Turkey: An experience between Europe and Asia Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was very manageable, mostly readings in my department, and the teaching methods were largely lecture based. The university is based on the American system but the grading system is slightly different, but not a big deal. Some professors were difficult to get along with due to language barrier, but most were very helpful.

On-site administration of your program

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed in the dorm for one night during orientation. It was awful and disgusting. I'm sure there are better dorms, but I was able to get an apartment with two other international students quickly and easily, but with no help of the program. We were in close proximity to the university (20 minutes walk to my department) and to public transportation stops to the city center (5 minutes walk). We lived in a neighborhood largely populated with students. Unfortunately we had to buy furniture and things for the apartment, but we had help from local students; although, other apartments in the area were furnished. We never had any problems with safety in our area.

The food was good, once I adjusted. There are not many choices for vegetarians, and I found there wasn't too much variety in meals and restaurants. But, it was not a problem to me. I was able to find international cuisines in the nicer neighborhoods of Ankara.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

During our orientation program, we were taken to the Archaeology Museum and the Ataturk Mausoleum and museum. It was not very interesting to me, and actually there is not much to do in Ankara. The host students did plan about three trips for the exchange students throughout the semester that had either social aspects (skiing at Uludag and a resort in Marmaris) or historical importance (Ephesus and Pamukkale). All three were fun and interesting if not well planned or organized.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

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

A Turkish language course was offered. I was not able to take it (time conflicts) but I wish I had. I was able to get by speaking English within the university, but I found English was not widely known in Ankara. Turkish was used in most everyday interactions.

Select all that apply

• Apartment
• Dorm

Select all that apply

• International Students