Istanbul Exploration Past Review

By (International Relations And Global Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 06/20/2013 to 08/07/2013 with

Bogazici University: Istanbul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about life in and the history of Istanbul. Although I had a great time, I wish I had integrated more into the local community.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 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?

Other than the price and lack of air conditioning, the Superdorm was a great place to live. The suites were spacious, and the dorm was located a short distance from campus.

* Food:

The food was very reasonably priced but often contained little protein.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Unfortunately, my classes were 90% American, and the Superdorm had few Turkish students. I rarely interacted with local students.

* 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? No

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? 150

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • More integration into Turkish culture
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known some Turkish before starting the program.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Gender and Politics of the Middle East

Course Department: Politics
Instructor: Monica Marks
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Professor Mark's course was fantastic. I have never received as much feedback on my essays as I did from Professor Marks. I feel that my writing has significantly improved because of the course. Professor Marks was very knowledgeable about the course material, which motivated me to participate frequently in the class discussions. I would recommend this course to anyone interested in gender or religion in the Middle East.
Credit Transfer Issues: