Nothing Like I Expected, Everything I Hoped For, and Exactly What I Needed Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

All of the classes I took were major-specific courses, so my course schedule was more rigorous than most. But as an international relations major, I felt that taking these classes abroad provided a different perspective than if I had taken them at my home university. Also, because this was an exchange program, the classes were not pass/fail, and were counted towards my GPA. If I were to do it again, I probably would have substituted one of the classes out for an elective just so I could have had that break. But I also only took 12 hours, which gave me some leniency. Overall, I learned a lot, and could apply the experiences I was getting outside of the classroom to my classes.

On-site administration of your program

The main problems I had with the international office were before I got to Turkey, because they took awhile to mail my official acceptance letter. Any time I had a problem with anything, I went there and they did everything they could to fix it. Even if I was having problems with professors, they were always so supportive and willing to help all of us. I cannot say enough good things about the administration.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a flat in Rumeli Hisarustu approximately 5 minutes from the south campus entrance. The location in relation to the school and amazing restaurants was a huge plus. My rent was also so cheap compared to what I would pay in Austin, and definitely the Superdorm. I had two roommates, but had my own room, and we all shared a bathroom (it will be very hard if not impossible to find a private bath in this area). One of my roommates was from Slovakia, and was also an exchange student. She was one of my best friends during my time there. My other roommate was Turkish, and she had graduated from Bogazici the year before, and was working. My only real issue was that it wasn't the safest place to walk around after dark, particularly after midnight. But you would have the same situation in Superdorm, which is actually further from the school than Hisarustu. Just walk with someone and you'll be fine. If you're a guy, you probably won't have any problems. Bottom line, if you're trying to decide if you should live at Superdorm or a flat off campus, LIVE OFF CAMPUS. Superdorm is strict, expensive, the rooms are small, and further from campus. Trust me and everyone else who has said the same.

Food is amazing amazing amazing. And SO CHEAP. Eat tavuk durum, get rice and chicken from the carts on the side of the road, tost, menemen, turkish breakfast, simit, borek, and obviously lots and lots of cay. In fact, eat everything, or at least try it--it's all good.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Istanbul, the capital of two former empires, Roman and Ottoman, is a city so rich in culture. It's everywhere you look, from Hagia Sophia to the men sitting outside a cafe having cay in the middle of the day. You will feel as integrated as you are willing to put yourself out there. It's such an incredible city that you have no choice but to become open-minded to the culture, or else you will miss out on so much. This is what I believe sets this program apart from others, and why Istanbul is the most underrated place to study abroad.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had any reason to go to a doctor, but I know the school has an infirmary and there is a particularly nice hospital not too far from school. We are all required to get International SOS through the school, which will cover you for any hospital you go to not only in Istanbul, but all over Turkey and anywhere in the world you travel for the time period you are registered for.

This was probably my biggest problem. As I said before, I did not feel safe walking alone after dark, especially after midnight and in less-populated areas. Unfortunately, being a black woman did not do me many favors. I do not say this to discourage anyone, especially minority women, to go to Turkey. My best advice would be to trust your gut, and if you feel unsafe, don't put yourself in that situation. Have a Turkish phone, or make sure your phone can call within Turkey, so in the event something does happen, you can call a friend or the police.

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

Living in Istanbul is so cheap. This is one of, if not the most, cost-effective study abroad programs. The exchange rate is approximately $0.43=1 TL, so your money essentially doubles. The most expensive things were American-made products, so if there's something you really need from here, take it with you.

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• Apartment

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• International Students
• Other

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Meeting people from all over the world, hearing their varying perspectives on anything and everything, and learning about their cultures
• Learning about things in a place where they were actually happening
• Istanbul

• Communication between my home and host universities

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer