Meet the ESI Admins: The Visionaries Behind the ESI International Community

ESI International Community has flourished into a vibrant, multicultural family — united by shared adventures, unforgettable events and a genuine passion for connection. Since our early milestones — from exploring the natural wonders of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Ephesus in March 2023, to our iconic Bosphorus Boat Party in October 2022 and our very first venue party in February 2022 — we’ve been building bonds that transcend borders.

At the heart of this ever-growing community are the dedicated ESI Admins, whose vision, passion and tireless efforts continue to shape and energize the ESI spirit. Get to know the inspiring leaders who make it all possible. 🌍

ESI Admin - Teo (Co-Founder)

Born: 1996, European Side of Istanbul
His Home: Maslak, Sarıyer, European Side of Istanbul
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems (Marmara Region, Turkey)*

*His classes were in Turkish, everyone in his class was Turkish and only one student was from Somalia.

High School: Etiler, Beşiktaş, European Side of Istanbul
The 3 neighborhoods he knows best in Istanbul : Maslak , Levent , Şişhane
He knows the following Turkish cities very well : İstanbul , Tekirdağ , Niğde , Adana , Nevşehir (Cappadocia) , Aksaray , Bilecik , Eskişehir
Lived in 4 countries : Turkey , Germany , Greece , Poland
International Experience:
- Erasmus+ Study exchange at Politechnika Częstochowska, Poland (Spring Semester 2017)
- Erasmus+ Traineeships in Essen, Germany (Summer 2018) and Thessaloniki, Greece (Summer 2019)
- Traveled to over 18 European countries
- His last trip abroad was to Sarajevo of Bosnia & Herzegovina (January 2026).
Skills: Digital marketing, content creation, video editing, Photoshop, social media management, trip managing , multilingual communication , trip quiz moderator , trip quiz manager
Languages: Turkish (native, C2), English (B2), German (A2), Greek (A1), Polish(A1), Italian (A1)
P.S.: Teo has improved himself by researching & learning Chinese culture and Chinese public holidays for the last 4 years.
Volunteering: Marathon events volunteer, swimming instructor for children with special needs, social media support for Bodrum Granfondo Bike Race
Favorite Football Team: Beşiktaş 🖤🤍
His Family Connection in the EU: Belgium
His Family Connection in the World: Canada
The most visited country in the EU: Germany
Past Hitchhiking - Auto-stop Adventures: Turkey , The Netherlands , Bulgaria
His YouTube Channel : Has received 500,000 views.

🇪🇺 Teoman’s Erasmus+ Mobility for Study Experience in Poland (Spring 2017)

During the spring semester of 2016/2017, Teoman studied at Czestochowa University of Technology through the Erasmus+ Exchange Programme.

He joined the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science (from Feb 28 – Jun 30, 2017) and successfully completed international courses:

A (Excellent): Logistics • Quality Management • Fuzzy Modelling
B (Very Good): Advanced Internet Programming
C (Good): Programming of Web Pages
D (Satisfactory): Databases & Warehouses
E (Sufficient): Communication Skills II

Courses were in English and graded by the ECTS system.
Beyond academics, Teo embraced Polish culture, local foods and city life — returning home with international friends and a broader perspective.

About Teo:
A digital marketing enthusiast and content creator, Teo blends his love for travel, technology and languages to keep ESI innovative and connected worldwide.

Teo’s Adventures on Social Media

The social responsibility volunteer project he participated in ( swimming instructor for children with special needs )

ESI Admin - Doğan (Co-Founder)

Born: 1995, European Side of Istanbul
His Home: Şişli , European Side of Istanbul
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering (Marmara Region, Turkey)
High School: Beylikdüzü, European Side of Istanbul
The 3 neighborhoods he knows best in Istanbul : Beylikdüzü , Çağlayan , Bomonti
He knows the following Turkish cities very well : İstanbul , Edirne , Tokat , Kocaeli , İzmir , Antalya
Lived in 4 countries : Turkey , Greece , Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus , Spain
Volunteering: European Solidarity Corps volunteer in Thessaloniki, Greece (September 2019-November 2019)
His 3 most recent highlights of travelling abroad: Budapest (He met with an officials from the Erasmus organising committee there.) , Madrid , Lyon
Languages: Turkish (native, C2), English (C1), Spanish (A1), Greek (A1)
Favorite Football Team: Galatasaray❤️💛
His Family Connection in the EU: -
The most visited country in the EU: Greece
Past Hitchhiking - Auto-stop Adventure: Turkey
Traveled to over 14 European countries

Skills:

Partnership building and direct negotiation
Canva Design
Event logistics and entertainment planning
Event coordination and community management
Venue scouting and deal negotiation
Trip Negotiation and Trip Organising
Strong intercultural communication
Strategic planning for international and domestic collaboration

About Doğan:
Doğan is the strategic force behind many of ESI’s international connections. Known for his direct and effective communication, he handles key agreements and builds partnerships that help ESI grow across Europe and Turkey. His background in engineering, innovation, and organization management equips him with the skills to provide the community with both structure and empathy.

Doğan’s Adventures on Social Media

ESI Admin - Anas (He Joined April 2022)

Born: 2000, Casablanca, Morocco
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautical Engineering & Pilot Training (Istanbul, Turkey)
High School: Casablanca, Morocco
The 3 neighborhoods he knows best in Istanbul : Kuruçeşme , Mecidiyeköy , Bomonti
He knows the following Turkish cities very well : İstanbul , Muğla , Antalya
Lived in 3 Countries : Turkey , Morocco , France
Languages: Moroccan Arabic (Darija) (native, C2), French (C1), English (C1), Turkish (C1), Spanish (A2)
Favorite Football Teams: Real Madrid and Wydad Casablanca — combining global excellence and local pride
His Family Connection in the EU: France
The most visited country in the EU: France

Skills:

DJ Players , pole dancers and artist coordination
Venue's Lodge & VIP Area Managing
Booking and managing music performers
Video Editing and Banner Design via iOS mobile apps
Venue scouting and deal negotiation
Multilingual communication and cultural mediation
Event Manager

About Anas:
Anas is a multilingual cultural connector and DJ player coordinator who brings music, venue partnerships, and vibrant energy to the ESI community.

ESI Admin - Alpay

Year of Birth: 2000, European Side of Istanbul
City of Birth : Beylikdüzü, European Side of Istanbul
His Home : Beylikdüzü, European Side of Istanbul
Education: Associate Degree in Emergency Medical Technology (Paramedic) (Istanbul, Turkey)
High School : Beylikdüzü, European Side of Istanbul
The 3 neighborhoods he knows best in Istanbul: Beylikdüzü , Avcılar , Esenyurt
Turkish Cities He Knows Well: İstanbul , Tekirdağ
Countries Lived In: Turkey
Erasmus / International Experience: -
Languages : Turkish (native, C2) , English (B1)
Favorite Football Team: Fenerbahçe 💙💛
Family Connection in the EU: Yugoslav heritage from the Balkans
Most Visited EU Country : Germany
Past Hitchhiking / Adventure Experiences: ?
Skills: Social media management • Community support
About Alpay: Brings team discipline and a community-first approach to ESI.
📸 Check out his creative work on Alpay Mobilya Dekarasyon (Founded 2008).

ESI Admin - Hazhi

Year of Birth: 2004, Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Current City: Istanbul, Turkey
Education: Bachelor of International Relations and Political Science (Major) & Psychology (Minor) – Kadir Has University (Istanbul, Turkey)
Former Bachelor of Law Student – The American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (Iraq)
High School: United Science International School (USIS) – American/Turkish International High School
The 3 neighborhoods She knows best in Istanbul : Osmanbey • Nişantaşı • Taksim
Countries Lived In: Iraq • Turkey
Erasmus / International Experience:–
Languages: Sorani Kurdish (Native) , English (Fluent) , Turkish (Intermediate) , Arabic (Intermediate)
Favorite Football Team: Does not actively follow Turkish football
Family Connection to the EU: - (family heritage connected to the royal lineage of Jordan)
Most Visited EU Country:–
Skills: Communication • Management • Public Speaking • Socializing • Translation • Adaptability • Handcrafted Projects (DIY)
Volunteer Experience: Over 1000 hours of volunteer work completed within the past two years.
About Hazhi: Brings strong communication skills, international perspective, and a passion for community work to ESI. Known for her adaptability and leadership in volunteer initiatives, Hazhi combines academic interest in global politics with hands-on social engagement.

🌍 Our Journey Together: ESI Milestones

A timeline of community, adventure and unforgettable firsts.

This is the story of ESI — one step, one event, one memory at a time.

📱 February 22, 2021

Foundation of ESI's First WhatsApp Group
Created by Admin Teo
Where it all began — a simple group chat that sparked a growing, vibrant international community.

📸 August 5, 2021

Launch of ESI's Instagram Page
Created by Admin Teo
Our window to the world! Sharing memories, stories and the spirit of ESI.

🏃‍♂️ October 30, 2021

ESI's First Running Gathering
Our first active event — bonding over morning runs and shared motivation.

🥾 November 14, 2021

ESI's First International Trekking
Exploring nature beyond borders, marking the start of many outdoor adventures.

⚽ February 6, 2022

ESI's First Men's Football Match
The pitch came alive as ESI's male members kicked off the first football match.

⛸️ February 11, 2022

ESI's First Ice Skating Event
Gliding through ice and laughter — our first winter sports day together.

🎉 February 25, 2022

ESI’s First Venue Party
From text chats to the dancefloor — our community truly came alive in person.

☕ February 26, 2022

ESI's First Cafe Meet-up & Game Night
Games, laughter, and warm conversations — the night that brought strangers closer.

⚽ March 7, 2022

ESI's First Women’s Football Match (vs. Liberta FC)
A proud moment as our female members took the field with energy and spirit.

🚢 October 1, 2022

ESI’s First Bosphorus Boat Party
Magic on the water — music, dancing, and a sunset we’ll never forget.

🎃 October 31, 2022

ESI’s First Halloween Party
Creepy costumes, carved pumpkins, and spooky fun all night long.

🏛️ March 24–26, 2023

ESI’s First Pamukkale & Ephesus Trip
A journey into history, wonder, and friendship across stunning landscapes.

🎈 April 14–16, 2023

ESI’s First Cappadocia Trip
From underground cities to hot air balloons — an iconic experience for ESI.

🌊 May 18–21, 2023

ESI’s First Muğla Fethiye Trip
Beach days, sunsets, and unforgettable seaside adventures.

🎤 December 8, 2023

ESI's International Karaoke Night
Voices from around the world singing together — a truly global night of fun.

🎄 December 16, 2023

ESI's First Xmas Party
Warm hearts, festive cheer, and holiday memories in the making.

❄️ February 18, 2024

ESI's First Winter Run Gathering
Chilly air, warm energy — our runners braved the cold and shared the joy.

🧺 June 29, 2024

ESI's First International Picnic
A beautiful day in the sun with games, global dishes, and laughter from every corner.

📸 April 11, 2025

Launch of ESI's First Instagram Announcement Channel
A fresh visual chapter begins — bringing updates, highlights, and community moments to your feed, as ESI continues to grow and connect across borders.

✍️ August 26, 2025

ESI's Blog Page Foundation
Taking our stories online — a platform to inspire, inform and celebrate our community in every word.

📲 March 2, 2026

ESI's First Mobile App Launch
A new era of connection — ESI is now building a digital community with you, making things easier than ever before.

💫 This journey is only getting started.

With every new face, trip and memory, the ESI family grows stronger.
Thank you for being part of the story — here’s to the next chapter! 🥂

💬 Final Words

The ESI community is built on passion, diversity and commitment.
Together, we explore cultures, create unforgettable memories, and form friendships that go beyond borders.

Stay tuned for more exciting adventures and events.
Whether you’re here to travel, party, or connect — the ESI family welcomes you warmly.

by ESI Admins ✨
Teo • Doğan • Anas • Hazhi • Alpay
📲 Instagram: @erasmus_social_istanbul