This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
Since Erasmus application procedures vary from university to university, I would first like to briefly outline the application steps based on my own experience.
As a graduate student at Manisa Celal Bayar University, I decided to participate in the Erasmus traineeship mobility program. My first step was to take the exam organized by my university. After passing the exam, my university GPA accounted for 50 percent of the score and the exam result for the other 50 percent. Additionally, I received a +5 point bonus for an internship I completed in the field of technology, bringing my total score to 80 points, which secured my success.
Before the exam, I emailed universities that have agreements with my institution to inquire whether they could host me for a traineeship. I received positive responses from most of them. My advice to you is that if you plan to apply for a traineeship, choose your placement before taking the exam. Application deadlines can sometimes be very short, and passing the exam alone is not sufficient. When the application portal opens, you are required to submit an acceptance letter. Since document preparation and contract procedures differ from university to university, always monitor your documents through your own university’s Erasmus webpage.
Ultimately, I received an acceptance letter from a university in Portugal and completed all the required documentation.
After completing the documentation process, it was time to handle the visa procedures. I gathered all my documents and visited the Portuguese Consulate in Ankara. The atmosphere inside was somewhat interview-like, but no formal interview was conducted. Some staff members spoke Turkish while others spoke only English. The officer who assisted me was very courteous and asked brief questions that helped calm my nerves. For security reasons, I was required to leave my phone inside.
Approximately two weeks later, my passport arrived by courier, and I saw that my application had been approved. It was now time for preparation for departure.
In my next blog post, I will tell you about my adventure in Portugal. For now, that’s all.
Erasmus Decision and Selection Process
Traineeship Placement Application
Visa Process