Do you want to know how Erasmus students see the exchange in Ukraine? Then, read the interview with Tuğçe Erdurcan. She is 21 years old girl from Turkey, studying Russian Language and Literature. She is here to practice language skills and get to know the culture better.
- If we ask you to describe your exchange in Ukraine in one word, what word would it be?
- Awesome!
- Tell us please a little bit about your university life.
- Unfortunately, my university life here lasted only three weeks. Then it was online. But I can say that I have faced many challenges with the schedule. I was not able to understand the system, and every morning I just randomly asked people which week it was to understand what classes I was going to have. Our professor wrote it on paper for me many times, but it took me a long time to understand fully.
- Oh, we see. But we hope something good also happened during your semester, right?
- I am in love with the university buildings. And also, the professors here are so friendly. They tried to do everything for me to solve the problems. I also met other international students during the classes, and they also helped me a lot.
-That's great. Was there something that surprised you during your Erasmus?
- Ukrainian people are always ready to help. When I asked something, they tried to help even if they didn't understand English. I didn't expect this before coming here.
- Maybe you can tell us about three cool things you also like about Ukraine?
- Borscht, cathedrals, and ESN Kyiv.
- Oh, nice to hear. What were the life lessons or insights you had learned during your Erasmus?
- I realized how easily I could adapt to a different culture, and I learned how important it is to understand the spoken language even a little. Also, I understood that living alone is a hard skill, indeed.
- Yeah, sure. So which Ukrainian words do you like the most?
- Чудово, Доброго ранку and Але.
- Good choice:) What pieces of advice would you give those who come to the next Erasmus semester in Ukraine?
- They really should experience Ukraine themselves. They should attend all the ESN events. For me, all of them were so funny, and I have met most of my friends at those events. They should visit other cities in Ukraine. For example, I'm in love with Lviv.
- And last question. What advice would you give yourself if you had a chance to return on your first day in Ukraine?
- Everything was fine, the only thing - I wish was I could see more cities here. I have visited Odesa and Lviv during the exchange.
- Thank you very much for the interview and for sharing your experience! We will be glad to see you again in Kyiv at any time.
- Thank you, I'm planning to come here again in the summer.
Interviewer: Diana Datskova
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