Discovering Turkey: An Enriching Erasmus+ Experience
by Mirjam Sõgel
Our Erasmus+ project in Turkey was an eye-opening journey that expanded our knowledge in many ways. This valuable experience allowed us to explore Turkey's lively culture, enjoy its customs, taste its food, and learn about its school system.
One of the best parts of our visit was learning about Turkish culture. We discovered many customs and traditions that are important to Turkish life. This learning experience helped us appreciate Turkey's rich history.
Tasting Turkish food was a highlight of our trip. From the delicious kebabs to the sweet baklava, each meal was exciting. Learning how these dishes are made gave us a new look at Turkish culture.
Visiting a Turkish school gave us useful insights into their education system. We talked with students and teachers, which helped us understand their teaching methods. This exchange of ideas was beneficial for everyone involved.
The main goal of the project was to improve our communication skills in English. Talking with people from different backgrounds helped us practice speaking English. These conversations also led to meaningful connections and friendships.
The project highlighted the importance of digital skills. We used various digital tools and the Internet to document our experiences, share what we learned, and work together with our friends. This helped us develop important digital skills.
The Erasmus+ project offered a dynamic learning environment beyond traditional classrooms. By combining culture, technology, and communication, we experienced the joy of learning in an engaging way. This approach not only varied our learning experiences but also sparked our enthusiasm for continuous discovery and growth.
In conclusion, our Erasmus+ experience in Turkey was a rich journey that expanded our minds and enriched our lives. Through cultural immersion, culinary exploration, environmental education, and improved communication and digital skills, we gained a wealth of knowledge and unforgettable memories. This project highlighted the value of diverse learning opportunities and the joy they bring.
TURKEY
by Lisette Semidotski
Turkey is a country known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes; it is part of both Europe and Asia. The country has a mix of beaches and mountains. Izmir is famous for its historical sites and beautiful seaside and is the third-largest city.
Izmir has many old, historical places. We got to see some, like the clock tower in Konak Square, which showed the city's long history. The views along the sea were beautiful; the water was very see-through, and the sand was white and warm.
I knew Turkey had a lot of history, but seeing the ancient sites in Izmir in person was even better than I expected. I knew that Turkish people were known for being friendly, but the warmth and kindness of the people in Izmir made my visit really special. I expected Izmir to be a very busy city, and in the city, it was extremely busy, but in the seaside areas, it was rather peaceful.
Çamdibi Kordon Birlik Ortaokulu
by Ekke Rikka
Çamdibi Kordon Birlik Ortaokulu is a small school in İzmir (Turkey), both primary (1–5 years) and secondary school (6–8 years). There are 19 classrooms, 31 teachers and 672 students.
The weird things for us - Estonian students were the bars on many school windows – it made being in school like a prison. The school has three floors and in this way, it looks a bit similar to our Tartu Veeriku School as both schools are old and not in the best condition.
The classrooms are small and stuffy. Their hall is as big as our one regular classroom. Classes have old-fashioned blue wood benches and tables. In every class we visited, there was also a smart board but no computer. In the school hall and every classroom, there is a photo of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk – the founder of the Republic of Turkey and the first president.
There is a large asphalt playground in front of the school with a basketball basket and a football gate. That´s why the students spend much time outside under the hot sun. Outside in one corner of the playground (Turkish said it is a garden) was a stall, similar to our R-Kiosk. The school's toilets were located in a separate house next to the playground, and instead of a toilet seat, there was a hole (it is said that squat toilets are more hygienic)!
In Çamdibi Kordon Birlik Ortaokulu, the school day starts at 7.40 in the morning and ends at 13.20 in the afternoon (for secondary school students). Secondary school students study in the morning, primary school students start in the afternoon. Lessons are 40 minutes, and there are 7 lessons every day (for secondary school). Between the lessons, there are 10-minute breaks.
A bit about the subjects: in the 6th grade Turkish students learn English, Ethics and Citizenship (elective), Art, Maths, Math Applications (elective), Traditional Arts (elective), Turkish, Science, Music, Social Studies, Religion, Information and Communication Technologies, and Physical Education.by Perla-Mia Vint
by Raner Tiirmaa