Erasmus in Turkey: Evert Bok’s Journey at Bilkent University

 

1. Why did you decide to study abroad as an exchange student?

Trying to challenge myself in different settings, with differing people, languages, and cultures has always been a dream of mine. During my BA, my first attempt to go on an Erasmus failed due to COVID. But coming from the Netherlands, studying International Relations for my MA, I felt that to properly do that, you should learn and grow in places that are less connected to home. That was why I came to Tallinn, and why I instantly jumped on the chance to explore a new corner of Europe. Ankara, for me, was far enough away to feel like a completely new world, with new language, food, religion, (geo)political issues, and systems, whilst still being accessible as somewhat connected to the EU and Erasmus, avoiding too much bureaucratic paperwork, visas and so on.

2. Were you considering/applying to multiple universities for your Erasmus exchange, or was the university in Turkey your only choice? Why did you end up choosing it?

Yes, I certainly considered other universities. I always wanted to head south from Estonia, either to the Southwestern Balkans, Turkey, or Georgia, since I do most of my writing about these regions and want to explore them further. My first preference was Albania for its diversity, culture, and to be close to my thesis topic (Albanian and Montenegrin leadership), however, the Western Balkans lack any real connection to TLÜ, thus a move there would be nearly impossible. This left three good options: Tbilisi, Istanbul, or Ankara. Based on all the advice I got and because I wanted to truly experience a new culture, Istanbul was not an option anymore, as it is more of a metropolitan international city, which I also experienced when visiting, with people not addressing me and my friends in Turkish anymore. Then I chose Ankara’s Bilkent University over Tbilisi, given the positive things I had heard about Ankara, Bilkent’s size and outreach, level of education, student life, and free dorms! Since Ankara receives few foreign tourists, it really makes you feel like you're being thrown into the deep end, which I loved (you do have a large pool of foreign students at Bilkent as well, don’t worry). In the end, I am very happy with the choice I made.

3. What kind of classes did you take while in Turkey? Which one was your favourite?

I took only four classes at Bilkent, which is a lot for the MA students there, they usually take one or two classes and have to help professors. My courses were: Issues in Turkish Foreign Policy, Topics in International Security, Citizenship and Identity in the European Union, and Turkish A1. All courses were good, however, Issues in Turkish Foreign Policy, for me, was perfect. Most classes were discussion seminars, with people who have experience with Turkish policymaking, truly giving critical and direct insight into the issues and workings of Turkish bureaucracy, politics, and diplomacy.
However, a very big asterisk. At Bilkent there are huge differences, as it is a private university. To start, when you say that you study at Bilkent, every single Turkish person will ask whether you are stupid and rich, or smart. The academic environment at Bilkent was more intensive than what I had previously experienced, offering a valuable contrast that helped me grow as a student. At TLÜ you read about the big scholars, in Turkey most professors have worked with them.
However, BA students, in general, fund most of the university, and get in based on family money, given the extreme cost of attending at Bilkent (this does not apply to you as a Erasmus BA student, for you everything is still basically free). However, this makes the average MA level and intensity higher than TLÜ, whilst the level of Turkish BA students remains lower, so it will be easier for you than TLÜ. This fact you will notice around campus and potentially in joined BA/MA courses, like I did with my Citizenship and Identity in the European Union course. Based on this difference you can decide  how intense you want to make your time at Bilkent.

4. How different was the approach to learning in your host university compared to Tallinn University?

Bilkent is like its own city, with about 10.000 people living within its fences. It has forest areas, buses going between the parts, five football and tennis fields, swimming pools, rock climbing areas, and more places for coffee than most Estonian towns. It is truly a learning environment. As mentioned there are large differences between the levels of education, however, I very much liked being in this higher intensity education system for a while, where most of the MA students also do their own research, with over half of them already focusing on PHDs in the United States. For me, the first time I came to Bilkent, it really was like entering an American Hollywood movie, so big, polished, and intense.

5. What, in your opinion, was the best part of your exchange studies?

The people, easily the Turkish people and fellow students. Generally, the Turkish people are incredibly friendly and always smiling. Especially when you exit the bigger towns, you will get stopped to talk and have çay and cake with their families. Also the student community is incredible at Bilkent, traveling together, doing events, and supporting each other throughout your stay far away from home. I have truly made some incredible lasting friendships and memories because of the people I met in Turkey. Even continuing traveling after the semester, to go with a few ESN students to Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

6. Did you face any difficulties while being in Turkey? If so, what kind?

There were a few things, none of which are dealbreakers. For example, Turkish bureaucracy is slow, I only received my residence permit a day before departure. Just make sure to use the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) and everything will be fine. Same with scholarships, just work closely with the Erasmus people at TLÜ, and everything that might seem daunting will easily resolve itself. Also, English proficiency in and around Ankara is very low, outside of Istanbul and highly touristy areas, like Cappadocia and the Turkish Riviera, even in restaurants and hotels. So, better start learning a few words of Turkish, iyi şanslar!

7. If you had to choose one memory that perfectly represents your time in Turkey, which one would it be?

Celebrating Christmas in the middle of exam season. We did a secret Santa with 45 (mostly) foreign students. Things like that truly capture the bonds you will make and the community you will form. And if not that, then ayran, loads of ayran.

8. What kind of person do you think is best suited for an Erasmus exchange program?

Everyone. It is very clear to me that, as long as you are open-minded, everyone is fit and suitable for Erasmus. Whether you want to broaden your studies or horizon, get to know many people, learn about new cultures and languages, or just challenge yourself away from home, all I can say is: GO!

Hayatının inanılmaz maceralarına hazır ol!