An amazing time with the Turks! Past Review
By A student (English Literature (British and Commonwealth)., Berea College) - abroad from 05/10/2012 to 05/31/2012 with
Berea College: Istanbul - Middle Eastern Cultures: Religion and Arts in Context
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was so worthwhile! I gained a wider world view in (what I think) was the best way possible. Because Turkey is a modern secular nation with a past as an Islamic Empire, the evidence of both of these made for an extremely wonderful experience. It was the best of both worlds. I also got to interact with some of the friendliest and most interesting people I've ever met and see some incredible historical sites.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The locals were wondeful and I felt that we were adequately taught about culture, however, the language barrier was difficult to deal with in this aspect. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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) |
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| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Just enough for souveneirs and extra food. Everything else was included or provided |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Always bargain and shop around. Lots of items (especially in touristy areas) are very overpriced. |
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 |
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| 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? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | none |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
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? | 0 |
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? | That most Turks are genuinely happy to sit down to a cup of tea and conversation (even if the conversation has to be had using a Turkish phrase book). |
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