German here, did Erasmus exchange in Istanbul, Turkey while at art / design school. While the university there was to, uh … practical? advertisement focussed? capitalist? for my liking it still was one of the best things I’ve done in my life so far. Met so many cool people from different backgrounds, learned a lot about social skills / relationships, the music, the food, it is (was? It was like 15 years ago, before Erdogan) an amazing city. Can def recommend.