Great Experience in the Heart of Istanbul Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Bogazici University itself is ranked as the best university in Turkey, and the courses deliver: there was a good amount of rigor (the summer term is "intensive"), small class sizes, and professors who were well-known and well-regarded in their fields (they usually teach elsewhere during long semesters but come to Bogazici for the summer term). All courses are taught in English, and I had no problem keeping up, though I should have been more well-prepared for an intensive academic experience. Resources such as libraries and reading material may pale in comparison to those found at large research universities elsewhere (UT, for instance) and free public wifi can be found only in parts of campus, which takes some getting used to.

On-site administration of your program

Your best bet is to get in touch with students who have already studied there to get a lay of the land, and also to read carefully the Bogazici summer term website -- most of the information you need is there, just buried deep in the website. For the most part, you can get things done both on the academic and housing (Superdorm) side, though email and phone conversations may be hit or miss -- the language barrier's to blame for that. Conducting business in person is a much better bet. Though that's not to say that you'll always have an easy time with the administration (both the Superdorm and especially the summer term office and Bogazici registration and so on). Rarely do people other than the students and faculty speak English, and it may take time to process specific requests.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The Superdorm has it all, though it is sparse and spartan when it comes to the actual furnishings and decor. The market and full-service laundry is very convenient and well-priced. All in all, I had no trouble living in the Superdorm -- it's a few blocks away from both the south and north campuses, has a great and very diverse student population for the summer, and offers convenience at a fairly reasonable price. Do be prepared for a lack of AC and fans in the building and lots of noise from students who may or may not always be studying.

There's a great variety of food near and around Bogazici University, and lots of cheap options (7-10 Lira is the norm) for students. But the real steal is the University dining halls, one on North campus and the other in South campus. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals are available for the price of 1.5 Lira ($.75 by exchange rates for Summer 2014), and these are meals comprised of a soup course, a meat/entree course, some grain product, and fruit/dessert/salad.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

While I had a great time making friends with fellow international/stidy abroad students, I can't say that I was immersed fully in the local culture. The language barrier played a huge role in this, so take the time to try to learn some Turkish before or during the program if you want to be more fully immersed; not many locals speak English. Keep in mind that it is possible to go through the entire program speaking not a lick of Turkish and still being able to get around Bogazaci, your classes, and even Istanbul while still learning a good bit about the culture and the people. It's your call. Minmal culture shock. Bogazici, and Istanbul in general, are very western and generally aren't too hard to tolerate for an American. No one I knew experienced too much of a culture shock, with the number of other foreign students there for the summer -- we all helped each other out and became fast friends. Nor did I encounter any hostility due to my personal background, or did any of the diverse group of people I knew while there. The duration was perfect: Just under two months meant we were able to make lasting bonds and see the entire city and much of the country without overstaying our welcome, so to speak.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any experience with healthcare, and was generally healthy for the entire trip. There was, however, a full-service clinic on campus that we were told was free for students, and based on experiences of friends who did have to gain access to healthcare it was easily accessible and fairly priced.

Bogazici University is located in perhaps one of the "nicest" parts of Istanbul: Bebek/Etiler. These areas are affluent, safe, and incredibly hospitable. I had no problem whatsoever walking around at late hours of the night, finding places and people, and generally felt very safe for my entire time, especially on the Bogazici campus and in Superdorm housing.

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

Based on eating mainly at the Bogazici campus cafeteria, I was easily able to get by on an average of $20 - $30 a day, including lots of excursions and miscellaneous buys.

Select all that apply

• Dorm

Select all that apply

• Americans
• International Students

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Location/Culture (Istanbul in particular and Turkey in general)
• University itself (beauty, location, courses, etc.)
• Community (both students and locals in area) and affordability of the program

• Bureaucracy (summer term website, registration, etc.)