Past Review

By (Biology, General., SUNY - Binghamton) for

Bogazici University: Istanbul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I truly did not understand that all my thoughts on the world were so strongly influenced by an American point of view. That sounds so obvious but it was interesting to see a foreign perspective on America. I was quickly forced to look at things without having America as the center of attention. It may surprise you that this actually made me in a way more Nationalistic. However, I say this realizing the faults of America and with the strong urge fix the problems. I also am more internationally aware.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The focus was less on the lecture more on the readings.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was very approachable and the international office could speak english well. They were very good if you came and asked them about something but things were difficult to do on your own.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed in Superdorm in a two person suite. They provided a mini-fridge and that was about it in the kitchen. My suite mate ended up moving out and I never got a replacement. Guests had to leave at 1Am and this was strictly enforced. <br /><br /> You are about forty minutes to the main part of the city. It is a safe, wealthy area.

* Food:

The food was great but by the end I was craving some more diversity. Eat at the Urfam Kebap place on the street parallel to the main road across from South campus. They give you a lot of food including appetizers for a cheap price.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The exchange commission brought us to Cappadokia. I had dinner with a Turkish family. We had a history student take us on a tour of many of the historic sites in Istanbul

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never had any huge health issues. Some friends did and I know they talked to either Superdorm or the International office and both parties made sure they were thouroughly taken care of.

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? I ate out regularly. I would go through fifty Turkish Lira every 2 or 3 days which is equivalent to about 30 dollars.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get your student akbil as soon as possible because this makes transportation significantly cheaper and easier. There is a cafeteria in both North and South Campus where you get a lot of food for only 2.50 Turkish Lira. I should have taken advantage of this more.

Language

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

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* 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? Be very open-minded and expect that things are not always going to be easy. But instead enjoy those moments because it is a challenge that comes with the very rich and different cultural environment that you came to explore and enjoy.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

History to the Byzantine Empire II

Course Department: HIST 336
Instructor: Necipoglu
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The teacher was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the course material. The tests were essays and it was difficult to be as thourough as the teacher demanded in the time provided
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

The Environmmental Dimension

Course Department: ESC 301
Instructor: Dr. Aysen Erdincler
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The teacher was well-prepared and knowledgeable. She was very clear. The only drawback was the class was not very challenging
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

History the Modern Turkey

Course Department: HIST 322
Instructor: Yavuz Selim karakisla
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The professor was somewhat disorganized and difficult to follow. There were a lot of Turkish terms which were difficult to memorize. However, if you did the readings and attempted to follow the lecture, the professor was fair in his grading.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Microbiology

Course Department: Bio 351
Instructor: Uzman Sahru Yuksel
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The professor was extremely knowledgeable and easy to talk to. She encourages students to explore beyond the course material
Credit Transfer Issues: