Study Abroad in Turkey Past Review
By Kaan G (Business Administration, SUNY - Binghamton) for
Bogazici University: Istanbul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
The study abroad experience was definitely worthwhile. I met a lot of new people and made new friends. The experience was once in lifetime and I am very happy that i chose to do it. Regarding future plans, I could actually see myself working and living abroad.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Overall balancing fun and school was not too bad. Istanbul has a rich history as well as an interesting culture. Staying in such a unique city really enhanced my experience. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The exchange site was always there for assistance which was one of the their major strengths. Their weakness was their late delivery of important documents and cards regarding the school. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The Superdorm was where most of the international students lived. Heavy security was a positive but the rooms were rather small and also expensive. <br /><br /> I arranged the dorm through the web. The program had told us about the dorm and we had to fill out a form and send money through a wire transfer. |
| * Food: |
Their wide variety of delicious foods was incredible. Loved it and will definitely miss it. There was also a cafeteria for students which was cheap but the quality was not very good. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Social events were organized at various prominent locations. These night events were quite enjoyable. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt quite safe through the program and didn't have too worry at all. The local health care system was quite adequate. |
| 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? | Each week i spent a little over a 100 Turkish liras. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Transportation costs really add up after a while. |
Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | Definitely don't get caught up in the nightlife in Istanbul. Try to balance school and fun. |
