Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Turkey: When Can I go Back? Duke in Istanbul Past Review

By (Social and Cognitive Neuroscience, Harvard University) for

Bogazici University: Istanbul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, I fell in love with the country and culture.

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.

Academics were very disorganized and I feel as though I did not learn much from inside the classroom.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Good administration

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Buy from local Saturday market and make your own meals

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Trips to Burza, Iznik, Cappadocia Self-arranged home stay with a local family

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Safe

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~$100/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook your own food, and think ahead about buying a cell phone.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't expect too much academically, but do seek out locals for travel/food recommendations and just have fun. Students who are self-motivated and independent would benefit the most from this program.