Istanbul
Where two continents meet in one extraordinary city.
Why Istanbul?
Straddling two continents, bridging East and West, ancient and modern, sacred and secular, Istanbul offers an experience that is unlike any other destination in our network. It is a city of overwhelming beauty, extraordinary history and remarkable cultural depth. For education professionals, Istanbul is a transformative destination. The city challenges preconceptions, broadens perspectives and offers an immersive encounter with a civilisation that has shaped the history of Europe, the Mediterranean and the Middle East for thousands of years. Training in Istanbul means learning in a city where the sense of scale, both historical and human, puts everything in a different light. With over 11 years of experience running programmes in Istanbul, Sude Nexus has developed a deep knowledge of the city and a strong local network of training partners, cultural guides and hospitality professionals. Our participants in Istanbul consistently describe the experience as one of the most memorable of their professional lives.
Istanbul does something to people. It opens them up. The sheer scale of its history, the richness of its culture and the warmth of its people create an experience that goes far beyond professional development. Participants who come to Istanbul leave with a fundamentally broader understanding of what European and Mediterranean civilisation means.
Why Train in Istanbul?
A Truly Unique Cultural Experience
No other city in our network offers the cultural depth and diversity of Istanbul. From the Byzantine splendour of the Hagia Sophia to the Ottoman grandeur of the Topkapi Palace, from the vibrant energy of the Grand Bazaar to the contemporary arts scene of Karakoy, Istanbul is endlessly surprising and endlessly rewarding.
Intercultural Learning at Its Best
Istanbul is a living laboratory for intercultural dialogue, cultural heritage and global citizenship. For education professionals working on these themes, there is no better classroom in Europe or beyond.
Outstanding Value
Istanbul offers exceptional quality at a cost that works well within most Erasmus+ grant budgets. Excellent accommodation, outstanding food and rich cultural experiences are available at prices that make Istanbul one of the most cost-effective destinations in our entire network.
Getting to Istanbul
Istanbul Airport (IST), one of the largest and busiest airports in the world, is served by direct flights from virtually every European country. The airport is connected to the city centre by metro. Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) on the Asian side offers additional connections, particularly from low-cost carriers. Istanbul is also reachable by overnight train from Sofia and other Balkan cities.
Cultural Highlights
A selection of the experiences that make Istanbul such a memorable destination for our participants.
The Hagia Sophia and the Historic Peninsula
The Hagia Sophia is one of the most extraordinary buildings in human history, a structure that has been a Christian basilica, an Ottoman mosque and now a functioning mosque again. Together with the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar, it forms part of a historic peninsula that is among the most densely significant cultural landscapes in the world.
The Bosphorus
A boat trip on the Bosphorus, the narrow strait that divides Europe from Asia, is one of the most memorable experiences in our entire programme network. Seeing Istanbul from the water, with its minarets and domes rising on both shores, is an image that participants carry with them for the rest of their lives.
The Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market
The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, a labyrinthine city within a city of colour, scent and sound. Nearby, the Egyptian Spice Market offers an extraordinary sensory experience of the spices, dried fruits, teas and sweets that have passed through Istanbul for centuries.
Karakoy, Beyoglu and Contemporary Istanbul
Beyond the historic monuments, Istanbul has a vibrant contemporary cultural life centred on the Beyoglu district and the waterfront neighbourhood of Karakoy. Its galleries, design studios, rooftop bars and independent restaurants offer a fascinating window into modern Turkish culture and creativity.
Courses Available in Istanbul
All 32 of our school education professional development courses are available in Istanbul. Browse the full catalogue to find the right course for your Erasmus+ project.
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