Erasmus Exchange Program

Hello, my name is Oğuzhan Köse. I am a lecturer at Yalova University. At the same time, I am the Erasmus Institutional Coordinator at the university. As you know, the Erasmus program is an exchange program run by the European Union. As Yalova University, we attach great importance to the Erasmus program. The importance of the Erasmus program for us is that not only our undergraduate students, but also our graduate and doctoral students continue their education in another institution in Europe for a period of 1 semester or, if extended, for 1 year. They can also gain serious experience by taking advantage of the internship mobility. As Yalova University, we attach importance to all exchange programs. The fact that the Erasmus program is an international program means much to us. Because at the university, students gain both academic and socio-cultural experiences. In this sense, in addition to scientific training, we also work on preparing our students for their non-academic life. Our Foreign Relations Coordinatorship carries out serious studies on this issue. The Erasmus program offers many benefits for students. For example, students going abroad primarily contribute to their education with a different perspective in a different country related to their field. In addition, they will encounter a different lifestyle and experience the difficulties of life in a country they have never been to before. Of course, many students from other European countries or partner countries will be there too, so, they will have the chance to blend these experiences throughout their education life in an international environment. In a world where we feel the impact of globalization in a very serious way today, staying local will bring serious restrictions in terms of education. In this respect, we believe that the fact that our students have been in an international environment will bring a great deal of knowledge and experience to them and subsequently to our country. With this program, not only our students go abroad. We also accept students from abroad. Yalova holds a very special place for students coming from abroad. Because one of the most important features of Yalova is that it is located on the seaside. We are talking about a city surrounded by forests and greenery. In addition, its proximity to major metropolises such as Istanbul, Kocaeli and Bursa results in students being able to visit these regions whenever they want. In addition, they can live in Yalova much more comfortably. They can continue their education life in this city of natural beauties.
Yalova is one of the geographically small provinces of Turkey. Yalova University is the only university here. Therefore, when we include the Erasmus program and other exchange programs, we think that the arrival of international students in Yalova significantly contributes to the culture of the city. We are aware of the fact that these exchange programs are very important in terms of promoting Yalova and seriously changing the social structure of Yalova. We, as Yalova University, are seriously working on the Erasmus program both to contribute to the education life of the students and to provide cultural richness to Yalova. Yalova has many advantages in general. One of the most important of these is that transportation facilities are highly accessible. We know that students do not have a serious problem with transportation here. When it comes to exchange programs or international students, their accommodation can also pose a question. However, with the dormitories for girls built by the Credit and Dormitories Institution in Yalova, as well as the private student dormitories in our city and the residences that students can rent, they can continue their education in a safe environment and contribute to the city life. In addition to these, since we, as the Erasmus program, work according to the criteria of the European Union National Agency, we carry out our studies here within the framework of the rules valid in all other universities. One of the most important issues for incoming students is the continuation of education in English or other languages. We, as Yalova University, continue our efforts to bring our students from Europe and other partner countries to some of our faculties, and special English courses are opened for Erasmus students in some departments. We, as Yalova University, and as the city of Yalova, invite students from the European Union and partner countries to Yalova city, and our university, with peace of mind. We are confident that they will never regret their decision.