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: [email protected]
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 [email protected]