Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Would go back in a heartbeat! Duke in Istanbul Past Review

By (Duke University) - abroad from 08/12/2013 to 12/22/2013 with

Bogazici University: Istanbul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
N/A

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 University is a bit lacking but the experiences gained and the chances to mingle and learn from turkish students is unrivaled. The courses were interesting, but not terribly challenging. Go abroad for the people, the culture, the city; not for the time spent in the classroom. Istanbul is perfect for a study abroad interest like this.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program directors are simply terrific. They take you all around Turkey and Istanbul. They teach the house courses, TA, help you select the correct classes, fight through administrative red-tape for you, and make sure you are taken care of the duration of your trip in Istanbul. You're not going to find better directors. Turkish hospitality is a very real thing.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing is mediocre. Don't expect a five-star resort. The dorms are old but don't worry about it. It's just one more excuse to leave your room and explore the city. Especially since the dorms are also close to prominent landmarks and beautiful parts of Istanbul.

* Food:

Go for the food. Enough said.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Turkish hospitality is a very real thing. They'll integrate you with their kindness and generosity. No worries there.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Had to refill a cavity while abroad. One of the program directors took me to his private dentist the next day. Everything went perfectly and without glitch. Professional and quick at that. All for the price of about 75$ USD. Not bad at all.

* Safety:

N/A

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)

Great, the exchange rate is beneficial to an American abroad, and easily calculated in your head. No worries.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? N/A
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? N/A

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

N/A

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
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? N/A
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? N/A

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
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?
  • N/A
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? N/A

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.