Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Journey to the Far Side of the World! Past Review

By (Geography & History, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 06/23/2014 to 08/14/2014 with

Bogazici University: Istanbul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I ended up traveling to 9 different countries while being abroad in Istanbul. It opened my eyes to a different culture and to another continent, Asia. Every second spent was worthwhile. I was able to make friends from all over the world and we will all be seeing each other soon.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Not the greatest administration on campus, but the Summer Office will help you out.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Definitely had a better experience in Ucaksavar dorm from what other people had in Superdorm. The only bad thing was that there was no A/C in both dorms.

* Food:

Food was probably one the best things about Turkey. Food around campus is really cheap, you can get a full meal at around $3-$4 USD. If you deceide to eat on campus, you can get a full meal for about $ 0.75 USD, although it's not that great but it's not that bad either.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There is a 24 hour Nurse on South Campus and some doctors speak English. Medicine is also relatively cheap compared to the US. Pharmacy right by campus.

* Safety:

I felt pretty safe around the campus area but you also want to be aware of your surroundings and not attract attention to yourself.

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)

You can honestly live on around 50 bucks a week. There is a farmers market on Saturdays by campus, produce is extremely cheap.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50-75 USD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you exchange money, do it in the Grand Bazaar, you get much better rates there.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Food
  • Friends
  • Istanbul
* What could be improved?
  • Campus Administration
  • More Cultural Courses
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That there wasn't any A/C in the dorms.

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.