Erasmus+ Internship in Istanbul
My name is Gizem. I am a student in the FSS24 class and currently training to become an educator. Through the Erasmus+ program, I had the opportunity to complete my internship at the German Embassy School and Kindergarten in Istanbul. Spending several weeks in such a large and international city was a very special experience for me because it combined professional learning with discovering a new culture and everyday life in another country.
Screenshot[/caption]During my internship, I supported the teachers in their daily work with the children. I helped with different activities, played with the kids, and observed how the daily routines were organized. It was interesting to see how the educators encourage the children to be independent and learn through exploring and trying things themselves. Being part of daily life in the kindergarten gave me a realistic impression of what working in education can look like in practice.
The internship was also very valuable for my professional development. Working with children requires patience, empathy, and good communication skills. During my time there, I was able to develop and practice these skills and learn how important teamwork and flexibility are in an educational environment.
Another topic that became more important to me during my stay was inclusion. The school aims to support every child individually and create a positive learning environment. At the same time, I noticed that accessibility can still be challenging in some places, both in the school buildings and in the city itself. This made me realize that inclusion is not only about teaching methods but also about how buildings and public spaces are designed.
Living in Istanbul also made me think more about sustainability in big cities. The city has a well-developed public transport system with metro lines, buses, and ferries, which many people use every day. However, heavy traffic and air pollution are still noticeable in some areas. I also noticed that in many parts of the city there are very few green spaces and large areas are filled with buildings and new construction. Seeing how quickly the city is growing made me think about the balance between urban development and protecting the environment.
Besides the professional experience, the cultural aspect of the Erasmus+ program was also very important. Istanbul is a fascinating city that connects Europe and Asia and brings together many different cultures. Exploring the city after work, trying local food, and experiencing everyday life there helped me gain a better understanding of a different culture. One thing I especially enjoyed was taking the ferry across the Bosporus and seeing the city from the water.
Another positive aspect of the experience was improving my English skills. In an international environment, English often becomes the easiest way to communicate, so I used it regularly during my stay.
Overall, the Erasmus+ internship in Istanbul was a very enriching experience for me. I gained practical insights into working with children, experienced a new culture, and became more confident in an international environment. For students who are interested in education and curious about other cultures, an Erasmus+ internship can be a great opportunity to learn and grow.
