Turkey: Unique and Fun! Past Review
By Neera I (HISTORY., Wellesley College) for
Koc University: Istanbul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
My study abroad was DEFINITELY worthwhile. It was such an experience to be in a different country for that amount of time. It was definitely a huge growing experience to travel alone, to manage a budget, to learn in a completely different educational system, and be surrounded by a new language.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
There workload was definitely less than Wellelsey, and there was much more importance placed on memorizing dates and facts for exams. Classes were lectured based, and generally lacked student discussion. Even though the teaching methods were generally different from those of Wellesley, it definitely added to my experience to be in a completely different educational system |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I loved the program. I met many incredible people, and the program size was small enough for all of us to become a pretty tight knit group. The program helped get our international cell phones, resident permits, and organized fantastic trips to different parts of the country. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The dorms were excellent and very clean. They came with all the basics, and we had to buy our own sheets and cookware. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Our program organized a trip along the Black Sea coast, and it was an incredible experience. The region was so different from the city of Istanbul, and we were able to visit with local people who lived in the mountainous terrain. It was so amazing that we got to experience a day in the lives of these people who make their own bread, milk, butter etc. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never had any health issues, and I did not need to get an vaccines. I always felt safe in the city. |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would often cook dinner with friends in order to save money. That was a great bonding experience! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
The exchange group would often practice the language between themselves, and we would need to use the language in almost everyday interactions. Most people did not speak English in the country. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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