Studying in Turkey through an exchange program was a valuable and unforgettable experience that combined academic development with cultural exchange. The educational process was well organized, and the classes successfully combined theory with practice in an international environment.
The subject I enjoyed the most was Brand Marketing, which was practical and relevant and helped me better understand the principles of brand development and the role of marketing in modern business.
The program also included cultural activities and opportunities to explore Turkish traditions, which left very positive impressions. Participating in this program became an important stage in my personal and professional development, and I would confidently recommend it to future students.
Taking part in the academic mobility programme proved to be an incredibly valuable and rewarding experience for me, opening up new dimensions of the profession. I had a unique opportunity to combine theory with practical application whilst working in Afyon’s laboratories, which are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment—ranging from homogenisation systems to professional infrared dryers.
The most valuable achievement was mastering microbiological methods that ensure product safety. Investigating the bacterial composition of ayran and carrying out complex cultures on PCA and DRBC media gave me skills that are critically important for a modern technologist. Furthermore, thanks to constant practice in business English, I now feel confident in the international professional arena.
My advice to future participants: don’t be afraid of complex laboratory tasks or the language barrier. Work actively with the equipment, ask the lecturers questions about every pH or moisture reading, and immerse yourself fully in the professional environment. This is the quickest route from student to true expert technologist.
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.
