Incoming Student

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2023-24 Academic Year Exchange Students Testimonial Videos

Octavian-Andrei Cozma
Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi, Romania
Fall 2024-25

"My Erasmus experience at Özyeğin University in Istanbul exceeded all my expectations. While I anticipated it to be a memorable journey, it turned out to be far more rewarding than I had ever imagined. The highlight of my stay was undoubtedly the stunning campus. As an architecture student, I was deeply impressed by the thoughtful design and high quality of every aspect of the campus. From the state-of-the-art sports center to the beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces and the remarkable interior architecture of the buildings, everything reflected a meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to excellence.
The architecture building, in particular, was a dream come true. It was newly built, and every student had their own personal desk to work on projects—an invaluable asset for any architecture student. The dining hall stood out with its affordable and delicious food, offering a variety of options that catered to every taste. The dormitories were clean, quiet, and well-maintained, providing an ideal space for rest and focus. The underground parking was another thoughtful feature, making it incredibly convenient for those with cars.
The experience wouldn’t have been as seamless without the exceptional support of the Erasmus office team. Their dedication and efficiency made every step of the process flawless and stress-free, ensuring that I could focus entirely on enjoying and making the most of my time at Özyeğin University.
I will always cherish my time at Özyeğin. The combination of world-class facilities, outstanding campus life, and the supportive Erasmus team made this journey one of the best experiences of my life. I would highly recommend it to any student considering an Erasmus exchange!"

Catalin Casian
Maastricht University, The Netherlands
Fall 2024-25

"Istanbul is a big and crazy city and unfortunately I could never call it home, its just too big and hectic. However it is a wonderful city to live in for a couple of months, I think you really have to see Istanbul slowly and not all at once because then you'll just get lost in the culture here. I am thankful for my time here and I hope I'll visit again someday."

Lidia Teodora Florescu
Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi, Romania
Fall 2024-25

"My exchange experience in Istanbul was truly transformative. I had the chance to study at a university with an incredible mix of cultures and perspectives. The professors were inspiring, and the classes offered a deep insight into my field of study. The vibrant atmosphere of the city, combined with its rich history and modern developments, made every day exciting. I also enjoyed being part of a diverse community of international students, which allowed me to form lasting friendships and expand my global network. The overall experience helped me grow both personally and academically, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore a new culture and gain valuable international experience."

Assel Khamitova
Opole University of Technology, Poland
Full Year 2023-24

''My exchange semester at Özyeğin University (ÖzU) in Istanbul was a transformative and enriching experience that significantly impacted my academic and personal development.From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with warmth and support by the university staff and fellow students. ÖzU's campus is modern and well-equipped, providing an ideal environment for learning and growth.
One of the most valuable aspects of my exchange was the opportunity to interact with students from around the world. This multicultural environment fostered a sense of global awareness and understanding, which is essential in today’s interconnected world. Through group projects, discussions, and social activities, I formed lasting friendships and learned about different cultures and viewpoints.
Living in Istanbul, a city rich in history and culture, was an adventure in itself. The vibrant atmosphere, historical sites, and diverse culinary scene provided countless opportunities for exploration and personal growth. I visited iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar, each offering a unique glimpse into the city’s storied past and dynamic present.
The support system at ÖzU was exceptional. The International Office was always available to assist with any issues or questions, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. They organized various events and excursions that helped exchange students integrate and make the most of their time in Istanbul.
In conclusion, my exchange semester at Özyeğin University was an unforgettable experience that enriched my academic knowledge, personal growth, and cultural understanding. I am grateful for the opportunity to study in such a dynamic and supportive environment and would highly recommend ÖzU to any student considering an exchange program."

Abdul Rehman Khan
Maastricht University, the Netherlands
Fall 2023-24

''As a 24-year-old International Business Administration student from Tilburg University in the Netherlands, my exchange semester at Özyeğin University in Istanbul was an adventure I’ll never forget. I was drawn to the university’s promising and attractive campus, nestled away from Istanbul’s bustling atmosphere, offering a serene environment for study and reflection.
Having been to Istanbul before and with Turkish friends back home, I was somewhat familiar with the culture. Yet, living there brought new experiences, especially the delightful tradition of complimentary çay after every meal, which added a warm touch to every dining experience.
Among the highlights of my semester were the trips made with fellow exchange students. A road trip to Cappadocia with friends was unforgettable, offering us a chance to bond over breathtaking landscapes. The trip to Büyükada, organized by the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), unveiled the island's beauty and offered a peaceful retreat from city life. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye was a bonus, witnessing the streets of Istanbul beautifully adorned and soaking in the festive atmosphere.
The primary challenge I encountered was the language barrier; English was not as widely spoken as I anticipated. Relying on a translator app became a necessity for navigating daily interactions, but it was a small hurdle in an otherwise incredible journey.
Reflecting on my time in Istanbul, it was an enriching experience that I would heartily recommend to anyone considering an exchange semester. A piece of advice for future exchange students: try to arrange your course schedule to create long weekends, allowing you to explore and travel with friends. Istanbul, with its blend of serene academic settings and vibrant cultural experiences, offers an unparalleled exchange adventure."

Selena Lal Wadhwani
Maastricht University, the Netherlands
Spring 2022-23

''If I had to describe my exchange semester at Ozyegin University, it would be very hard to with such a limited text. From the moment I entered the university, I was greeted with warmth and kindness. Although many don’t speak English fluently, people are always willing to help you and provide you with information. One of my favourite parts of the university is the always existing life on campus. There is everything and more on the campus, from stores to restaurants, to a fully-equipped gym and swimming pool, as well as hair salons and sports courts. Staying in the dorms has been very enjoyable for me and it is this place I have to thank for meeting most of the amazing people I did. There are frequent social events and activities on campus that allow students to meet and have fun whilst studying. In addition, the dogs, and cats that you see here and there make this place complete. The university is like a small town of its own, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Coming from Sint Maarten and then later studying in the Netherlands, being able to experience living and studying in Istanbul has been a very different but amazing experience. The city is so lively and unique, always with things to do and places to explore. With its immensely large bazaars and stores, it’s always packed pubs and restaurants, its amazing architecture, and its ever-going life and chaos, Istanbul is one of the most exciting and intoxicating places I’ve ever visited. It’s as though the city never sleeps, and there is always something new to do and see in the city. For me, coming to Istanbul for my exchange semester has been the best decision I could make. I guess you would have to come here and experience Ozyegin and this city to be able to say so yourself.''

Anastasiia Ushakova
Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
Spring 2022-23

''My six-month experience studying at Özyegin University in Turkey as part of the exchange program was simply incredible. I feel immense gratitude for the opportunity to participate in such a wonderful program. Özyegin University is a top-notch institution, and I genuinely enjoyed my education here. The overall atmosphere and conditions provided for students contribute to a productive and comfortable learning environment.
For me, it was my first experience participating in the program, and I can confidently say that it exceeded my expectations. I was delighted to immerse myself in a slightly different and unfamiliar education system. It allowed me to broaden my horizons, gain a fresh perspective on the learning process, and acquire valuable experience collaborating with professors and students from different countries. Furthermore, I thoroughly enjoyed the student life beyond academics at Özyegin University. The campus offers different opportunities for active recreation and social interaction. I made new friends with whom I spent time attending gatherings, and events, and exploring the city.
Overall, I feel that my period of study at Özyegin University was highly successful. I received a quality education, learned about new cultures, and gained countless unforgettable experiences. This experience has undoubtedly left a profound impact on my life, and I highly recommend all students consider the opportunity to participate in the Erasmus exchange program and choose Özyegin as their university partner.''

Maksim Fisenko
ITMO University, Russia
Spring 2022-23

''I don’t even know what words to use to describe my time as an exchange student at Özyeğin University. From the moment I arrived until the end of my studies I had only positive feelings and emotions about being at this university and in this city. My studying at Özyeğin University was wonderful. All the professors were masters of their craft, and I really enjoyed attending their lectures and obtaining new knowledge. The campus is great, too, - I had everything I needed to immerse myself into studies and learn effectively, from modern and comfortable co-working spaces to a wide variety of different events. I can’t help but mention the university’s community and the kindness of people here. Everytime I had any question, plenty of people were willing to help me and give me some advice, both employees of the international office and ordinary students. All of this made my studying here magnificent. It’s definitely worth mentioning Istanbul. It really is a beautiful and very diverse city with a very rich history and vibrant culture. With its stunning architecture and huge number of attractions, Istanbul is one of the best cities that I’ve ever been to, and I’m sure that everyone will be able to find something for themselves in this place. To sum up, going to semester exchange at Özyeğin University was one of the best decisions in my life. I would gladly advise anyone considering studying a semester in Istanbul to take the opportunity and spend the semester here without any hesitation.''

Aya Dakir
Emlyon Business School, France
Fall 2022-23

''If I would have to describe my experience as an exchange student in Turkey, I would say compelling. Being part of the Erasmus program just made it even more interesting, just coming to a completely different country than the one I come from can be quite challenging for some, however the program comity made it more enjoyable, offering very needed help to get accommodated in the city, tours around the city’s major attractions and events to ease the study load. All in all, the whole experience was new, Turkey is beautiful culture to explore, I had the opportunity to learn many things and meet new people, from different other countries. Most importantly spending this episode of my life in Özyeğin university shaped this journey to the best, from the large campus and various amenities to the delightful faculty staff and students. The professors were very attentive and guided me a lot through my stay here, the courses are very diverse and well prepared, and the campus offered many rooms besides the library to work in calm, of course without forgetting the many cafes and restaurants inside to enjoy your time without needing long the trips. This journey didn’t really go as planned, nevertheless it did exceed my expectations and became something I’d happily want to share with the people around me.''

Immacolata Caterino
Universita degli Studi "G.d'Annunzio"Chieti-Pescara, Italy
Fall 2022-23

''My experience at Ozyegin University was great. I am an Italian girl and at the beginning I was scared to leave my culture, my food and my parents and friends but after a week of acclimatization this university has become my family and my home. I met really incredible people, ready to help and support me; here they are all nice and kind, they make you feel at home every day. Erasmus is a journey that opens the mind, a beautiful experience to try at least once in a lifetime and that will surely mark my future. I have met new people that I will always carry in my heart, I have visited many beautiful places here in Turkey thanks also to the help of many local guys. Ozyegin University offers many possibilities to students and I'm really proud of my career here because I met beautiful people but above all I learned a lot, the professors were all very kind to me and ready to help me in every situation. The university also organizes many events for Turkish students and international students. The campus is a city, at the beginning you could get lost but thanks to the help of the Erasmus office you will get to know the whole university from day one. To you who read this and want to embark on this adventure, I just want to tell you not to be afraid to choose turkey and above all choose Ozyegin because you will live an unforgettable experience.''

Müge Bakıryol
Tilburg University, the Netherlands
Fall 2022-23

"I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in the Erasmus+ program at Ozyegin University, my own culture. As a Turkish student, I was initially a little nervous about immersing myself in a new academic environment, but I am so glad I took the plunge. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with open arms and felt immediately at home. The professors and staff have been incredibly supportive and helpful, and I have learned so much during my time here. Not only have I gained valuable knowledge and skills in my field of study, but I have also had the chance to grow as an individual. Despite already being familiar with Turkish culture, my Erasmus+ experience at Ozyegin University has been nothing short of perfect. The campus itself is beautiful and the facilities are top-notch. The classrooms are modern and well-equipped, and there are numerous resources available to help students succeed. The library is full of useful resources, and there are numerous computer labs and study areas where I could work on assignments and projects. In addition to the academic benefits of the Erasmus+ program, I have also had the opportunity to make new friends from all over the world and learn about their cultures. The campus community at Ozyegin University is incredibly diverse, and I have had the chance to experience different cultures firsthand. This has been a truly enriching experience that I will always treasure. Overall, my Erasmus+ experience at Ozyegin University has been the best experience ever. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have studied here and to have had the chance to grow both personally and professionally. The professors, staff, and fellow students have all been incredibly supportive and welcoming, and I feel like I have truly found a second home at Ozyegin University. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking to challenge themselves and expand their horizons, no matter where they are coming from. It has been an experience that I will always cherish and look back on with fond memories."

Lina Laukaitiene
Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania
Fall 2022-23

''Ozyegin university – was the best decision for my Erasmus+ experience! I chose Turkey and this university randomly out of feeling (I looked for courses of course!). But I am excited about being here from the first day. Sometimes I walk across the campus and think are there more so happy students like me in this university or not :) On the first days we got a lot of attention from International Exchange Programs Office to understand the most important things needed to live here. We had Exchange Students Orientation Week. We got the most important information about the studies and requirements of the university. All exchange students became one big team taking part in common events and supporting each other. Employees from International Exchange Programs Office and volunteers helped to organize the documents needed to live in Turkey. We had a great trip to some historical places in Istanbul. So, everything was organized and arranged in an easily understandable way. Ozyegin university is modern and useful for students. I am studying psychology and I am very interested in my lectures here. I work hard because my English is not that good, but I have my personal goal and I am striving for it here. The safe environment on campus and the comfortable structure of the university and dorm with a lot of helpful people around me - it is such an inspiring opportunity! Moreover, students, who had more free time traveled not only in Turkey but visited other countries like France, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Egypt, and Cyprus... That’s simply wonderful!''

Rameesha Asif
Lahore University of Management and Science, Pakistan
Fall 2022-23

''When I visited Turkey as a tourist back in 2017, I was amazed by the scenic beauty it had along with its culture and eventful history and so I wanted to spend some time here as a student alone, exploring the very depths of it. Luckily, I found an exchange opportunity to Turkey and applied for it. I did a lot of research for which university to go for and ended up choosing Ozyegin University (the best decision I’ve ever made). If you’re a scenery lover, craving for peace, and fresh air, I’d recommend you to choose Ozu as your exchange university. Away from the city life, located between hills, the environment of this campus will give you a rejuvenating experience. Moreover, I found the people here so helpful and kind. This was my first time away from home, and it will be fair to say that everyone including the coordinators and the professors helped me so much that I settled here in no time. The dorms in Ozu are comfortable and give you a home-like feel. Everything is provided within the campus, whether it's the grocery store, the health center, sports facilities, or a bookshop. I made friends that are more like a family to me and the thought of leaving them and this place after this semester ends tears me up. This experience gave me so many new thoughts and ideas and changed the way I perceived the world, it made me more strong, independent, and emotionally ready to face the world. This campus, the people, and Istanbul will forever remain in my heart and I will cherish these 4 months I spent here, till the end of time. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey, you all helped me grow.''

Rebekka Schaefer
Mainz Catholic University of Applied Sciences, Germany
Fall 2021-22

’'''When I was planning to come to Istanbul for an Erasmus semester, I honestly had no idea what would expect me here. Now, as my time as an Erasmus student is coming to an end, I can say that the last four months were full of new impressions and a lot of inspiration. To get to know so many people who all come from a different background and to explore the city together was definitely an adventure I don´t want to miss anymore. When I first came to Istanbul, everything felt a bit strange and the size and dynamic of the city was overwhelming. But then, after a short while, I got used to the chaotic traffic, to the noises on the street and to the colorful and diverse life you can experience in every corner – and now I appreciate it a lot to live here in a surrounding that is so different from my home. I have learnt how to communicate on a very basic level in Turkish, what helped in situations of daily life like grocery shopping but also to express interest in the language of the people living here, as language is a very important part of culture. What I really liked about my experience in Özyeğin University was that – as an international relations student – I got to know different perspectives on international politics, regarding Turkey as well as other parts of the world. It also showed me multiple times that my perspective is (of course) shaped by the place I grew up in and many of my assumptions about how things work in the world out there are made from a very privileged point of view. All of my teachers put a lot effort to make students think critically about what we read and what other people tell us but also to question our own understanding of what is going on in the world. And that I consider as a very important ‘tool’ to keep on educating ourselves.''

Jonathan Bennet
University of Alberta, Canada
Fall 2018-19

“The culture in Istanbul is second-to-none being the bridge between the East and the West. It has been an absolutely amazing experience – a melting pot of cultures you could say, both in the university and also all over the city. Everyone wants to help you, especially on campus whether it is the professors, students, or the International Office. Istanbul is amazing itself and then there are so many other places to see in Turkey too because everything is so close by. Also a good thing to note is the campus is a little bit isolated and we are not in the heart of the city center. There are tons of shuttles that run many times during the day, so you could go to different parts of the city anytime. It has helped us feel super safe and secure on campus. The security to get in and the security at the dorms has also kind of helped ease any tensions we may have had before coming. Knowing that the dorms were guaranteed for every exchange student who came in really helped with hindering any anxiety or nervousness as well. With the help of the Erasmus Student Network and the International Office, we have coordinated with other universities and have done different activities whether it is the tour we did when we first arrived here on campus, bowling, and karaoke every two weeks, which was probably one of the best things we did together. You may have some hesitations about coming to Turkey whatever your reasons may be, but I think once you jump through that hurdle, once you actually just get on the plane and make that step to actually come here, your experience 100% will be second-to-one from any experience you have had in your whole life. Honestly, the people that we met here have made this experience absolutely incredible. We made life-long friendships that are going to continue for hopefully many years to come. Choose Turkey, choose Ozyegin!”

Hamza Afzal
University of Texas at Dallas, USA
Fall 2018-19

“I chose Istanbul because it is a perfect hub for business and also because of its culture. Ever since we got here, everyone has been completely nice to us. They helped us in every single way possible, the professors, the students. Overall the dorms are really nice. You have your own personal gym in the common area, pool tables, study rooms, and some cafeterias that have good quality food, especially for dorm standards. If you want to see the nature or if you just want to see some city life, you have it all just right there in one spot for you. We travelled to Izmir, Bursa, Cappadocia, and Pamukkale just to name a few. Every place we have been to was completely different from the other. That is what I think is unique about Turkey is that no matter where you go, you are going to find something different. We have always had the help of our Turkish friends here, and they have helped us through everything, and it has made this whole process easy for us. It is just the little things we have seen in Istanbul that have made it the best experience we have had, It truly is the experience of a lifetime.”

Manuel Aires
ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon, Portugal
Fall 2018-19

“I chose Istanbul because I am from Portugal and we had a lot of agreements with other European schools so I thought it would be more interesting and challenging to choose a different country and it was really good. Every week we saw new places and we probably did not even see everything in 6 months. I think the most challenging part was probably the language because inside the university everyone speaks English, but outside the university some people do not really speak English fluently. That is why I think it is important to learn small words in Turkish like just the numbers to buy things and to be able to understand some words will help. If you really are in trouble, a lot of people will help you from the university or the buddy students so it is not that difficult to overcome that obstacle. The university makes sure that no one feels left out even if you don’t speak Turkish, so that is a positive thing. I stayed in the dorms with two Turkish roommates, which I think was good because sometimes we hang out a lot with other international students, so it helped in being interactive with Turkish people, and they helped me with whatever I needed. Overall it was a good experience to be with them.”

Shermine Asani
Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, the Netherlands
Fall 2018-19

“I wanted to go abroad because I wanted to be on my own for a while to see if I can manage my life. I chose Istanbul because, first of all, I really liked the courses that Ozyegin offered, and I also wanted to see Istanbul because it is like the Middle East but a more modern version. I really enjoyed it here at Ozyegin. People were very nice and warm and friendly; they approached me very quickly. I made friends easily here, which I really enjoyed. Also the professors were very nice. They are very helpful here; if you have a problem everyone can help you. I really like the campus as well. There are many facilities including a pool, fitness center, hairdresser, and so many other things. It is very nice that there is a cleaning service in the dorms. It is so nice that you could go from the dormitory to the school in just five minutes. I really enjoyed Istanbul because it is very alive and stores close very late at night. I did paragliding in Tekirdag and balloon flight in Cappadocia. I advise future students coming in the fall semester to travel more in the beginning because it gets cold later in the semester and in the beginning you do not have that much homework or that much to study, so you have more time to enjoy your stay and see other places. I would also advise them to go to other places in Turkey on the weekends. I wish I knew about Ozyegin earlier because I would have just started my whole bachelor study here. I would not get tired of this place. I love the campus, I love the people. The experience has given me so many thoughts and ideas about how to perceive the world and face situations, and I am very grateful for that.”

Ömer Polat
Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg Mosbach, Germany
Spring 2017-18

“I have chosen Istanbul because it is a big city with great diversity in terms of cultures and people. In addition to that, Constantinople was a big city of Byzantine and has a long history. It is also mentioned in the Kuran-i-Kerim, which in my eyes is very fascinating. Istanbul is equal to the great Ottoman Empire. Istanbul is a city you never get enough of – it is a city with its own globe. I have chosen Ozyegin because it is ranked in the top 10 of the best universities in Turkey and Ozyegin had an agreement with DHBW. The highlight of my experience has been the taste of Turkish meals – I love all of them. Furthermore, Galatasaray got more important for me – the atmosphere in the TT Arena was unbelievably amazing! I also have to mention the astonishing view of the Bosphorus. My favorite class was Macroeconomics – it was easy to follow and I have learned a lot of stuff which is also relevant for ‘daily life’ – I am able to speak a couple of languages so I did not have any difficulties in terms of communication.”

Akira Sugai
Yokohama National University, Japan
Fall 2016-17

“My experience as an exchange student at Ozyegin University (OzU) was totally fabulous. That’s undoubtedly because of two things: OzU and this beautiful country, Turkey. First, education offered by OzU is very sophisticated. All the instructors whom I met here were enthusiastic and their lessons were interesting. I felt so comfortable while studying here thanks to modern facilities and Learning Management System (LMS), where I got to know everything about my courses online. Second, I got amazed by this country itself. I really enjoyed walking down the lively streets and seeing the picturesque scenery of Istanbul. Also, I loved Turkish cuisine. I did not feel any danger while staying on campus thanks to security services. The most important thing is that here people will kindly help you whenever you have a problem even if you cannot speak Turkish. That made my stay in Turkey truly wonderful. In the end, I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has been involved with me here.”

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International Exchange and Partnership Programs