I am Kätlin Onton, Coordinator of Alumni Community and Student Council, Organizer of Graduation Ceremonies, Tenant Manager and Head of EEK30 Project. I decided to go to Sakarya University in Turkey between 23-28.04.2023 within the framework of Erasmus+ Staff Mobility for Training Program.
Sakarya University (SAU) is a public research university in Turkey. Founded in 1970, and is located by the Black Sea. SAU is the only university in Turkey that has EFQM international recognition and teaches bachelor, master’s, and doctoral studies.
The third largest university in Turkey, located in a green campus resort (both physically and technologically) has about 60,000 students, of which about 4,000 are foreign students (from more than 20 countries).
Each faculty (13 faculties) has a separate building complex.
The university campus and related areas are enormous! The entrance to the campus is separated by barriers, controlled by the security service who are helping and guarding every corner. You have all you need on campus – dormitories (both for students and teachers), cafeterias, markets, beauty services, etc. In addition to walking, it is possible to use special bicycle paths and ride electric scooters on campus. In summary, once you get there, the campus encourages that your attention is maximally on studying.
It is an interesting fact that there are about 2,000 supporting staff at the campus alone. Another interesting fact, there is no public Wi-Fi, as all daily communication on university-related topics (lectures, news, etc.) with students, lecturers, and staff takes place through the intranet, so each member has their ID code, which is also used to access the Internet.
I went there with the plan to be part of organizing one big event, but several events were cancelled due to the earthquake. However, I spent my time mainly in the incoming staff department of ERASMUS (a total of 15 people in the department + 2 accountants). In addition, I met the foreign relations department, the marketing-communication department, the ESN representative, and the president of the Alumni Association (collage of pictures).
I recommend our students to go there as part of an Erasmus+ exchange program. It’s an amazing experience to see students from different countries studying, doing activities, and spending free time together.