CurioPath

Living and Learning Abroad: My Erasmus Story

In this blog, I’d like to share my Erasmus experience and give you a glimpse into my journey. If you’re curious about who I am, you can check the About section of this website.

Introduction – How It All Started

With a passion for languages, culture, and education, I decided to study English Language Teaching in Bursa, Türkiye. I truly enjoy my university and the opportunities it offers. Thanks to highly qualified professors, I have gained a wealth of academic knowledge and developed skills that will be useful in my future career.

In my third year, I asked myself: “If I love languages, culture, and new experiences, why not join an exchange program like Erasmus?” That single question marked the beginning of one of the most valuable journeys of my life.

First Impressions of Germany

I spent five unforgettable months in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany—a charming little town full of character.
Before this, I had never seriously thought about studying in Germany, but the opportunity broadened my horizons and gave me fresh perspectives on life.

Preparing for the Journey

Before departure, I booked my accommodation—a cozy dormitory building just a short walk from the campus. I had a private room, shared my bathroom with one neighbor, and each floor had its own kitchen. These shared spaces became more than just functional—they were places where I could socialize and make friends.

Arrival and Warm Welcome

When I landed at Stuttgart Airport (the closest airport to Schwäbisch Gmünd), I was greeted warmly by local student volunteers. Their role was to help exchange students with anything they might need, from navigating the city to handling paperwork.

From day one until the very end of my stay, I felt their continuous support. It meant a lot to know that people cared about making international students feel at home. For that, I am truly thankful.

Academic and Cultural Growth

Thanks to my professors in Schwäbisch Gmünd, I gained extensive subject knowledge and valuable field experience. Through the guidance of Prof. Monika Becker, I learned about German culture in depth and received an education that broadened my vision. I also had the privilege of attending classes with Andrea Kratzer, Uwe Meier, and many other dedicated lecturers, each contributing to my growth as a more visionary, cultured, and knowledgeable individual.

My interest in the courses and the high grades I achieved in exams led to warm recognition from my professors, especially from Monika Becker and Lesia Kimmel. This encouragement reshaped my career direction and solidified my goal: to pursue a master’s degree in Multilingualism, Integration, Cultural Exchange, and Intercultural Communication through the EDUMIG programme. Even after returning from Erasmus, I have continued working tirelessly toward this goal—and as I write these lines, I am still giving my all to make it a reality.

Lessons Learned and Personal Development

Before leaving Türkiye, I knew only a handful of German words and had little real interest in the language—until I immersed myself in the culture. Living in an environment where my entire day unfolded in German changed everything. Each moment naturally improved my language skills, and by the end of my stay, I was able to communicate and have conversations, even if not in perfect detail.

This experience marked the beginning of my German learning journey. Motivated to keep improving, I began collecting certificates and seeking out new experiences for personal growth. The courses I took also played a major role in this progress. Thanks to Andrea Kratzer, I even had the opportunity to visit a German public school, actively participate in teaching, and witness the classroom process firsthand. This was an invaluable experience for me as a future educator.

Conclusion – Why Erasmus Matters

Looking back, my Erasmus experience was so much more than a semester abroad, it was a turning point in my life. It challenged me to adapt, inspired me to dream bigger, and gave me the confidence to pursue my academic and professional goals with determination.

I returned home not only with academic knowledge, but also with friendships from all over the world, a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity, and a clearer vision for my future.

If you ever have the chance to study abroad, take it. You will not only discover a new country—you will discover new sides of yourself, just as I did in Schwäbisch Gmünd.

Below, I’ve shared some photos from my Erasmus journey. If you’re curious, feel free to explore them and get a glimpse of the moments that made this experience unforgettable.

This photo is actually a reflection of how I got used to living alone and learned to cook. Every day, I tried different recipes—sometimes they turned out great, sometimes a disaster—but each one gave me a valuable experience. After this journey, I have no doubt that I’ve become a master in the kitchen.

Through many group trips, we discovered new places, made new friends, tried different foods, and had a wonderful time.

Mensa—the cafeteria—was where I enjoyed my favorite meal: schnitzel, something I looked forward to every Friday. Eating it at the PH mensa with my friends somehow made it taste even better.

As an ASTA member, we often organized game nights where we all gathered to play board games together. Sometimes we played Werwolf, taking our acting skills to the next level. Alongside nights full of laughter and fun, there were also free drinks and snacks—an unforgettable combination for unforgettable evenings.

Right after arriving in Germany, the city tour and the visit to the Mercedes Museum were incredible experiences I hadn’t expected at all. As a car enthusiast, starting my journey this way made me absolutely thrilled. Being a Mercedes-Benz fan, every minute there felt unforgettable to me.

I met countless amazing people, all young individuals from different corners of the world. Despite coming from different cultures and having different personalities, we connected incredibly well and shared great interactions. We learned each other’s languages, marveled at each other’s cultures, and now, I think it’s pretty cool to say ‘I have friends from all around the world’.

One of my absolute favorite dishes during my time in Germany was Käsespätzle—a comforting plate of soft, cheesy egg noodles topped with perfectly caramelized onions, often served with a side of fresh salad. The rich, creamy texture of the pasta combined with the sweetness of the onions made it a dish I could never get tired of. Whether enjoyed on a cold evening or as a treat after a long day of classes, it always felt like the perfect taste of German comfort food.

While traveling across Europe, we faced some hilariously challenging moments that turned into unforgettable memories. One example was getting caught in a heavy downpour at the very top of Notre Dame, desperately trying to find someone to take our picture. When we finally did, the wind was so strong that we nearly lost our balance while posing—a perfectly chaotic yet priceless memory! 😄

One of the funny little things I’ll never forget is how, despite telling people my name, Abdulkadir Tunalı, multiple times, it still kept showing up hilariously misspelled in my inbox. Moments like these were small reminders of the challenges and charm of navigating different cultures and integration efforts.

I still remember those mornings when I arrived early for class and tried to shake off my sleepiness by having a fresh Brezel at the mensa. Those quiet moments, with the smell of warm bread and the campus slowly coming to life, became a small but comforting ritual during my Erasmus days.

After our last night together with the American students, we took a photo to keep the memory alive forever. Even now, I feel a wave of sadness when I look at it. My dear friend Michael Pruisner will always have a place in my heart. I’m certain they are among the best people I have ever met.