A New Chapter in International Mobility: the spring semester of 2024/2025 was officially opened

This Spring Semester of 2024/25 has started with exciting events in regards of international mobility programs just as always. The colleagues from the International Coordination Office offered exciting and useful opportunities both for METU students and staff applying for international mobility, and the international students arriving for the spring semester. The focus is always on bringing the students and colleagues together, in addition to providing information, is to bring together these students and lecturers through joint programs, offering as many people as possible the chance to build international connections.

The application period for METU students has already concluded. Interested individuals were able to ask questions during both in-person and online office hours, ensuring that no one was left without information.

To promote mobility opportunities, the Mobility Day event was held at the Nagy Lajos campus on February 13, 2025. The event provided an excellent opportunity for students and faculty to gain first-hand experiences about Erasmus+ and other mobility programs, such as the CEEPUS program. Representatives from 13 countries participated, and international exchange students studying at METU shared their experiences and insights about their home universities. Students from countries outside Europe also attended, including Taiwan, Tanzania, and Mexico.

On March 6, 2025, the International Coordination Office officially welcomed nearly 100 international exchange students arriving at METU during the traditional Welcome Event. The event was held in a friendly and informal atmosphere, helping students to adjust to their new environment. Dr. Péter Rada, the vice-rector for international affairs, greeted the students, followed by introductions from the International Coordination Office and the METU Mentor team, who will assist the new students throughout the semester.

The Welcome Event was made festive with traditional champagne toast and special dishes, while the Mentor team ensured a great atmosphere with interactive games. The goal of the evening was not only community building but also to introduce the programs offered by METU to the students.

This year, students came from numerous countries, including Spain, France, and the Netherlands, as well as from farther parts of the world, such as South Korea, Mexico, Egypt, and Azerbaijan. Among international students at METU, business programs remain the most popular, followed by communication studies.

The foundation of a successful semester lies in community building, and METU continues to place a strong emphasis on ensuring that students gain international experiences and lifelong memories.