Atalay Ozkanat, a student in the Department of Dentistry, shares his Erasmus+ Traineeship experience in Germany with us.

Why do a Traineeship abroad: I wanted to gain international experience that would help me grow professionally. I knew this internship would be a great opportunity to observe different working environments, learn new techniques, and develop my skills in the dental field. More than just academic knowledge, I wanted to experience different cultures and see how things are done in another country. The program was an amazing chance to grow both personally and professionally.

Why Germany: I was curious about its healthcare system and wanted to see firsthand how dental services operate there. I also wanted to immerse myself in the German culture and language. I felt that understanding how things work in Germany would give me a fresh perspective on my profession. Plus, it was an opportunity to be part of a working culture that’s different from my own, which I thought would be incredibly valuable for my future career.

What I Learned: This experience taught me to quickly adapt to new environments, take on responsibility, and improve my communication skills. Academically, I learned the importance of applying theory to practice, while culturally, I embraced a new working environment and improved my language skills without even realizing it.

"I always say that the Atalay before Erasmus and the Atalay after Erasmus are completely different people. After all those experiences, friendships, and cultural exchanges, it’s impossible not to change and grow. I highly recommend that every student should experience this at least once."