My Erasmus journey actually began at a time I had never planned. It was a period after the February 6 earthquake in Turkey when classes went online and we were at home. The only reason I took the English exam was to test my level; I even thought there were no vacancies in our department. I took the exam thinking, "Maybe I'll use my score next year," and suddenly found myself in the process.

1. First Step: Language Exam and Application Portal

The first stage of the process is the language exams administered by the school. Generally, once you pass the written exam, you qualify for an oral interview. If you already have a valid language certificate, you may not need to take these exams, but since the exams are usually not very difficult, I recommend taking them to boost your score.

After receiving your exam results, you submit your application through the Turna Portal. If you are considering an internship mobility, a previously obtained acceptance letter can earn you an extra 10 points. I had received my acceptance letter before my internship application, and this allowed me to be selected as a primary candidate.

2. Nomination and Document Preparation (LA & OLA)

When the process begins, your school sends "nomination" letters to the host institutions. Then, one of the most critical stages, the Learning Agreement, begins. At this stage, use your credits to the fullest and stay in constant communication with the coordinators for course matching.

• Learning Mobility: This is usually carried out via the Online Learning Agreement (OLA) website. Documents are signed digitally.
• Internship Mobility: Usually requires manual document creation. You can obtain templates for these documents from Erasmus offices or from students who have previously participated.

When getting documents signed, ask your coordinators which method (wet signature or digital) is appropriate; it is entirely up to you to speed up the process.

3. Acceptance Letter, Grant, and Accommodation Procedures

After you send the documents, you will receive an Acceptance Letter from the host institution and, if applicable, an accommodation document. When you forward this document to your school, they will prepare the "Grant Letter" required for your visa. Additionally, if you are staying in a KYK dormitory, you can request to freeze your dorm registration with the document you receive from the Erasmus office.

4. The Grand Finale: The Visa Stage

Although the visa process is the most daunting stage for many people, it is not that difficult. Each country has different requirements, so I won't go into too much detail here, but as a recommendation: book your appointment early, gather all your documents, and don't buy your plane ticket (before your visa is confirmed). Be meticulous about your documents, but don't worry more than necessary.

"When going through passport control, don't forget to carry physical copies of all your documents with you."

In short, the process can be easily overcome with proper follow-up and patience. I can elaborate on topics such as finding an internship, completing the mobility certificate, and living and traveling in Erasmus in the future. If you have any questions, you can always reach out to me.