Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

This Program was the Best Semester of My College Experience!!! Duke in Istanbul Past Review

By (Mechanical Engineering., Duke University) - abroad from 02/03/2014 to 06/09/2014 with

Bogazici University: Istanbul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I am so incredibly glad that I made the effort to go on this program. It took some finagling, but the experience was incredibly worth it. I had such a great time learning about the history of Turkey, learning the language, exploring the country (we went on incredible trips with the program), and everything else that this program entailed.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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?

* 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? ~200 lira
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? There is a cafeteria for lunch and dinner that charges 1.50 lira for a full meal. It's great!

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Nothing in Turkish
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • The excursions, two week-long guided trips through Turkey with the group.
  • Going to concerts, the music here is awesome!!! (Tarkan forever)
  • Exploring Istanbul and the rest of Turkey on our own.
* What could be improved?
  • Decisions could have been sent earlier.
  • The dorm we lived in did not have wifi, but it's coming!
  • If I never had to leave Turkey, that would be an improvement on the program.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The weather in Istanbul is always changing. When you think it's hot out always have a sweater in your bag!!! Also try to learn some basic Turkish. In touristy areas, people know English but it is less common in the area around the University.

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.