Yeah, I am basically two steps up to becoming a local. Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Overall, I would say my classes where comparable to ones at UT. There were several really good professors that went beyond my expectations. At the same time there were a few that where below, not adequately prepared or subpar lecturing skills. My Turkish language class in particular was very good. I would have to note that my academic experience was mostly confined to Sociology classes, save for Turkish. I audited two other courses that I was not pleased without side of sociology. Also I believe that there was only one prepared Turkish language professor that I happen to have.

On-site administration of your program

Overall, it was terrible and ineffective. The administration didn't help me with various things like residency visa issues, scheduling, etc. Beyond that they where invisible for the entirety of the program. The only saving grace was the fact I had a great faculty advisor who went above and beyond.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in housing outside of the program, but I was mislead on several turns and it turned out to be a terrible possess with apartments only because I was ill prepared and was given no guidance on how to navigate the housing situation in Istanbul.

The food was great on campus. Very affordable and good. I would like to say that they always had a vegetarian option which I found great.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I would say I intergraded nominally. The culture on campus and the lack of effort from the university made it hard to meet people at the university that were not exchange or Erasmus students. But outside I made several friends and interacted with the culture much more. This was aided to the fact I lived outside the campus as well.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The clinic and other facilities on campus where adequate and available. But on numerous instances that over diagnosed whatever I had and gave really strong medication which was unnecessary.

Overall safety was better the expected. Nothing ever happened to me personally. Obviously staying away from protests is a must. Also to be noted, it is a different scenario for women studying here. There is a lot of street harassment and other inappropriate things which women should be aware of.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Select all that apply

• Apartment

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• Local Students
• International Students

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Friends
• Istanbul
• Culture (food really)

• Admistration
• Greater time and attention to Turkish learning on a class level
• Integration with local students