Student impressions

      My host family was very pleasant and I liked to be with them. Her parents and her two aunts usually spoke with me at breakfast and at nights, they were really friendly.

I had (and I still have) a good relationship with my partner Melek. I like to speak with her and we have quite a lot of things in common.

With the family, I visited a palace which was next to the sea and the frontier area.

They also showed me the father’s old school.

With all the partners, I visited the Princes’ Island, and I liked it a lot.

I learnt that in Turkey there is a lot of hospitality.

I don’t know the names of the dishes that I tasted, but I loved them.

About the traditions, I didn’t know that in Turkey you have to take off your shoes before you go into a house.

At first, I didn’t feel very comfortable but then I started to get used and the things got improved.

It was a good experience because I had the chance to visit a country which I didn’t know. I learnt about its culture and traditions and, mostly, made good friends.

Kisses

Luisa - Spain

 

    My host family was very affectionate so I felt like at home. Yagmur, her mother and her grandmother were always looking after me.

We only were with the family for three days, so it wasn't enough time to visit many places but where I was, I liked everything.  Starting with Friday afternoon, the views of the Göksu River were very beautiful. On Sunday I was in the historical part but I couldn't go into the Mosques because it was praying time, but I anyway I had a lot of fun walking around the places. I liked going by boat to cross the Bosphorus.

At the school I got impressed with everything, the people, the games, food. Everything was great. I learnt the importance of the Turkish anthem and the flag.

The streets are also different from ours, the buildings, the shops, the people walking, the traffic, the zebra crossings, etc. There were a lot of mosques and I felt like if they were pursuing me with their sounds. I could see the differences between rich areas and not so rich.

I thought that I wasn’t going to love Turkish food because it has a lot of spices but it was delicious. The things I liked the most were the ice-creams, the döner and the toast. 

I loved everything, I didn't want to leave, I wanted to burn my passport because everything was wonderful. These days were the best in my life. 

I want to ask you that please, please, please let our partners come to Spain to see them again. We'd love that a lot. We all were very sad when we found out that they will probably go to other countries. We want to give them back all their love.

 

Cristina - Spain

 

    It was a really good experience because I spent a few amazing days there and I learnt things like some words in Turkish, things about their culture and about the Turkish history.

I learnt that Turkish people are really lovely and pleasant with everybody, too.

The first day I felt quite nervous but the other days It was really good and in a funny atmosphere.

The family of my partner, my partner and his friends were the best persons. They were always with me and they told me a lot of things about Turkey and their traditions.

They made me feel like in home, really.

I had a few perfect days and they were so few days. I wish they could be like two or three weeks.

In the traditions, I think the only different custom was that when you arrived home you have to take off your shoes at the hall of the house and the first day I didn´t know that but the rest of the days I did it because it is what they do.

About food, I liked all food that I tried but the most difficult thing of the food for me was the time of the meals because here, the meals are at different hours so it was a bit confusing.

I visited the Prince’s Island with my partner and my friends and I liked it. It was nice and there, we made a trip by bike, it was funny.

Another day, I went with my partner and some other friends of the Comenius and we went to Taksim Square. It was amazing. In that square there were a lot of shops and a bazar with a lot of different, weird, special and beautiful things.

Then, we went to another place but I don´t remember the name. We also visited a church called San Antoine, I think.

I like that there was activities at school because I could see my friends and talk a little bit of Spanish with them, it was comfortable.

Fátima - Spain

 

   My trip to Istanbul was my best academy experience. I had never participated in a Comenius project, but I want to take part in another exchange programme.

I liked Istanbul and all the places which we visited, like Hagia Sofya, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace or Galata Tower. Istanbul is bigger than Santiago de Compostela, and I found many differences with my city. I had a very good stay, partly because I met really good people. My partner and his father were polite and friendly. All of Emre’s friends and teachers were friendly, too. I’m happy to have met all of them, and now, I feel affection for them. I was surprised when I saw their school. It’s so big. Our school is much smaller than theirs.

The first day I felt very strange, and before we arrived, I was nervous and excited. But day after day I began to feel more relaxed. I started to speak a lot with my partner Emre, and started to know many things about him. He taught me the Turkish traditions and Turkish culture. I tasted the Turkish food and I liked it. I think Turkish people are very interesting and amazing, and I want to go back to Turkey. I felt sad when we had to leave the school, and Turkey.

We love Turkey and we miss all of our new friends. We really want to host Emre, Melek, YaÄ?mur, Aziz and Zeynep in October.

 

For me, the worst of the trip was, and still is, that now my partner is too far from me and I want to be with her and my other Turkish friends that I met there.

I hope that they, all of them, will come in October like we went to Turkey.

It could be unfair that they will come and we won´t see them in October because the plan was that. We went in March and they will come in October.

Julio – Spain

 

The family was incredible, very attentive and really friendly.

I visited places like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Cistern and the Palace of Topaki, in addition to the old town of Istanbul.

The school was really incredible. Its huge facilities were spectacular. Something I did not know about the Turks was their kindness and also that you have to remove our shoes when entering the house. In Istanbul there are a lot of places to see and a lot of things to do. Turkish cuisine is amazing. Everything I tried was yummy. The Turkish culture has surprising mythology. I felt like at home.

It was a great experience and I would do it again

                                                                                                                                                                      Alex - Spain

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The Project Comenius was definitely an amazing experience for me. I hosted one of the French students, Bernadette, who has directly participated in this project and i honestly felt like I was the one who had got to learn and gain the most. It was a “first” of my life and it really did felt interesting and gripping to form a whole new friendship with someone who is a total stranger to the Turkish culture. The things we’ve discussed and talked about was not any different than a normal conversation that two close friends would have. Actually it was much more productive and emitting because we had so much to talk about ourselves. The city and the island life, education system, politics, our daily routines, the things we like to do, the food we eat, our traditions, sightseeing, traveling, our goals for the future, our families etc. we always had something to share with each other. It felt really nice to get to know to her and make a relation in between for every single thing we’ve talked about. She has done the same too and thereby we had an amazing week together. Differences create the most beautiful and enjoyable relationships you’ll ever have in my opinion. That’s why I will be participating unquestionably and volunteer if I ever have the chance to be in any kind of project like that.
                                                                                                                                                  Beril ARISOY / Ä°STANBUL

When we heard the comenius project, we were so excited. Our teachers gave us our friends' mail addresses nearly a month before meeting in Turkey. So we could talk with our friends before meet. When they came to Turkey all of us were excited. We talked so much about what we will do while we are going home. When we arrived home, we couldn't talk anymore because we were very tired. Then we went to school next day. In our school there was a sport activity. We took a lot of selfies :) It was so enjoyable. When we came back to our home we ate some traditional foods. My friend said your foods are spicy. We talked about the differences between her country and our country. On Saturday we met in KadÄ?köy with all science class and our foreign friends. Then we went Princess Islands with ferry. They liked the view too much. When we arrive the Princess Islands we rent a bicycle and we cycled all over the Island. It was a little tiring but we had to much fun. On Sunday we went to historical places we went to palaces and Bosphorus. She was very surprised about the palaces. She loved the palaces; she said they were huge and very luxurious. On Monday we had presentations all country talked about the river and river's qualities. We learned too much about it. Than we went art class to do things about "water day" It was the funniest part about Monday. Than sadly we have to say goodbye to each other. We hugged and cried. It was the last day of the project, but that isn't end of our friendship! Still we send videos each other. Now we are waiting for next meeting.

 

                                                                                                                 YaÄ?mur CAYMAZ & Nadide AKDAľ / Ä°STANBUL

Without a doubt, it is a useful organization for many cultures to combine. The topic, which is called "Biodiversity of Rivers" is a vehicle to achieve this aim. This topic is also effective for recognizing our country's main rivers and their biodiversity, according to our researches. In other words, it helps many students in this project to identify their own country's biologic systems. This international organization is also helpful for becoming aware of our responsibilities. In a nutshell, this project is a major organization for many cultures to become aware and improve our labor.  
                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                              D.Can KARA  / Ä°STANBUL
         
While we were learning about biology we had fun. We met new people and that was so exciting. We had the best days. I had so much fun and now I am waiting for next time we'll come together.

 

                                                                                                                                       Melek Öyküm YALÇIN /Ä°STANBUL 

My friend was Fatima Suarez, she was really funny, lovely and friendly. I love her and her friends so much. Fatima is my Spanish sister, we are still talking and hopefully ill go to her house and she will come again. My parents love her too. My mom always asks how she is. She is in our family :) Also the other Spanish students were amazing. I love them. They were so friendly for us. I hope I will see them again 

 

                                                                                                                                               Zeynep SÖNMEZ / Ä°STANBUL

With "Comenius Project" we learned our rivers' importance. And also, through this project we met lots of people from different countries and cultures. The friend who stayed at my house was from Poland for example. We had so much fun together. We met the other foreign students the following days. Even if it was just about 4 days, it was a very different experience for all of us. Definitely a memory which won't be forgotten but always be cherished...

                                                                                                                                                         Zülâl KOÇ / Ä°STANBUL

When I heard comenius for first time I didn't guessed how it might be. It was totally awesome for me and my friends! I thought it will be good when my Spanish friend come. However, it was awesome. We just had 4 days together. He became like my brother. My friend's name was Julio. He was very kind and polite. We have a lot of similarities with him. In 4 days we had really good and funny memories when we were together. However it will be a very big rudeness if I don't write about my other friends (Alex, Cristina, Fatima and Luisa). They were also like my brothers and sisters. We were usually together in these 4 days and we had a lot of memories, conversations and fun. In brief with comenius I met with a few awesome friends and I'm sure we will be friends forever! 

                                                                                                                                                  Emre AKÇÖL / Ä°STANBUL

"Biodiversity of rivers" is such a nice project. I learned lots of new things and had so much good experiences. I improved my knowledge about biodiversity and rivers. It made me realize that there are actually lots of rivers in Istanbul.
Also we had opportunity to meet with great people that are from other countries. We get to learn their cultures, countries and etc. I had such a great time; I made lots of friends and gained lots of new things. I believe that this project is very much useful project.

                                                                                                                                                 Hazal ERGÜN / Ä°STANBUL

Comenius project was a great experience. I made lots of new friend. I got the chance to practice my English. I was really curious about my English because I had never practice my English with a foreign person. Also, we learned different cultures. We traveled a lot. I live in Ä°stanbul but I don't go on a trip usually. With my new friends, I learned many things about the my city. The time was not enough to see all Ä°stanbul and also we did not have time to have good times with our friends. It was a really great experience. We shared so many things. We ate our delicious foods with our friends. Thanks so much for the great Comenius Project.

                                                                                                                                    Mehmet Deniz UYSAL / Ä°STANBUL

When they first come into our class and told us there will be some foreigners who will stay in our houses, I was little anxious. Because I wasn't sure about whom she will be. Warm person or a cold-blooded... The operation between Comenius and our school is so helpful and nice. Having a chance to have new friends and practicing our second language is really useful and good. More than everything, having a new friend. My foreign student had everything I hope and didn't have anything I scared of. She was nice, cute and knew how to have fun. She was like a member of our gang for 4 long days, which past so fast. We were so sad when the time had come when she must go. It was an awful moment for me. But I know that I will never forget her. And I know that I don't have to. We will stay in contact. She will always be my friend. Thanks to Comenius and our school for giving me a chance to have that much powerful and funny friendship. 
                                                                                                                                                 Ezgi DURUKAN / Ä°STANBUL

I didn’t know many things about rivers which are in Turkey but I get lots of information about rivers by the help of the Comenius Project. It is too useful to people for learning something about the natural World. Natural World is too important for us but we don’t know a lot of things about it. We can learn them and live friendly with the natural World.
Before I have gone to the Göksu River, I have not expect a natural World and actually I did not like the rivers because I think there are not too much rivers which are clean. When I went to there, I understood, I was wrong. I could not believe what I saw. I was not expecting such a beatiful place like this. There was a habitat which has a lot of plants and living beings and I could understand beauty of the Nature’s
                                                                                                                                            Ayberk TUNÇAY / Ä°STANBUL

 

It was one of my unforgettable memories. I think it isn’t just a Project. It was more than a Project. It was beneficial to work on different rivers and compare the parameters. Before the meeting we prepared lots of documents about Göksu River. Our teacher was ready to help us. During the presentations I learned about the countries, information about rivers, parameters and biodiversity. I met lots of foreign friends. I think that it’s good to share cultures. We designed a panel for World Water Day. Our guest friends were really kind to us. I won’t be in the second meeting but my classmates are looking forward to visit Romania.
                                                                                                                                  Zeynep KARAKARTAL / Ä°STANBUL

 

Fantastic trip! Istanbul is a very big and beautiful city. At the beginning, when I learnt I was selected to go to Turkey, I was a bit hesitant, mainly my father. He worried about me because of war in countries near to Turkey, but I knew that everything would be fine and it was. When my group and I, were in the airport, we were very excited and I was a bit scared too. We met the Portuguese in first and then we took the bus to go school. I was surprised by the traffic in streets: everybody honked and made a lot of noise, but it was another atmosphere and I found it funny. We crossed the bridge to go to the Asian part and we arrived in the night at school (it was very cold).
I was nervous when I met my host family but I had a nice welcome and they were kind with me. Thanks to them, I am more comfortable when I speak English. During the weekend, I visited an island with my partner and her friends. We took the ferry and it was great. In the island, there were only horses and bicycles. I would like to go their ag ain with my family and in Istanbul too of course. It was very interesting because I didn’t know that there were
islands near Istanbul. Before the weekend we went to school. I was surprised by it lust: they have a pool and a
planetarium! They are lucky and I envy them. We did sport together and we visited a river in the afternoon. The last day at school, we did our presentations, a long and stressed moment , but after it, we did art and we had a lot of fun.
In the last days in Istanbul, we visited the historic part of the city in the European part with our teachers (mosques, cathedrals, castles...). It was my first time to see mosques, they are huge and beautiful. The atmosphere, the people, the sounds, the smell, it was another life and I really want to return in Istanbul with my family and to see again my new friends.

 Sonia Ah-hing (Reunion)

 

When I arrived in Istanbul I was really stressed. I didn’t know anything about Istanbul and, the worst was I didn’t know my host family! I didn’t know how to go to take place this first meeting. I was very surprised because they were so
kind with me! My host and her family was really curious about me, we spoke a lot and I felt better with them.
The first time when I saw the school I was very impressed because it’s a big school! It’s not as mine! Furthermore, the school was very welcoming. The teachers and the pupils was really nice with me. They were curious and really
kind. During the first meeting with the other countries we did sports. I don’t really like sports but I was really happy to be there because I met lot of people. We spoke and we laughed together and it was very nice.
The week-end I was with my host and her friends and I visited Istanbul. Was fantastic! Istanbul is a really beautiful place! Even if there is a lot of traffic I really like this big city with its history and its modernity. I did lot of things and
all these things was great and I learn a lot about Turkey. It was really interesting! I ate a lot because food was really good!! And, of course, I drank Turkish coffee! Witch was, a little bit strange, but it was good. Was a fantastic
week-end! The last day of the project we had to present our country and our results about rivers. I was very stressed because there were lot of people and the place where we had to do this was really big! But after this presentation I felt better. During this meeting the presentation of the other countries were really interesting. I learn a lot. After the presentation we had art class. We made a beautiful (and crazy) work of art all together and was really funny! I spoke with the other people and was fantastic! During this trip I met lot of fantastic people. Istanbul is a magnificent city and I want to return to it one day. This trip is unforgettable!

 

Bernadette Grondin (Reunion)

 

First, before my travel , my parents and me were a little bit sceptic about the destination. Because we listened bad things about this one like politic and religions conflicts... We thought that it was an unsafe country.  But we were wrong , very wrong ! So this is a beautiful , safe and lay country, where all people respect the culture of another people.  So this trip permitted to me to improve my english and to be selfconfident. I met wonderful persons , my family was very nice. When i came in their house, I felt like in my house. The welcome at school was
very nice too and all people was very friendly. It was a very good experience for me ! And today I'm missing them .

 

Elodie Lauret (Reunion)

 

Before leaving Reunion Island I was really excited but at the same time I didn't know what to expect because Turquey is a foreign country and I didn't know a lot about it. While arriving there, I was not less excited and when I met Turkish people, the other students, the teachers and my host family I was impressed by such a warm welcoming. I was
really glad to talk with unknown people and learn about them and their cultures. I discovered that Istanbul is a wonderful city, based on a huge historical past which can be seen through numerous splendid monuments. But it is also a cultural mixture filled with marvelous places, food but more again: people. I also assess talking in English with all the students to share about ourselves and our countries. That exchange helped me to become more confident and fluent in English so now I can say I am much more at ease because we had to break the language barrier to talk to each others. The two days together, mainly when we did sport and arts, were fantastic! Moreover, we exchanged a lot about our work on the rivers in our own country. So during the presentations I learned about each country and each river. It was interesting to be able to compare our chemical and physical results to determine the positive and negative points. Finally I want to thank everyone for what have already been done for this project and what will be done again, especially the teachers who work hard to make us get together and my host family and partner who was outstanding !

 

Lara Sans (Reunion)