Internationalization and Student Mobility
Erasmus Information Meeting Held
An information meeting was organized in our department to increase students’ awareness of the Erasmus program and reduce uncertainties regarding the application process.
Previously, our department conducted a survey to identify the reasons why students do not apply for the Erasmus program. Based on the responses of 103 students, the findings revealed that a significant proportion of students needed more detailed information regarding the Erasmus program, application procedures, course recognition, foreign language proficiency, and financial support opportunities. In particular, insufficient foreign language proficiency was identified as the main factor affecting students’ decisions not to apply.
103
Students participated in the survey
58.3%
Students who stated insufficient foreign language proficiency as a reason for not applying
68.8%
Students who stated that they were only partially informed or not sufficiently informed about Erasmus opportunities
During the Erasmus information meeting organized in line with the survey findings, students were provided with comprehensive information about the academic and cultural opportunities offered by the Erasmus program, application requirements, application calendar, required documents, grant opportunities, foreign language requirements, and course recognition procedures.
Main Topics Discussed During the Meeting
- Step-by-step explanation of the Erasmus application process
- Information about required documents and the application calendar
- Evaluation of course recognition and academic adaptation procedures
- Information on grants and financial support opportunities
- Guidance regarding foreign language proficiency and students’ language-related concerns
- Answering students’ questions
Student Experience Sharing
As part of the meeting, our fourth-year student Zehra Tekmen, who was selected for the Erasmus+ study mobility program in the 2024–2025 academic year, shared her Erasmus experience with the participants.
By sharing the experiences she gained throughout the application process, Zehra Tekmen provided direct and practical insights into the issues students are most curious about.
During the experience-sharing session, students were also informed in a way intended to reduce their concerns regarding foreign language proficiency. It was emphasized that Erasmus quotas are evaluated on a faculty basis; therefore, students should assess themselves within the applicant pool of their own faculty rather than comparing themselves with the entire university population. In addition, it was highlighted that Erasmus is not only a program requiring foreign language proficiency, but also a significant opportunity for students to improve their language skills.
The main purpose of the meeting was to increase students’ awareness of the Erasmus program, make the application process more understandable, and encourage participation in international mobility programs.
Continuous Improvement Approach: Our department aims to strengthen internationalization activities and improve information and guidance processes to increase student participation in Erasmus mobility programs by taking student feedback into consideration in decision-making processes.
