Incredible. Duke in Istanbul Past Review

By (Economics., Duke University) - abroad from 09/09/2013 to 12/21/2014 with

Bogazici University: Istanbul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Exposed to a totally new culture and religion. More than worthwhile. I would definitely do it again.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Tough but manageable

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

An team of 3 really amazing and caring people

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The Superdorm was fine but it did have some restrictions

* 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)

I spent about $150 a week but these rubrics should be changed because living in Istabul was cheap compared to most other places/study abroad programs in Europe. that is $21 a day on 4 meals/personal expenses

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

Great teacher

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? None
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

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • New Culture
  • Friends
  • Locations
* What could be improved?
  • Transparency
  • Community Service Program
  • More chances to mingle with local students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing