Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Incredible! Past Review

By (History and Islamic Studies, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 06/21/2013 to 08/09/2013 with

Bogazici University: Istanbul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I did so many things I would not have had the opportunity to do in the states. Meeting so many people vastly different than me made me more open minded. This trip was so worthwhile!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were not that difficult. However, grading can be a little tricky

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Administration at the university in Istanbul is the worst! They are of no help and do not notify students of important information. It is so disorganized! My advice: ask a student instead of asking the administration.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived at the Superdorm. The staff is very strict with their rules, but I met some great people there and it was convenient.

* Food:

Eat everything!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It is easy to get stuck with your group of American or European friends, but try and branch out.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Excellent! I got sick once and went to the infirmary on campus and they fixed me up easily!

* Safety:

Traffic can be a bit scary, but the people are very friendly

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)

I spent about 50-100 lira a week

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Transportation and food are what I spent a bulk of my money on. Buy souvenirs at the end of your trip so you are well aware of what is considered cheap, expensive and getting ripped off. Weekend trips are do able (about 500 lira). Use cash and budget yourself out every week 50 lira for food and transportation.

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

I took Advanced Turkish and felt more confident speaking outside the classroom than within

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 4 semesters
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? Just speak. It is easy to pick up on numbers and food items. The natives will be willing to help just because you are trying to speak.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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 people I met
  • The trips I took
  • The food I ate
* What could be improved?
  • Bogazici Administation
  • Superdorm's strict rules
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that I should rather get a tourist visa instead of a student visa and that money goes fast.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.