasmus! Definitely chase your dreams!
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