Can you go on an Erasmus exchange whilst studying nursing? Absolutely!
Although many people associate the Erasmus+ programme primarily with subjects such as tourism, economics or management, students of medical disciplines can also take advantage of the opportunity to study abroad. The programme enables students to gain knowledge and experience at partner universities across Europe, whilst also allowing them to learn about different education, work and healthcare systems.
Amelia Tkaczyńska, a nursing student at WSG, took advantage of this opportunity and spent the summer semester of 2026 at Sakarya University in Turkey. As she recalls, the decision to go abroad was made very quickly.
“There were loads of options, but one place immediately stole my heart: Sakarya University in Turkey.”
Preparing for the trip turned out to be much simpler than one might think. Support from the host university and student organisations made it easy to settle into her new surroundings.
“Communication with the university there turned out to be incredibly straightforward and hassle-free. Everyone in the international relations office was incredibly open and helpful, as were the lecturers.”
On arriving in Turkey, the student was delighted not only by the university itself, but also by the atmosphere of academic life.
“The university turned out to be wonderful and beautiful; it looked like a small town, bustling with life both day and night.”
However, for the trainee nurse, there was something more important than simply getting to know a new country. The trip provided an opportunity to examine how the healthcare system operates in a different cultural context.
“As a nursing student, I decided to go abroad with a specific aim: I wanted to broaden my professional skills and understand what healthcare is like in a different cultural context.”
The greatest value of the stay lay in the practical sessions and visits to Turkish medical facilities. It was there that Amelia was able to compare the approaches used in Turkey with those she was familiar with from Poland.
“The hospitals in Sakarya are modern, very well-equipped, and the pace at which the staff work can be quite dizzying.”
One of the most interesting experiences was observing the role of the family in the process of treating patients.
“In Turkey, family members are an integral part of the care process; they help with feeding, provide emotional support, and the nurses work closely with them, treating the whole family as partners in the treatment process.”
However, Erasmus turned out to be more than just an opportunity for professional development. My time in Turkey also allowed me to gain a better understanding of the local culture, the everyday lives of the locals and the international student community.
“The first thing that struck me as soon as I arrived was the incredible hospitality of the locals.”
and:
“It was precisely this international melting pot, in which I was able to participate, that made my time in Sakarya so intense, eye-opening and rewarding.”
After spending several months at Sakarya University, Amelia returned to Poland with new academic and professional experiences. Among her most memorable experiences, she cites practical classes, visits to Turkish medical facilities, the opportunity to observe a different model of patient care, and everyday life on an international campus. As she emphasises, it was one of the most intense and rewarding periods of her studies.
*This material is based on an Erasmus+ mobility report by Amelia Tkaczyńska, a nursing student at WSG, who is studying at Sakarya University in Turkey
Would you like to study abroad?The Erasmus+ programme enables WSG students to undertake part of their studies at partner universities in many countries across Europe and beyond. If you are considering going abroad, please contact the International Cooperation Office to find out about the current opportunities available for your degree programme. Further information for students wishing to take part in an Erasmus+ exchange programme |
