Erasmus+ brings cultural richness and new friendships to Eskişehir

Nerit Tandoğdu

Supported by the European Union, the Erasmus+ program stands out as an educational mobility initiative that promotes student and staff exchange. Through this program, many students come to Eskişehir to continue their education while also gaining the opportunity to get to know different cultures. Students make new friendships, gain various experiences, and improve themselves in multiple aspects.

Impressions of a student from Pakistan in Eskişehir

Mehdi Hassan Askari is a student from Pakistan who came to Eskişehir through the Student Mobility for Studies (SMS) program. Askari, who stated that he had mostly positive experiences in Eskişehir, mentioned some difficulties related to the immigration process, although he generally expressed satisfaction.

Highlighting the hospitality he experienced during the month of Ramadan, Askari said, “I missed Ramadan in my country, but they didn’t make me feel alone or bored here. We were always together at events after iftar, and I tasted many Turkish dishes. They were all very delicious.”

Askari mentioned that the cafeteria meals were hygienic and affordable. He also said he was surprised by the development of the transportation system in a small city like Eskişehir: “I didn’t expect this from a small city like Eskişehir, but it was really successful,” he said. Stating that he never felt alone in Eskişehir, Askari noted that SMS volunteers were very helpful and added, “Even during free time, they organize many events to ensure all international students socialize.”

Askari, who also experienced some challenges with the education system, especially mentioned the language barrier at Anadolu University, which made communication difficult. However, he said his coordinator was very helpful, including during the registration processes. Emphasizing the warmth of the people of Eskişehir, Askari said, “They value you because you’re an international student, they ask questions frequently and try to communicate. That’s a very nice thing.” He also pointed out that he had the opportunity to learn many Turkish traditions and cultures, mostly thanks to international communities outside of school.

A French student’s assessment of Eskişehir

Asia Alan Lashell, an Erasmus student from Bordeaux Montaigne University in France, stated that she has been in Eskişehir for a year and is now at the end of her Erasmus program. She mentioned that they received support through their own Erasmus student group. Lashell said that, in the beginning, Turkish students did not talk to her much, preferring to spend time among themselves, but over time this issue improved.

Commenting on the transportation system in Eskişehir, Lashell said, “I really like the tram system, but it’s really annoying that it doesn’t appear on Google Maps. In European countries, we check Google Maps when we want to go somewhere, but here it’s not visible.”

System evaluation from an ESN representative

Barış El, the ESN Anadolu treasurer, shared the advantages and disadvantages of the Erasmus process in Eskişehir. Emphasizing that Eskişehir is more affordable than larger cities like Istanbul and Ankara, El highlighted the convenience of transportation. He stated that Anadolu University opens special courses for students and added, “If they want, students can also choose courses outside of their regular ones. For example, they can take courses on how to make Turkish desserts or Turkish food and discover those too.”

Mentioning the negative aspects, El pointed out that there are few English signs on campus and that the staff at the student affairs office generally do not speak English.

General evaluation from a university official

Yeliz Gür, Youth Activities Officer at Anadolu University’s International Relations Office, evaluated the experiences of students who came to Eskişehir through the Erasmus program. Stating that they meet with students during orientation and experience-sharing meetings, Gür noted that students generally like Eskişehir.

“Eskişehir is a very beautiful city with three universities,” Gür said, emphasizing that the city is a student-friendly environment. Mentioning that there are some problems related to dormitories, Gür added, “The abundance of alternatives like houses and apartments makes our students feel more comfortable.” Gür also highlighted Eskişehir’s cultural and artistic aspects, stating that the city offers many activities in areas such as sports and theater.

Finally, Gür emphasized that many Erasmus students are satisfied with their experiences in Eskişehir and added, “There are students who, after having this Erasmus experience, look forward to returning to Eskişehir again.”