Past Review

By (Accounting and MIS, SUNY - Binghamton) for

Bogazici University: Istanbul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, my Study Abroad was very worthwhile. I loved my time in Istanbul despite the twisted education system. I made great friends, experienced student life from a different perspective, and saw and did wonderful things in a fascinating city.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+
The term and year this program took place: Spring 2010

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I do not like the Turkish education system. I am a good student, but I feel I did not learn nearly as much as in an American University.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

No help. Frustrating and time-consuming to get help. Long time to get a reply.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in the Superdorm facility. NOT Super. It's overpriced and uncomfortable. DO NOT recommend this dorm. It's best to find cheap and nice housing in an apartment (many have even better location). <br /><br /> Location was good with a 10-20 minute walk to either campus (30 minutes to another campus, but rarely had to go there). As mentioned above, I lived in Superdorm which had unfair rules and it felt like they were there to make things more difficult. Safety gets a 10. I never once felt unsafe. The locals will have cooking tools, but it's necessary to get a sheet set and a blanket and pillow.

* Food:

Food in Turkey is extremely cheap while as the same time extremely delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My boyfriend lives in my host country, so I was able to do and see a lot more with his help. I took a vacation to Southern Antalya in Olympos once finals ended and this was the best time I had ever had.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The campus's health center gives aid in Turkish, so it is necessary to bring a translator. I did not need any medical treatment and the things I needed I was able to find in pharmacies.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 250 Turkish Lira about. I was not on a tight budget and I never skimp on food.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The residence permit is expensive so be prepared for that (I cannot remember the exact fee, but somewhere more than 100 TL). Other than that the expenses are the same as your personal consumption levels.

Language

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

Language acquisition improvement?

I knew the bare minimum of the Turkish language, but know I can form simple sentences and get my ideas across.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Think twice, Istanbul makes a great holiday.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Special Topics Ancient Byzantine Art and Architecture

Course Department: HIST 48F
Instructor: Anesis Vasilakeris
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The professor was very nice and tried to make things as accommodating as he could for the students. An easy grader, but not a reason to take the class. I enjoyed the subject matter a lot and we had two excursions into Istanbul to discuss and see our class topics up close.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A
Course Name/Rating:

Modern Turkish History

Course Department: HIST 322
Instructor: Yavuz Selim Karakisla
Instruction Language: English*
Comments: Heavy workload and difficult exams. Some of the readings were in Turkish and the Professor would always switch to Turkish to explain things further.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A
Course Name/Rating:

Advanced Spanish 1

Course Department: SPA 301
Instructor: Nicolas Mendez Asbach
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Great professor but impossible exams. I studied long hours and still only received half-decent grades. Recommend only if serious about pursuit of Spanish as a second language.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A
Course Name/Rating:

Elementary Turkish for Foreigners 1

Course Department: TURK 111
Instructor: Gunay Ozarin
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Easy and towards the end proved quite helpful in getting around the city. I always believe it to be a good idea to make an effort to learn the language of your host country
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A
Course Name/Rating:

The Making of the Modern World II

Course Department: HIST 106
Instructor: Meltem Toksoz
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was very informative of a recollection of World History. Helpful and easy to get a good grade if you study and attend discussion classes.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A