In June 2023, EUAS staff members had an amazing opportunity to participate on an Erasmus+ Training Exchange to Istanbul Aydin University (IAU) in Turkey.

The IAU has 38 000 students, 5 500 international full-time students, 1 500 academic staff, 450 education collaborations with global universities, 70 Bachelor's Degree Programs, 74 Master's Degree Programs, 32 Doctoral Programs, 12 Faculties, 36 Research Centers, 91 Student Clubs. The IAU’s goal is to be in the top 5 universities in Turkey and the among the top 500 universities in the world.

The delegation was welcomed by IAU Vice Rector & Director of International Relations Directorate. They also met with Vice Director of International Relations Directorate, Vice Dean Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Member of the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Responsible for Entrepreneurship Projects within the Faculty, Chair of the Sustainable Development Research Group Associate, Head of the IAU Research Centers, Head of Digital Game Design Department, Head of Software Development Department, International Short-Term Training Programs Coordinator, International Academic Relations Coordinator, International Mobility and Communications Specialist, International Students and Staff Affairs Office Coordinator, Erasmus+ Institutional Coordinator and other International Office staff members.

The EUAS delegation had an opportunity to visit Erasmus Office, International Recruitment Office, International Students and Staff Affairs Office, Incubation Center, Online Training Center, IT Department and Research Centers.

They explored the campus of the IAU, including state-of-the-art facilities i.e. library, sport facilities, different cafeterias and collaborative learning spaces.

Their expertise and vision for the university was truly inspiring. The IAU is dedicated to prepare students for competitive and culturally diverse global market place. This visit was the starting point for ongoing collaboration between EUAS and IAU.

As a direct result of this visit our students will have the opportunity to participate on a Short-Term Study Program, called ‘Delightful Istanbul’ which will take place from 22 July – 5 August 2023. ‘Delightful Istanbul’ offers high quality courses with credits while participants enjoy the intercultural environment throughout the program. ‘Delightful Istanbul’ also organizes a Winter and Spring School and we are looking forward to offer these opportunities to our students as well.