Angelina Fruth, 5HLKa 2024/25 (Istanbul, Summer 2025)

I arrived as an ERASMUS+-intern in Istanbul on Sunday, August 3^rd, and the adventure began the very moment I left the airport. On the way to my hotel, the city was already alive – lights, colours and sounds everywhere. Istanbul didn’t just welcome me; it embraced me.
The very next day, I started my internship at the Dream Design Factory. I was nervous about the language barrier, but I quickly realized there was nothing to worry about —everyone spoke English well, and communication was never a problem. My boss, Ceren, and all of my colleagues were incredibly kind and supportive. I could feel Turkish hospitality every single day. We always had lunch together and, of course, a cup of çay (tea) afterwards. The work itself was exciting too: I helped develop concept ideas for Mercedes-Benz EQS and designed creative guest gifts for upcoming events. My boss always explained every step clearly, so I wasn’t just doing tasks – I was learning how the whole design process works, from reading a client brief to bringing an idea to life.
I lived in a beautiful neighbourhood surrounded by history and culture. Just a short walk away was the famous Galata Tower, where legend says that if two people climb it together, they are destined to marry.

Around the tower, I also discovered what might just be the best dessert in Istanbul: the legendary San Sebastian Cheesecake. I explored the buzzing Istiklal Street, visited the impressive Church of St. Anthony of Padua, and admired Istanbul’s breathtaking mosques. The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) and Hagia Sophia stand proudly across from each other, both massive and awe-inspiring. Stepping inside was a magical experience – carpets covering the floors, peaceful silence despite the crowds, and the beauty of Islamic art all around. Even if you don’t have a headscarf, you’re given one at the entrance free of charge, which shows how welcoming these places are.
Beyond sightseeing, I also joined a glass-painting workshop where I learned to paint with colours on glass. It was harder than it looked, but the women who led the workshop were so patient and kind, encouraging me and even offering to help if I ever needed anything during my stay. That kind of generosity became a theme of my month in Istanbul.
And let’s not forget the food. Turkish cuisine is simply a dream – Lahmacun, döner, sarma, iskender, mantı… Every meal was delicious, no matter where I ate. Honestly, I would return to Istanbul just for the food alone.

Another highlight was a trip to the Princes’ Islands, especially Heybeliada. The ferry ride took around two hours, but it was worth every minute. The island felt like a postcard: small cafés, sandy beaches, and bicycles everywhere to rent and explore.
Work also brought me new experiences. I got involved in PR and social media marketing for a luxury beach event, which was both fun and educational. One of my proudest moments was seeing some of my own event concept ideas actually being used. Outside of work, I wandered through the Grand Bazaar, a labyrinth of endless shops where you can find literally anything. Despite its size and chaos, I never felt pressured; instead, the sellers were friendly, offering samples and smiling.
Istanbul also surprised me with its nightlife – not in the typical sense of clubs and bars, but in the way the streets themselves were always alive. No matter the time, even at two in the morning, the city was buzzing with people. As a woman traveling alone, I always felt safe, which I know is important for many who might be hesitant.

Other must-sees included the colorful Balat neighborhood with its rainbow stairs and charming cafés, ferry rides across the Bosphorus to the Asian side (for less than one euro!), and the magnificent Çamlıca Mosque – the largest in Istanbul and breathtaking in scale and detail. I also spent hours at the mystical Basilica Cistern and the majestic Topkapı Palace, where I learned about the lives of the sultans and saw incredible artifacts like Moses’ staff and ancient footprints of prophets.
On my final weekend, I tried to squeeze in everything I hadn’t yet done: more sightseeing, more shopping (the malls in Istanbul are on another level, some as fancy as in Dubai), and of course more rooftop cafés. Feeding the birds straight from my fork high above the city skyline was a simple but magical moment I’ll never forget.
What makes Istanbul so special isn’t just its history or its beauty, but its people. Everywhere I went, I was met with kindness, respect, and warmth. The city is chaotic, yes – the traffic is wild, buses stop wherever they want – but it’s also full of life and possibility. Public transport is cheap, easy to use, and reliable. Shops and restaurants seem to never close, and no matter when you step outside, the streets are alive.

Before I go, here are a few basic Turkish words that helped me along the way:

• Hello – Merhaba
• How are you? – Nasılsın?
• Nice to meet you – Memnun oldum
• How much does it cost? – Ne kadar?
• Very beautiful – Çok güzel
• Thank you – Teşekkür ederim
• You’re welcome – Rica ederim
• My name is… – Benim adım…

One month wasn’t enough. Istanbul has a way of capturing your heart – and I know I’ll be back.