Past Review
By Michael W (Chemistry., SUNY - Binghamton) for
Bogazici University: Istanbul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
My experience was worthwhile. I have a much greater understanding of Turkish culture and people, and also of Islam.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Classes were average. Most teachers were not so motivated. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I did not interact with them so much, but when I did they were helpful and provided me with the required papers I needed. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in the Superdorm for the Fall 2009 semester. For the Spring 2010 semester I lived in a flat in Rumeli Hisarustu. The superdorm was expensive, not so comfortable, and I felt like it isolated me from the school and school neighborhood. <br /><br /> I did not like the superdorm, it was expensive and the rooms were small. I also was not so close to my roommates, but It is a good way to meet other foreign students, if that is what you want. My flat was closer to the school (between North and South campus). I never had any problems or fears about my safety. The internet connections in many Rumeli Hisarustu flats is not so good. My room was furnished, I only needed sheets for my bed. |
| * Food: |
The food is based heavily on meat, but it is not so hard to find vegetarian food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
You can always find things to do and people to do them with. Their are social events (concerts/parties) hosted by certain groups at the school. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
At no point did I feel unsafe. The few times I got sick I went to the medical place on campus, payed 1 lira, got a prescription and bought some medicine. They had an English speaking doctor. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Between $100-$150. If you cook for yourself you will spend much less, eating out every day adds up. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try to cook for yourself, you will save a lot of money. Do not eat in Bebek and Etiler so often. |
Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Taking a Turkish course is helpful, but it is important to try to talk to your Turkish friends in Turkish. They will appreciate your attempts and certainly be willing and excited to help. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It is a very good experience if you make the right friends. You will learn a lot from Turkish students. There are Turkish students that will befriend you because you are foreign. Make an effort to talk to those that do not approach you, many students would like to talk to you but hesitate due to their English. |
