Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I am a better student and a stronger person. Past Review

By (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 02/13/2012 to 06/08/2012 with

Bogazici University: Istanbul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned patience and tolerance. Many people gave me their time and helped me when they didn't have too. I was an inconvenience to people but still they helped me. I will do the same for others.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $250.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Yes. Try to avoid restaurants and eat at market food as often as possible.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

The exchange University I attended was officially an English language school.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Yes. Live with a native roommate.

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

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The city of Istanbul is just as educational as the university I attended.
  • The host university staff was really helpful and considerate.
  • It was a very affordable option for studying abroad.
* What could be improved?
  • The response time for notification of acceptance takes too long.
  • Transfer of grade process is unreliable.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Turkish language.