It is more about self-growth rather than academic growth Past Review
By Tran N (Berea College) - abroad from 09/02/2015 to 01/14/2016 with
Koc University: Istanbul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned to live a differen lifestyle and deal with ambiguity. In the US, people always rush everywhere and try to do everything at once. Life is very stressful and necessarily productive. Living in Turkey, I learn to give myself a break and live my social, spiritual, emotional life instead of just my career and academic life.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Only certain courses are good. My favorite classes are: Late Antiquity and Byzantine Arts, Culture and Society in Ottoman Empire, Gender and Politics. I strongly recommend these classes to any international students. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
CIEE staff were good in general. The way people do business in Turkey is different from that in the U.S so if you encounter last-minute plans or bureaucracy, it is not very unusual |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I chose to live with a host family and it was the best favor I did for myself. My host family is the kindest people. I learned so much Turkish language and Turkish culture. I never feel like a guest at their house |
| * Food: |
Turkish food is very delicious. If you live with a host family, good for you. If you live on campus, the food could be a bit expensive but there are bazaars and restaurants off-campus to eat cheaply and deliciously. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Try not to stay in your international circle and try to speak the language. People are very willing to help out if you speak their language. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had a cold and I visited the school health service. The front desk people does not speak English, but the doctor does. Nothing to complain |
| * Safety: |
If you are a girl, be careful because Turkish men are very straightforward. They will try to ask for your phone number and even follow you. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
I go on a trip to another city in Turkey every month and that is my biggest expenses. Other than that, I don't think it is hard to live on a student's budget in Istanbul. I didn't have to pay for food because I lived with my host family. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat local food. Find a English teaching/baby sitting job. It is not time-consuming or demanding. Plus it will expand your network. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
I tried to speak Turkish as much as I can. By the time I left, I could get around on my own in a Turkey. I could order food, ask direction, shop, bargain, and have a basic conversation with someone I just meet. Yet, some of my friends didn't learn that much so it really depends on you. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I have no Turkish |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | I talk to people. It may feel weird and embrassing at first, but people are very willing to help you if you do. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The settings of the host family, class register, |
