Turkey- I Only Regret Having to Leave Past Review

By (International Relations and Affairs., SUNY - College at Geneseo) for

SUNY Geneseo: Ankara - Hacettepe University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Turkey is unique, interesting and different from the U.S. in all the right ways. It's not for people who want to speak English all the time and shop, date or drink their way through study abroad. Turkey is the best for people who want a new experience where basic western ideals are acceptable but not standard.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Vegetarianism is hard in Turkey.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Turkey is beautiful, amazing and full of amazing people.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget your money to whatever you want to spend. Food and travel (once you are there) is relatively cheap- you get a lot out of your money. Make sure to haggle over prices.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Some people spoke English but the best motivation to learn was that most people didn't. Personally, it drives you to learn as the program doesn't require it.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students