Erasmus program promotes cultural and academic exchange at Anadolu University

Roheyatou Senghore

Anadolu University in Eskişehir has become a vibrant hub for international education through its participation in the Erasmus program, enriching both local and international students. This program not only enhances the academic experience of its participants but also fosters cultural understanding and cooperation within the European Union (EU). Students such as Raymond Munch from Latvia, Magdalena Barbara Okhal from Poland, and Aleyna from Turkey have shared their transformative experiences, highlighting the program’s profound impact. Coordinators like Gamze Alper have played a crucial role in facilitating these exchanges, navigating challenges, and leveraging opportunities to broaden the horizons of all involved.

A vibrant Hub for international education

A Latvian Perspective

Raymond Munch, an Erasmus student from Latvia, chose Anadolu University to experience life in a different cultural setting. His decision was influenced by the unique characteristics of the Eskişehir campus, such as the presence of animals walking freely around the city, which he found intriguing. Studying graphic design, Raymond noted the differences in educational approaches between his home university and Anadolu, particularly in the areas of academic drawing and painting. Despite the language barrier and the occasional disregard for traffic lights, which he attributed to the local fauna, Raymond found the people of Turkey to be generally nice. He appreciated the similarities in the mode of dress and enjoyed the diverse choices offered in Turkish cuisine, especially breakfast and dinner. His experience at Anadolu University has broadened his perspective and improved his English, although he was surprised by the limited English proficiency among locals.

Embracing Turkish Culture.

Magdalena Barbara Okhal from Poland, another Erasmus student at Anadolu University, had a different set of motivations and experiences. Already familiar with the Turkish language from her studies in Poland, Magdalena chose Turkey to deepen her linguistic and cultural knowledge. She initially found the language manageable but encountered challenges due to the limited English proficiency among the locals, which made everyday interactions in shops and public places difficult. Despite these hurdles, she enjoyed the cultural exchange opportunities, such as organizing a Polish stand with her friends to share Polish culture with the local community. Magdalena’s observations reflect the broader cultural curiosity and openness that the Erasmus program aims to foster. She noted that while many people knew about Poland, few were familiar with her hometown, underscoring the importance of such cultural exchanges in promoting mutual understanding.

Embracing Turkish Culture

Magdalena Barbara Okhal from Poland, another Erasmus student at Anadolu University, had a different set of motivations and experiences. Already familiar with the Turkish language from her studies in Poland, Magdalena chose Turkey to deepen her linguistic and cultural knowledge. She initially found the language manageable but encountered challenges due to the limited English proficiency among the locals, which made everyday interactions in shops and public places difficult. Despite these hurdles, she enjoyed the cultural exchange opportunities, such as organizing a Polish stand with her friends to share Polish culture with the local community. Magdalena’s observations reflect the broader cultural curiosity and openness that the Erasmus program aims to foster. She noted that while many people knew about Poland, few were familiar with her hometown, underscoring the importance of such cultural exchanges in promoting mutual understanding. 

 Navigating Erasmus Challenges

Gamze Alper, an Erasmus coordinator at Anadolu University, highlighted the program’sevolution and its impact on the university and the local community. Since the program’sinception in 2004 and the introduction of the Mevlana exchange program in 2015, Anadolu University has established significant partnerships with numerous European institutions. These collaborations have allowed a diverse range of students and staff to benefit from international academic exchanges.

Despite challenges such as budget constraints following the university’sdivision and external factors like the pandemic and natural disasters, the program continues to thrive. Gamze emphasized the importance of adapting elements of the education systems in Europe, which Aleyna, another returning Erasmus student, experienced during her stay in Germany. These insights are expected to enhance the local education system and foster a more globally aware academic community in Eskişehir.

A Journey of Academics and Personal Growth

Aleyna’s Erasmus experience in Germany underscored the academic and personal growth that such programs can facilitate. Motivated by a desire to live abroad and influenced by her mother’s interest in other cultures, Aleyna found Erasmus to be an ideal opportunity. Although her initial plan to study in Belgium fell through, she embraced the chance to study in Germany, appreciating Berlin’s multicultural environment and the opportunity to learn German. Her experience in Germany broadened her perspective on education, exposing her to different teaching methods and enhancing her academic skills through joint projects and research. Aleyna’s group research project on “The Role of Twitter in the 2022 Iran Uprising” exemplified the collaborative and critical thinking skills she developed. Upon returning to Eskişehir, she planned to share these insights with her peers and faculty, contributing to the academic enrichment of Anadolu University.

The collective experiences of Raymond, Magdalena, Gamze, and Aleyna highlight the transformative power of the Erasmus program at Anadolu University. By facilitating international exchanges, the program not only enhances individual academic and cultural experiences but also strengthens ties between Turkey and the EU. These exchanges foster mutual understanding, enrich the local community in Eskişehir, and contribute to the broader goal of creating a more interconnected and cooperative European educational landscape. As Anadolu University continues to participate in and expand its international programs, the stories and experiences of its students and coordinators will undoubtedly continue to enrich both the local and international academic communities.

The collective experiences of Raymond, Magdalena, Gamze, and Aleyna highlight the transformative power of the Erasmus program at Anadolu University. By facilitating international exchanges, the program not only enhances individual academic and cultural experiences but also strengthens ties between Turkey and the EU. These exchanges foster mutual understanding, enrich the local community in Eskişehir, and contribute to the broader goal of creating a more interconnected and cooperative European educational landscape. As Anadolu University continues to participate in and expand its international programs, the stories and experiences of its students and coordinators will undoubtedly continue to enrich both the local and international academic communities.