Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Istanbul is Fun but Studying Engineering there is Hard Past Review

By (Industrial Engineering., Kansas State University) for

Bogazici University: Istanbul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload for engineering is extremely large. The tests are difficult, but from my experience the professors understand how difficult it is for exchange students and are very helpful.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dorms were comparable to any dorms in the US.

* Food:

There is not a food plan available, but there are plenty of restaurants and cafeterias (with available meal plans) around. The quality varies and where you eat it and it is all relatively inexpensive. Plenty for vegetarians.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

With the study abroad group at my university, I went to Cappadocia, Turkey. It was a great, educational experience.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The connections they gave you to other abroad students.
* What could be improved?
  • The administrative side is very confusing.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Students who want to get just a taste of what it is like to live in an Islamic country. Turkey, Istanbul, and Bogazici are all very liberal and are, my opinion, more European than Middle Eastern. However, to get a little of both it is a great place to go.