Istanbul: The Place of Endless Possibilities Past Review

By (International Relations And Global Studies, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 06/24/2013 to 08/08/2013 with

Bogazici University: Istanbul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Understanding the importance of cross-cultural dialogue and interactions.

Review Photos

Bogazici University: Istanbul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Bogazici University: Istanbul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Bogazici University: Istanbul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I did not live in the dorms, I live off campus with friends.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $50, if not a bit less.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure you know the currency of each country you travel through, how the currency compares to the dollar, how frequent you will be traveling, and to travel very briefly before the program.

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

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Intensive Turkish II
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Do not live in the dorms, seek a native/local because you will be immersed more and motivated to hang out with more native people.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • Affordability
  • Applicability to my career
  • The location
* What could be improved?
  • Ensure the staff produces documents promptly
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That traveling between cities is common and easy.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'