Üsküdar hosted 39 Erasmus students from 15 countries

The “Erasmus Orientation Week” program organized by the Erasmus Coordination Office of the Department of International Relations at Üsküdar University, aimed at facilitating the adaptation process of international students, has been completed. A total of 39 students from 15 different countries received information about academic procedures throughout the week and also had the opportunity to experience Istanbul’s cultural fabric.

Prepared to support students’ adaptation to the city and the university and to increase their social interaction, the Erasmus Orientation Week program began with an information meeting held at the Nermin Tarhan Conference Hall on the Main Campus.

Prof. Nazife Güngör: “Üsküdar is the heart of Istanbul”

Speaking at the opening of the program, the Rector of Üsküdar University, Prof. Nazife Güngör, wished the students success in their new academic life. Drawing attention to Üsküdar’s historical and cultural richness, Prof. Güngör said, “Welcome to our university. You are at a very beautiful university and you are in Üsküdar, which is a wonderful place. Üsküdar is the heart of Istanbul. It is one of the most beautiful places in Istanbul and, in my opinion, in the world. I think you will enjoy spending time here.”

Mehmet Kaymaz: “We are with you at every stage of the process”

Assistant Erasmus Institutional Coordinator at the Department of International Relations, Mehmet Kaymaz, delivered a presentation on behalf of the coordination office. Kaymaz said, “We know that many of you are excited and perhaps a little nervous because you have come to a new country, a new university, and a new city. As the Erasmus coordination office, my colleagues, our mentor friends, and I will do everything we can to help you feel at home here. I understand your feelings because I was once an Erasmus student too. It is an honor for me to share this unique journey with you.”

Informative presentations were delivered

Following the opening speeches, detailed informative presentations were delivered by the Department of Student Affairs and the Department of Library and Documentation, covering the academic calendar, course registration procedures, residence permit processes, and the use of library resources.

Historical heritage explored on site

After the information sessions, the program continued with the “Discover Üsküdar” tour.

During the cultural tour, which began with a seaside walk accompanied by the view of the Maiden’s Tower, international students visited historic mosques reflecting the spiritual character of the area and examined Ottoman architecture on site.

A nature break at Nakkaştepe and a Bosphorus cruise

After the seaside and mosque visits, the students headed to Nakkaştepe Nation’s Garden, where they discovered Istanbul’s natural beauty.

Enjoying panoramic views of the Bosphorus and the bridges, Erasmus students took many souvenir photos. The cultural tour concluded with a Bosphorus cruise held in the heart of Istanbul.

On the Valide Sultan Ferry, students toured the waters that separate the Asian and European continents and had the privilege of viewing historic waterfront mansions, palaces, and Istanbul’s unique skyline from the sea.

Forty years of remembrance at Nevmekan

As part of the week’s cultural activities, the students’ next stop was Nevmekan Bağlarbaşı.

In its impressive library concept, students found the chance to both relax and chat, and they were served traditional Turkish coffee, one of the deep-rooted heritages of Turkish culinary culture. Inspired by the saying “A cup of coffee is remembered for forty years,” many students who tried Turkish coffee for the first time shared these enjoyable moments on their social media accounts.

Orientation Week concluded with Turkish cinema

The closing of the busy orientation week took place at the Nermin Tarhan Conference Hall on the Main Campus. Following the session titled “Residence Permit Information Session,” where the necessary information was provided so that foreign students could complete legal procedures in Türkiye smoothly, the week concluded with the “Turkish Cinema Day” event.

Students had the opportunity to get to know Turkish culture through the big screen and enjoyed a pleasant day.

The Orientation Week activities, which made a significant contribution to Erasmus students getting to know each other and adapting to Istanbul, were met with interest and completed with satisfaction by the students.