A Self Discovery in a Foreign Land Past Review

By (Business Administration, University of California - Riverside) - abroad from 09/10/2012 to 12/28/2012 with

Koc University: Istanbul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
From the beginning I realized that I had a golden opportunity in front of me to do everything I can to push myself out of my comfort zone and see how I conduct myself in a completely new and foreign environment. There is a saying: "One of the best times to find yourself is when you're lost." When I went to Turkey, I went with the full intention of getting lost--on my own--and I did. I don't regret a moment, and I returned to America with a stronger conviction of who I am and where I am going with life. So was it worthwhile? Definitely. Just as with anything else in life, you'll reap what you sow. Sow questions and an earnestness to learn (not just academics, but life), and you will reap answers and maturity that are invaluable.

Review Photos

Koc University: Istanbul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Koc University: Istanbul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Koc University: Istanbul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Koc University: Istanbul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Koc University: Istanbul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

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.

Wasn't difficult, but wasn't easy either. Material learned is valuable and applicable as well.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They know what students need, and also have created sessions to get feedback from students on how to improve for the next semester/year.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Off campus, however shuttles ran every 15 min to take students from housing to campus. Housing is top notch as well.

* Food:

Very different from American food, however you'll quickly become accustomed to it and enjoy it as well if you choose to embrace the culture and food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Lots of opportunities to go out into the cities and meet the locals, as well as participate in festivals, restaurants, etc.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Be prepared to pay a universal healthcare insurance premium required by the Turkish government. I never experienced an illness or situation where I needed medical attention, however Koc University abides to the law and prepares paperwork for students in case anything were to happen.

* Safety:

I am a male, and therefore society and traditions have endowed me certain privileges and advantages that unfortunately women do not receive. That being said, I personally felt very safe and in control of my surroundings, even when I was wondering around alone. My female friends usually felt safe as well, however they would not venture to be alone in a foreign country as I did. Right now especially (June 2013), since there are riots going on around the Turkish Republic.

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)

Food and public transportation is extremely cheap, however I chose a frugal lifestyle where I managed to explore, eat, and enjoy spending on average $100-150 a week

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100-150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat on campus cafeteria food ($15 total for three meals a day), utilize public transportation (bus and train's use a metro card that make traveling extremely cheap, vs using a taxi), and make a budget on how much you're willing to spend on entertainment and souvenirs the -first or second- week you arrive to the country

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

You're always surrounded by the Turkish language, so unless you plan on hanging out with other international students that speak your language (or English) every second of the day, you better/might as well learn Turkish. Don't be afraid though, people on campus speak English. People off campus however, generally don't.

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? Basic Turkish 201
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? Use it at every opportunity you have. In a taxi, at a restaurant, in class, with friends, while sight seeing, in a bar, etc. You've heard the saying: Use it or lose it.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The introduction to the city and its culture the week before school starts
  • Orientation packet and assigned mentors that help students learn more about Koc, Istanbul, and Turkey
  • The integration of international students and local students and faculty
* What could be improved?
  • Honestly, nothing beyond the fact of having
  • students give testimonials about
  • their stay in the country and how they lived
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Knowing just how much I would be interacting with not only Turkish people, but international/European people as well.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'