I participated in an exchange program at Afyon Kocatepe University, majoring in food technology. A significant part of the program consisted of hands-on sessions in the university laboratory, which allowed me to work with equipment and methods that are rarely available in our country and to gain valuable practical experience in my field.
But my studies turned out to be only part of this experience. There were other things that left an even deeper impression on me: the thermal springs for which the city has been famous since the days of Ancient Rome; tea with my Turkish classmates, which always led to heartfelt conversations; and the holidays, during which I suddenly felt not like a guest, but like one of the locals.
The period of Ramadan, which I happened to be there for, was especially memorable. The atmosphere created by other traditions and religious customs is something that cannot be conveyed in words or seen from a distance—it can only be felt by being immersed in the experience. Shared evening iftar meals, the quiet during the day, and the city’s special atmosphere in the evening—all of this gave me a sense of belonging to something truly unusual and special.
I understand that the decision to apply for an academic mobility program is often not an easy one—the language barrier and the unknown can raise doubts. However, this experience is worth trying: it provides not only professional knowledge but also a new perspective on oneself and the world.
