P.S. Power of Sharing

Akdeniz University EuroMed

Youth Centre e-Journal

Number 1, Year 2014

2

P.S. Power of Sharing E-Journal Number 1, Year 2014

Akdeniz University EuroMed Youth Centre Publications Antalya, July 2014

© Akdeniz University EuroMed Youth Centre Address: Deniz Mahallesi Deniz Caddesi Adrasan Kumluca/ Antalya (0 242) 310 64 92 http://euromed.akdeniz.edu.tr/tr e-posta: euromed@akdeniz.edu.tr

Editors:

Prof. Dr. Burhan ÖZKAN

Rabia VEZNE

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CONTENTS

Foreword by Prof. Dr. Burhan ÖZKAN 5

Issue Slogan 6

From the Educational Advisor 7

EVS Corner 8

What is EVS? 8

An EVS volunteer from Germany 10

An EVS Volunteer from Turkey 12

Exchange Programmes Corner 14

What is the Erasmus+ Programme? 14

An Erasmus Incoming Student 16

An Erasmus Outgoing Student 17

What is the Mevlana Programme? 19

A Mevlana Incoming Student 21

A Mevlana Outgoing Student 22

What is the Farabi Programme? 24

A Farabi Incoming Student 25

A Farabi Outgoing Student 27

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EU Projects Corner 29

What is an EU Project? 29

An EU Project Experience 30

An EU Project Experience 32

Opportunities 34

What is IAESTE? 34

Deadlines for Erasmus+, KA1 and EVS 35

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Foreword

Welcome to the first issue of our e-magazine, which is published by our

centre and free for all young people. Since 2012 we have been trying

hard to empower young people in our local area, to contribute to

youth policies at the national level, and to cooperate with other youth

centres in Europe and the Mediterranean Region. We are now proud

to publish our first e-magazine, and to continue our mission.

With our e-magazine, we aim to share the different European

experiences which young people have had during their mobility, and

to provide information about European opportunities for young

people.

I would like to thank to all the staff in our centre for their great

contribution to publishing our first e-magazine, and I hope all young

people will find something in it which can help their personal

development.

Prof. Dr. Burhan ÖZKAN Advisor to the Rector

Head of the International Relations Office

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Issue Slogan

“The only source of knowledge is experience” Albert Einstein

This saying by Albert Einstein will be the slogan for our first issue,

because we want to provide an opportunity for young people who

have been involved in a programme, a project, or a mobility to share

their experiences with others.

Sharing experiences will have a win-win effect. First of all, sharing

experiences will empower individuals to look back on what they have

done and make them feel more self-confident. The person who knows

about the experiences of others can avoid making the same mistakes,

and will be able to learn about new opportunities.

We hope these experiences will motivate and encourage young people

to take a step towards being more active in a world which is full of

opportunities.

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From an Educational Advisor

As Einstein said, sharing experiences is one of the best ways of

acquiring knowledge. Therefore, we decided to reflect this in the name

of our e-magazine; “Power of Sharing”. What we want to achieve is to

give a chance to young people who have valuable experience to share,

and to help others to learn, gain inspiration and become motivated by

these experiences, In each edition of our P.S. e-magazine you can read

about the experiences of young people who have taken part in the

EVS, Erasmus+, Mevlana, and Farabi Programmes. We hope these

experiences will inspire, motivate and encourage as many young

people as possible, and open a new window into their future lives.

If you have any similar experiences to share with others, please do not

hesitate to contact us through our e-mail, Facebook or Twitter

accounts.

Rabia VEZNE

Educational Advisor to the EuroMed Youth Centre

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EVS Corner

What is EVS?

uropean Voluntary Service allows young people aged between

17 and 30 to express their personal commitment through

unpaid and full-time voluntary service for up to 12 months in

another country. Volunteers are given the opportunity to contribute

to the run-up to the activities, and to take part in initiatives organised

within the framework of a European or international event.

You should apply to a sending organisation which has EVS

accreditation in order to become an EVS volunteer. The organisation

will find you a host country from abroad. You can search for the

organisations which have EVS accreditation on the following website;

http://europa.eu/youth/evs_database.

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EVS Corner

There are 12 organisations which have EVS accreditation in

Antalya:

Akdeniz University International Relations Office

Akdeniz University Culture and Social Aid Foundation

Antalya Intercultural Dialogue Centre

Antalya Metropolitan Municipality

Alanya Municipality Foreign Relations Department

Antalya Women’s Consultation and Mutual Benefit Association

AKSU 80th Anniversary Love Village (Sevgi Köyü)

Antalya Directorate of Probation

Antalya Province EU Projects Coordination Centre

Efem Akdeniz Youth and sports Club Foundation

Blue Mediterranean Culture Training and Youth Association

Alanya Municipality Support Services and Sports Department

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EVS Corner

From an EVS Volunteer at the Akdeniz University EuroMed Youth

Centre

I did EVS – European Voluntary Service - for nine months at Akdeniz

University in Antalya. I lived for nine months in Turkey, and during

this time I experienced a lot. I had just finished school in Germany and

came to Turkey alone. This was my first experience of living alone in

my life. I had to cook my own meals, wash my own clothes, and many

other things for the first time. It was really good for me because in this

way I grew more independent. I learned that in other countries which

have a different culture many things are different. For example, I

found that people in Turkey are very friendly and helpful. When I was

trying to find my way on the street there was always someone there

trying to help me, or when I was in the train in Istanbul with a friend

who was coming from the airport we met an old couple who invited us

to sleep at their place because a hotel would be very expensive for us.

In my opinion things you plan in Turkey often do not work as you

planned. When I gave English and German conversation classes for

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example there were many people really interested in these courses at

first and they wanted to participate. But then after the first lesson

there were less than half of the number of people who came before. For

me it was a little bit disappointing. Something important I learned

was something really obvious: In another country many things work

differently and you have to get used to it.

I also traveled a lot in Turkey and went to so many places. I

discovered my love for traveling in these nine months, and I had the

chance to see the beauty of Turkey. I think Turkey has so many

beautiful places and landscape. While traveling in Turkey I met so

many people from many different countries, learned a lot about other

cultures and became more open and interested in them.

This is only some of the experiences I had during my EVS period in

Antalya in Turkey. I will always suggest it to other people.

Nico Brüssow, Germany

July, 2014

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EVS Corner

An EVS volunteer sent by Akdeniz University

My name is Ilkay Çıkla, and I am studying for my PhD in the

International Relations Department of Akdeniz University. I am also

working as a part-time student in the Akdeniz University

International Relations Office.

In June 2012 I went to Spain as an EVS volunteer, and I worked in

Malaga Municipality Youth Centre on a Media-Communications and

Youth Information project for 9 months. The project was about

promoting EU Youth Programmes, and supporting the young people

who were participating in these programmes. I explained Youth

Programmes to young people on information days, as well as

gathering together announcements dealing with EVS and Youth

Exchanges and preparing them for publication in a weekly newsletter

and on the website of my host institution. During the Project I

received a lot of e-mails from young people in Turkey who were eager

to participate in EVS, but who did not know how to do it. I created my

own blog to explain how to participate in EVS Projects, and to provide

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details. My blog became popular very quickly among webpages with a

similar content, and I received a great deal of very positive feedback.

During my EVS period I travelled as much as I could, especially in

Spain, and this helped me to improve the Spanish I had learnt. I also

took the chance to travel in other countries to improve my cultural

awareness, and to develop my interest in archaeology and Roman

history. I enjoyed this opportunity to travel to my favourite cities and

experience more about their history, particularly Rome.

I acquired many skills through my work with EVS: I gained a different

point of view, I learned Spanish and improved my English, I learned

different accents, I learned how to use new technologies and different

working methods, I met lots of people from different cultures and

learned how to adapt to multicultural environments, I learned how to

travel and discover. All these skills will be very useful for the rest of

my life. In my opinion, this is why EVS is a very unique opportunity

which should be experienced.

Ilkay ÇIKLA

July, 2014

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Exchange Programmes Corner

What is the Erasmus+ Programme?

rasmus is a European Union student exchange programme

created by the European Community Action Scheme in

1987. Erasmus+, or Erasmus Plus, is the new programme

combining all of the European Union’s current programmes

dealing with education, training, youth and sport, and

which is due to begin in January 2014.

The Erasmus programme, as a European Union education and

training programme, is designed to increase the quality of higher

education in Europe. For this purpose, the Programme promotes co-

operation between higher education institutions in Europe. The

resulting partnerships and mobility activities are financially

supported by the Programme.

In addition to co-operation between HEIs, the Erasmus Programme

also promotes cooperation between HEIs and the labour market so

that universities are in a position to meet the needs of the labour

market, and give better employment opportunities to graduates.

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The European Commission is responsible for the overall

implementation of the Erasmus Programme. Actions are managed by

the national agencies of the 33 participating countries, or by the

Executive Agency for Education, Audovisiual and Culture based in

Brussels.

For many students, the Erasmus+ Programme is their first experience

of living and studying in another country. Hence, it has become a

cultural phenomenon which is very popular among European

students.

The Programme fosters not only learning and understanding of the

host country, but also a sense of community among students from

different countries. The Erasmus experience is considered both a time

for learning as well as a chance to socialise.

It is seen as a great opportunity to study abroad while not having the

expense of studying outside the European Union, since the grants

available to Erasmus students are not available to those opting to

leave the continent to study.

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Exchange Programmes Corner

Erasmus Incoming Students at Akdeniz University

It was a pleasure to stay here for four months. I met wonderful people

from different cultures, and this was possible because of your

institution.

Veno Rita Soanen Kanio

I know that sometimes it wasn’t easy with Erasmus people, but I really

want to thank you for all your help. It was my best experience to be

here mostly because of the people with whom I can spend time. If you

come to Czech Republic, you are all always welcome.

Czech Republic - Tomas Osoda

It was a pleasure to be a part of this institution. My first choice was

Turkey, because when I went back home, I came with another point of

view! Also I want to say to you, thanks for every help, and friendship.

Erasmus was the best time in my life! Thanks for being a part of this.

Portugal - Ana Catarina Santos

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Exchange Programmes Corner

An Erasmus Outgoing Student sent by Akdeniz University

Hello! My name is Zuhal Murzoğlu. This is my last year in the Food

Engineering Department of Akdeniz University. I applied to the

Erasmus Exchange Programme when I was in my first year, and I

went to the University of Debrecen, which is in the second largest city

in Hungary, for 5 months.

During this period I had the best time of my life as an Erasmus

student. I had many experiences, met new people from different

cultures, and widened my horizons. I was also successful in all the

courses I took. Moreover, I had the opportunity to visit 8 countries

and 15 cities in these 5 months.

While some universities provide your accommodation, others do not. If

this is the case, renting a flat with other Erasmus students is a good

choice. Some students give up on Erasmus because their courses may

not match, but it is worth going because you won’t ever have this

opportunity again in your life.

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I would like to tell you about the Erasmus Student Network (ESN). If

the country you go to has an ESN office, most probably your Erasmus

period will be more enjoyable. Volunteers in ESN, like me, help

incoming students, organize events, and get all Erasmus students

together. Detailed information can be found at www.esn.org

To all the students who want to join the Erasmus+ family; you won’t

be disappointed! Your Erasmus period will be the best time of your

education life. To put some memorable things in your life will be

remarkable when you bring your memories back. You visit, see and

discover, too!

Zuhal Murzoğlu

Akdeniz University Food Engineering

July, 2014

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Exchange Programmes Corner

What is the Mevlana Programme?

evlana is an

exchange

programme

designed to

facilitate the exchange of students and academic staff members

between Turkish higher education institutions and higher education

institutions in other countries. Since the regulations were published on

August 23rd 2011, (Regulation No. 28034), the exchange of students and

academic staff members between Turkish higher education institutions

and higher education institutions in other countries has been made

possible.

Students may study abroad for a minimum of one, up to a maximum

of two semesters, while members of the academic staff may lecture

abroad from a minimum of one week, up to a maximum period of

three months. As a result, students and academic staff members from

any country may benefit from this programme by being hosted by

Turkish higher education institutions in order to study or lecture.

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The original name of Mevlana, which inspired the name of the

programme, belonged to Muhammed Celaleddin. Mevlana was born

in 1207 in the district of Belh of Horasan, which is now on the border

of Afghanistan. The name "Mevlana" was used by Sultan Veled, Şems-i

Tebrizi and his lovers, and it has become a universal symbol which is

identified with him. He is also known as Rumi to the people of the

western world. Mevlana lived in the 13th century, but as a sufi who

encompasses a timeless quality in his work, he did not discriminate

between peoples, as illustrated by his verse "Come, come whoever you

are". As well as his mercy, selflessness and unbounded humanity, he

showed total tolerance, qualities which impressed not only the world of

Islam but also the whole of humanity. He is accepted worldwide as a

profound intellectual in his view of people and life. UNESCO, in

recognition of the 800th anniversary of Mevlana’s birth, declared the

year 2007 as the year of Mevlana and Tolerance.

Throughout his education, he visited the educational institutions of

various cities in different countries not only as a student, but also as a

scholar. Mevlana attributed great importance to "change" in his

philosophy throughout his life.

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Exchange Programmes Corner

A Mevlana Incoming Student at Akdeniz University

I came to study Sociology in the Faculty of Letters at Akdeniz

University from Kirghizstan Manas University between September

27th 2013 and January 30th 2014 with the Mevlana Exchange

Programme.

I found new friends and qualified teachers here. I learnt many things

about Turkish culture. I have gained new knowledge and experience

in my field of study. I also had a chance to get to know students from

different countries who came here with the Mevlana Exchange

Programme.

I would like to thank in particular the Rector of Akdeniz University,

our teachers in the Sociology Department, and the International

Relations Office staff Nurgül Büyükkalay, Ayşe Tuğcan and Ozan

Baktır,

Caznura Abalkanova

January, 2014

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Exchange Programmes Corner

A Mevlana Outgoing Student sent by Akdeniz University

I went to Dzemal Bijedic University in Mostar in Bosnia-

Herzegovinan with the Mevlana Exchange Programme when I was in

the third year of my course at Akdeniz University. When I remember

those days, I miss it very much.

Although you can see Turkish people and flag there, and have a

chance to talk Turkish, it was my first time abroad. Therefore, I was

very excited and tried to discover everything in Mostar.

I stayed there for 3 months. I attended courses, travelled a lot, and ate

different kinds of food. Their culture was similar to ours, so I did not

have many difficulties during my stay.

I have many memories that I can remember and talk about. I will not

have another chance in the future, so I am very happy I applied for

the Mevlana Exchange Programme.

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The university and teachers were really very helpful to me. I had a

chance to take courses with different teachers and I learnt new things

about my study area. I also made new friends from Bosnia.

I want to thank to all the staff in the Mevlana Office at Akdeniz

University and Dzemal Bijedic University. I recommend all students

to do Mevlana Exchange.

ISMAIL KAYA

Akdeniz University

Soil Science and Plant Nutrition

June, 2014

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Exchange Programmes Corner

What is the Farabi Programme?

arabi is a national

exchange programme

operating between

universities which

have signed the

“Farabi Exchange Protocol”. The programme was started in Turkey by

the YÖK Higher Education Institution in 2009. Each October and

March students can apply to their own universities to be a Farabi

Exchange Student and study in another university in Turkey. The

selection process takes into consideration the academic success of the

applicants.

The exchange serves to improve both the social skills of the individual,

and provides them with the experience to deal with difficulties. Since

they are studying in a different social environment, it also improves

their communication skills. The students have the chance to study

with different teachers at a different university, which helps them to

develop a different vision in their work.

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Exchange Programmes Corner

A Farabi Incoming Student

I am a Farabi Exchange student at Akdeniz University. At the

beginning, all the procedures seemed too complicated for me, but later

on I understood that it was not.

The department head is very important and, if he gives permission,

you will be allowed to be flexible and take different courses from

different faculties.

On my first day at Akdeniz University, we had an orientation day

and they gave us information about the programme and the process.

I will never forget my days at Akdeniz University. I made new

friends. I had an opportunity to take courses from different teachers

who have different perspectives and expert areas. I had a chance to

attend various social activities. With its social activities and many

international students, Akdeniz University is a world class university.

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If I had a problem, the Farabi Office staff helped me. I recommend all

university students to apply for the Farabi Programme and get a

chance to study in a different university.

I want to thank the staff in the Farabi Office of Akdeniz University

and wish all my friends success.

Yunus GÜNEŞ

July, 2014

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Exchange Programmes Corner

A Farabi Outgoing Student

Would you like to gain some experience? Then screw up your courage

and apply for the Farabi Exchange Programme to welcome new

friends in different parts of different cities. When I was in my first

year at university, I was encouraged to apply for this programme by

my lecturer, and I was accepted by Ankara Gazi University.

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I made new friendships, took part in many seminars, and exchanged

information and ideas in Ankara, This exchange gave me many

opportunities because I study International Relations, and I also tried

to make use of what I learnt as much as possible. If there is someone

who hesitates, the only thing I can honestly say is “go and watch

yourself in different worlds. Even if it is just for one year, it was great

to spend my limited time in Ankara. I’m still happy and proud of

meeting ambassadors, ministers, deputies and authors.

I’d like to express my gratitude first to the Akdeniz University Farabi

Office staff, and secondly to the Ankara Farabi Office staff who helped

us during the exchange process.

Ibrahim SIGIRCI

July, 2014

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EU Projects Corner

What is an EU Project?

outh Exchanges allow groups of young people between the age

of 13 and 30 from different countries to meet and live together

for up to 21 days.

During a Youth Exchange, participants jointly carry out a work

programme (a mixture of workshops, exercises, debates, role-plays,

simulations, outdoor activities, etc.) designed and prepared by

themselves before the Exchange.

Youth Exchanges allow young people to: develop competences; become

aware of socially relevant topics and thematic areas; discover new

cultures, habits and life-styles, mainly through peer-learning;

strengthen values such as solidarity, democracy, friendship, etc. The

learning process in Youth Exchanges is triggered by the methods of

non-formal education. Youth Exchanges are based on transnational

cooperation between two or more participating organisations from

different countries within and outside the European Union.

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EU Projects Corner

An EU Project Experience

A lovely week in a wonderful place in Berlin, where I passed through

the bridge of happiness and experience. Even if I was born and grown

up between trees and earth, it was the first time for me to dig in the

ground, to chop wood, and to climb. All the people who were there to

learn and experience shared their experiences with the others. In this

way we not only learned new experiences, but also made our past

experiences new, and opened them to be learned by others.

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Every day we prepared our own food, then cleared the table and

cleaned the place in groups of 5 people while the others went chopping

and digging etc. It was exactly what group work was. Days were

passed with workshops. We all tried to turn every detail into a

remarkable experience. Of course we didn’t forget to keep in contact

with the locals, and we used our two days to hear from them and to

rush into action with them, and we literally did. We were given some

tasks to accomplish right up until the end of the last day. The only

group we received help from was the local group. With their help we

doubled our area of expertise, including people of every age.

Ali Can ÇİÇEK

June, 2014

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EU Projects Corner

An EU Project Experience

I took part in a “Youth Work Good Practice Exchange and Network”

Study Visit under the terms of Youth in Action 4.3, which was hosted

by the EuroMed Youth Centre from May 17th to 24th 2014. 29 Youth

workers from the UK, Norway and Lithuania came to Adrasan, and

we were able to share in the best practices of the EuroMed Youth

Centre, and learn about their activities.

First of all, these projects make a great contribution to young people.

You have chance to get to know and be friends with different people

from different countries, chat with them, share their experience, and

this opens your horizons and gives you new targets. You will learn

many things about different cultures and, though this is not the main

aim of the project, your English will improve.

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I have participated in two international projects so far. One of them

was a youth researcher meeting in Lithuania, and the other is the one

mentioned above. It was a great experience for me, and I have had a

chance to get to know many youth workers and be inspired by their

work. Now I am more motivated to work for my peers and become a

qualified youth worker.

I want to thank the Akdeniz University EuroMed Youth Centre, and

the International Relations Office staff for supporting and giving me

this chance. I am very happy to be among them.

Barış Can Kalkay

June, 2014

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Opportunities

What is the IAESTE Programme?

AESTE is the

International

Association for the

Exchange of Students

for Technical Experience, which

is a non-profit-making student

Exchange Union.

IAESTE provides students in technical subjects with paid, course-

related training abroad, and supplies employers with highly skilled

and motivated international trainees. With more than 80 member

countries and over 4,000 traineeships arranged each year, it is the

largest organisation of its kind in the world.

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Istanbul Technical University became a candidate member in 1953 on

behalf of Turkey, and in 1955 it became a full member. Since its

establishment, IAESTE Turkey has provided the opportunity to take

part in an internship in a foreign country to more than 10,000

Turkish students, and also made arrangements for about 10,000

foreign students to come to our country.

The objective of the organization is to speed up technical and career

development, implement high quality internship exchange

programmes between member countries, students, academic

institutions, employers and society, as well as improving mutual

understanding and goodwill.

Deadlines for Erasmus+, KA1 and EVS

The deadline to apply for Erasmus+ KA 1 Youth Mobility

Projects is October 1ST 2014

The deadline to apply for EVS projects is October 1ST 2014, so

young people who want be EVS volunteers should start

looking for a sending institution as soon as possible.

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Address

Akdeniz Üniversitesi Avrupa-Akdeniz Gençlik Eğitim ve Dinlenme Tesisi Deniz Mahallesi Deniz Caddesi Adrasan / Kumluca / ANTALYA

Contact Details

Tel : (+90) 242 310 64 92

(+90) 242 883 13 30 / 31 /32

Fax : (+90) 242 883 13 33

E-Mail euromed@akdeniz.edu.tr