From Monofeya to the World

If you told me a few years ago that I’d be living and studying in Istanbul, I probably would’ve laughed. I was just a regular student from El Monofeya STEM School, spending my days trying to balance classes, competitions, and dreams that sometimes felt too far away. My school was supportive, but in our branch, not many people knew much about studying abroad. We had open resources and teachers who encouraged us, but it wasn’t like there was a clear path or guidance for opportunities outside Egypt. Still, I always had this small hope that someday I’d get to see the world from a new perspective.

After graduating, I had a plan in mind. I wanted a certain college — one specific dream school —, and I worked hard for it. I even took the TOEFL and ACT exams just to be ready. But when I got the rejection, it felt like everything I had been preparing for suddenly disappeared. I didn’t plan on studying abroad unless it was for that one college, so my plan was just to apply to local universities after finishing Grade 12 exams.

But sometimes life gives you things you didn’t plan for.

One day, I saw a post in an educational group online saying that applications for the Türkiye Scholarship were open. At first, I didn’t think much of it. I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to apply. But I already had all my papers ready from my earlier application, so I thought — why not just try? I asked my mom, and she told me to go for it. So, I sat down that same day and filled out the application in about six hours. I submitted it just two days before the deadline.

The Application Process and the Interview

The Türkiye Scholarship application felt long at first, but it was very organized. After making an account, there were sections for everything — personal info, my activities, things I did outside of school, certificates, recommendation letters, and even essays about why I wanted to study in Türkiye and what major I wanted to pursue.

I remember carefully listing my ten universities in order of preference — all business-related, because I always knew that’s what I wanted. I’ve tried exploring other majors, but business just felt right for me. It was the one thing that really clicked.

After submitting the application, I didn’t expect much. There were around 20,000 applicants that year, and only about 1,000 got accepted. So, when I received the email saying I was shortlisted for an interview, I was surprised — but so, so happy.

The interview was at the Turkish Consulate. I still remember that day clearly. There were two people — one Turkish and one Egyptian — and they were both so kind. They asked me about my background, why I wanted this scholarship, and what I hoped to achieve through it. I felt nervous at first, but the moment they started talking, I relaxed. They made me feel comfortable and listened to me with genuine interest.

I left the interview smiling, and deep down, I had this quiet feeling that maybe, just maybe, I would get accepted.

A month later, I got the email. I still remember the moment — I had just finished my final exams, and five days later, I opened my inbox to see the acceptance letter. It didn’t feel real at first. Out of thousands of applicants, I had been chosen. I think that’s when it really hit me — that sometimes, the things you least expect are the ones that change your life completely.

Traveling to Türkiye and First Impressions

When I landed in Istanbul, everything felt new, loud, and unfamiliar. I was holding two big bags, standing in an airport where I didn’t know anyone, and I couldn’t find where the scholarship representatives were waiting. I had no internet connection, and for a few minutes, I felt completely lost. I remember standing there thinking, What am I doing here? Should I just go back home?

But then, I saw a group of people holding a sign for the Türkiye Scholarship. They looked at me and asked, “Are you one of the students?” I nodded, almost in relief. That moment changed everything — because suddenly, I wasn’t alone anymore.

The scholarship team took care of every detail. Before I even traveled, they had arranged my dorm, my bank account, and my residency papers. From the airport, they took us directly to the university dorms. I didn’t have to worry about a single thing — and that made me feel safe in a country I’d never been to before.

The first year was what they called a “prep year,” where we only studied Turkish. It was like a gap year, and honestly, I really needed that. After years of intense studying and stress, that year gave me the space to breathe, explore, and reconnect with myself.

Our class had sixteen students, and we were from sixteen different countries. Every day felt like a new adventure. We’d go out after classes to explore Istanbul, visit the Bosphorus, eat Turkish food, and learn a few things about each other’s cultures. Those days were full of laughter, photos, and endless conversations. We had cultural exchange events, language practice sessions, and lots of spontaneous outings.

It was during that year that I fell in love with Istanbul. The city has this beautiful balance between eastern and western cultures. It’s vibrant, full of history and art, but also alive and modern. There’s something about the call to prayer echoing between old streets while trams pass by and lights reflect on the water — it’s truly unique.

That first year was one of the best years of my life. It was when I realized that stepping into the unknown can bring you the kind of happiness you never expected.

Starting University Life in Istanbul

After finishing my Turkish language year, it was finally time to start studying at Istanbul Commerce University. That moment felt big — like I was stepping into the next chapter of my life. I chose to study Business, the one major that had always felt right for me.

From the very beginning, I could tell that this university was going to be different. My professors had real experience in the business world — they didn’t just teach from textbooks. They shared stories, projects, and lessons that made everything feel more real and connected to life outside the classroom. I started to do really well in my courses, and that encouraged me to push myself more.

During my first semester, I started learning how to live independently. It wasn’t always easy. There were moments when I missed home, my family, and Egyptian food so much. Sometimes the city felt too big. But even in those hard moments, I always felt proud of myself for being there, for building a new life in a new country at my age.

The Türkiye Scholarship didn’t just cover my tuition — it built a whole support system around us. They made sure we had housing, monthly stipends, health insurance, and even activities to help us connect with other international students. It made everything easier to adjust to.

One of the best things was the community I built. My roommates and I became like a small family. We would cook together, talk late at night, and sometimes just sit by the Bosphorus to think about life. Those conversations, laughs, and quiet moments became my favorite memories.

I also learned how to manage my time better, how to deal with challenges, and how to balance studying with enjoying the city. Istanbul is full of energy — every street, café, and corner has something different to see. And somehow, between lectures and deadlines, I found time to really live.

It was also during this time that I started thinking about the future. I realized that I didn’t want to limit myself to one country or one experience. So, when my university opened applications for the Erasmus Scholarship, I decided to apply. 

Reflections and Advice: Following Your Dreams

Looking back at my journey, I realize that the biggest lessons didn’t come from exams or textbooks. They came from taking chances and stepping into the unknown. To any student in Egypt, or anywhere in the world, who dreams of studying abroad, here’s what I’ve learned.

First, don’t be afraid to try. Opportunities don’t always come in the form you expect. Sometimes, the paths you never planned for turn out to be the most life-changing. The Türkiye Scholarship found me when I wasn’t even looking, and taking that chance changed everything.

Second, explore beyond grades and achievements. Academics matter, but your curiosity, your willingness to try new things, and your passion for learning about the world will shape you just as much, if not more. Join competitions, attend workshops, volunteer, and pursue interests that excite you. You never know which experiences might open doors.

Third, surround yourself with the right people. Being around others who share your drive and curiosity, even if it is online at first, can inspire you and keep you motivated. On my first year in Istanbul, being with classmates from sixteen countries taught me more than I could have imagined about culture, perspectives, and friendship.

Finally, embrace independence and challenges. There will be moments when you feel lost or unsure, like I did in Istanbul on my first day. But these moments are opportunities to grow, to trust yourself, and to discover what you are capable of. A country can change you. Living in a new place, meeting people from different backgrounds, and experiencing life in a completely new way can change your perspective, your confidence, and even your dreams.

Conclusion: The Journey is Yours

Studying abroad is more than a change of place. It is a change of perspective. From Monofeya to Istanbul, every step taught me resilience, confidence, and a love for learning beyond borders. Life doesn’t always follow the plan you set, and sometimes the detours are the most important parts of the journey.

Take the leap. Explore the world, embrace the unknown, and give yourself the chance to grow in ways you never imagined. The experiences, friendships, and lessons you gain will stay with you forever, and they might just change the course of your life, like they did for me.