The “Erasmus Orientation Week” program, organized by the Erasmus Coordination Office of Üsküdar University's Directorate of International Relations to facilitate the integration process of international students, has concluded. 39 students from 15 different countries gained insights into academic processes and explored Istanbul's cultural fabric throughout the week.
The Erasmus Orientation Week program, prepared with the aim of ensuring students' adaptation to the city and university and increasing their social interactions, began with an information meeting held at the Nermin Tarhan Conference Hall of the Main Campus.
Prof. Dr. Nazife Güngör: “Üsküdar is the Heart of Istanbul”
Speaking at the opening of the program, Üsküdar University Rector Prof. Dr. Nazife Güngör wished the students success in their new academic lives. Emphasizing the historical and cultural richness of Üsküdar, Prof. Dr. Güngör said; “Welcome to our university. You are at a very beautiful university and 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 believe you will enjoy your time here.”
Mehmet Kaymaz: “We are with you at every stage of the process”
Mehmet Kaymaz, Assistant Erasmus Institutional Coordinator of the Directorate of International Relations, made a presentation on behalf of the coordination office. Kaymaz said; “We know 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 make you feel at home here. I understand your feelings because I was once an Erasmus student myself. It is an honor for me to share this unique journey with you.”
Information presentations were given
Following the opening speeches, detailed information presentations were given to students by the Directorate of Student Affairs and the Directorate of Library and Documentation on topics such as the academic calendar, course registration processes, residence permits, and the use of library resources.
Historical heritage explored on site
Following the information meetings, the program continued with a “Discover Üsküdar” tour.
During the cultural tour, which began with a coastal walk alongside the iconic Maiden's Tower of Istanbul, international students visited historical mosques reflecting the spiritual fabric of the region and explored Ottoman architecture on site.
Nature break at Nakkaştepe and Bosphorus tour
After visiting the coast and mosques, the students, who turned their route to Nakkaştepe National Garden, discovered the natural beauties of Istanbul.
Erasmus students, who spent time enjoying the panoramic view of the Bosphorus and its bridges, took plenty of souvenir photos. The cultural tour concluded with a Bosphorus cruise held in the heart of Istanbul.
Students who took a tour on the Valide Sultan Ship in the waters separating the continents of Asia and Europe experienced the privilege of viewing historical mansions, palaces, and Istanbul's unique silhouette from the sea.
Forty Years of Remembrance at Nevmekan…
As part of the week's cultural activities, the students' next stop was Nevmekan Bağlarbaşı.
Students, who found the opportunity to both relax and converse in the impressive library concept, were offered traditional Turkish coffee, one of the deep-rooted legacies of Turkish culinary culture. Inspired by the saying “A cup of coffee has a forty-year memory,” many students experiencing Turkish coffee for the first time also shared these pleasant moments on their social media accounts.
Orientation week concluded with Turkish cinema
The conclusion of the jam-packed orientation week took place at the Nermin Tarhan Conference Hall of the Main Campus. Following the session titled “Residence Permit Information Session,” where essential information was provided for foreign students to smoothly complete their legal processes in Turkey, the week concluded with the “Turkish Cinema Day” event.
Students had an enjoyable day, finding the opportunity to get acquainted with Turkish culture through the silver screen.
The Orientation Week activities, which greatly contributed to Erasmus students socializing with each other and adapting to Istanbul, were met with great interest by the students and successfully concluded.