How Erasmus+ empowers Kazakh students in Eskişehir
Gaziza Bukenova
Eskişehir ,known as one of the most dynamic student cities in Turkey, continues to attract thousands of international students every year. Among them, young people from Kazakhstan are becoming increasingly visible, not only in classrooms but also in international exchange programs. Today, many of these students are taking a step further by joining the European Union’s Erasmus+ program and expanding their education beyond Turkey.
For many Kazakh students studying at Anadolu University, coming to Turkey is only the beginning of a broader international journey. Through Erasmus+, they are gaining access to European universities and new cultural environments.
Yasmin Bakitzhanova, a senior student in Business Administration, recently completed her exchange in Portugal. She describes the experience as unforgettable. According to her, studying in a European country provided a deeper understanding of global business and everyday life in a different culture.
Moldir Sailau, who studies Tourism Management, also chose Portugal for her exchange. She notes that observing the European tourism and hospitality sector directly gave her valuable insights for her future career and helped her see her field from a new perspective.
A northern European experience in Latvia
Not all students choose Southern Europe. Some head north to the Baltic region. Gulsim Yermukan, a third-year student in French Language Teaching, spent her Erasmus semester at RTU Liepaja University in Latvia.
She explains that studying in Latvia offered a completely different academic and social atmosphere. Observing new teaching methods and experiencing life in another European culture helped her grow both academically and personally. She adds that the experience increased her confidence and independence.
Eskişehir as a bridge to Europe
Under Erasmus+ frameworks such as KA131 and KA171, international students who study full-time in Turkey have the opportunity to participate in exchange programs across Europe. Universities in Eskişehir are playing an important role in this process, acting as a bridge between regions.
University representatives state that Kazakh students are especially successful in adapting to international environments. Their ability to represent both Kazakhstan and their host universities in different European countries reflects the strength of educational cooperation between Turkey and the European Union.
Career advantages and global opportunities
Participation in Erasmus+ is seen as a strong advantage in the job market. For Kazakh students, it demonstrates international experience, language skills, and adaptability. Although requirements such as academic performance and visa procedures can be challenging, the financial support provided by the program makes participation possible for many students.
As relations between Turkey and the European Union continue to develop, education remains one of the most active areas of cooperation. The experiences of Kazakh students in Eskişehir show that Erasmus+ is not just an exchange program. It is an opportunity to build a new generation of globally minded individuals who can move confidently between different cultures and countries.
Eskisehir in Europe 