Erasmus is often described as “life-changing.” But what does that actually mean? Sometimes it’s not about the plane ticket or university paperwork — it’s about the people you meet, the streets you walk, the flavors that stay with you, and the version of yourself you return home with.
This is Narcis’s story — a student from Romania who chose Türkiye for his Erasmus.
A New Chapter Begins
Could you briefly introduce yourself?
"Hello, I’m Narcis, I’m from Romania and I’m studying Biology at West University of Timișoara."
Why Turkey?
"I chose Türkiye to study because it has an amazing culture, the food is amazing and also the environment and architecture is really stunning. I chose it also because it was near the sea and I wanted to study marine biology to see if I’m gonna like it. To discover myself, but also because it has a similar culture with Romania."
What did you imagine before coming?
"Oh, before coming to Türkiye I really imagined what really happened, having a family there that I’ll never forget, making a lot of friends, travelling, studying and discovering myself… My first thoughts were also that I’ll not fit, anxiety was a little bit more there than normal, but I managed to get through it."
First Impressions of Türkiye
The first taste, smell, or moment that instantly made you feel, ‘I’m really here’?
"To be really honest, the taste of Tantuni, with my friends. That taste is an amazing combination... My friends in Romania are tolerating me everyday because everyday I’m telling them that I want Tantuni."
What surprised you most when you arrived in Türkiye?
"The humble people that are living there… They were very kind, helping me even if they don’t know English, and I really appreciate that."
Someone who made your first days easier?
"I spent most of my time in the beginning with Ema, Nevena, and Lea… but also Caitlyn, who was really like a mother, a friend, a sister... It was truly an amazing experience with them."
Discovering Life in İzmir
Favorite place?
"The sunset in Bostanlı… but also it’s not a really place, I think it’s the people… every place was amazing because I went there with my friends, and they made it like a dream."
Most memorable experience?
"I don’t have one… everyday was a memorable experience. From day 1 until when I left, it was just a dream that I’ll never forget about."
A moment where you felt connected to Turkish culture?
"When me and my friends went to Selçuk, and on the way back we didn’t have a bus… we stopped a truck
and they drove us back. Also the food, and the Turkish dance workshop – Harmandalı."
What Erasmus Teaches You
- Leaving home teaches you more about yourself than any textbook ever could.
How did this change your perspective?
"This experience taught me to be more confident, more open, and optimistic… To say no, to apologize when I did something wrong… To live life, every second."
An unforgettable ESN moment?
"The Chillness event, staying under the stars, forgetting every problem… meeting new people. It was an amazing experience."
What role did ESN play in your Erasmus experience?
"ESN made my whole experience feel like home, like a dream. ESN was truly a family for me, making my life a little bit more easier, when i’m having trouble that i’ll not comprehend, they helped. Love them.."
Advice for Future Erasmus Students
"PLEASE GO!! Even though you think that Italy, Spain, Portugal is an amazing place to go, TÜRKIYE IS THE BEST ONE, you have people to laugh, enjoy life, travel, discuss, debate, live, love, study, learn. They have the warmest culture, that I personally experience, and you have so much more to discover there, but i’ll end the sentence here to not give spoilers haha.
And what do you miss the most now?
“Everything, Everyone, and every place. I love them, i hope they are safe, healthy, loved, happy. I’m thinking about them everyday"
Erasmus isn’t just studying abroad. It’s the moment you realize you're finally breathing on your own
It’s the sunset you didn’t know you needed,
The people who turn into chapters of your life,
The city that stays with you forever.
Narcis didn’t go to İzmir — he found a part of himself there.
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