Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Crossroads City Past Review

By (Ursinus College) - abroad from 09/15/2013 to 12/15/2013 with

Study Abroad Programs in Turkey

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I loved being abroad and it really helped me to put my education into perspective. I absolutely think that it was worthwhile and that both the good times and hard times helped me to grow as a person.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

If a home-stay is your preferred arrangement I would not suggest this particular program. It is possible to live in the city for the entire stay using only English but if you desire a more immerse experience the locals are very welcoming.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There is a doctor on the campus that students have easy access to.

* Safety:

As far as safety is concerned I felt much safer throughout my time in Istanbul than all of the major US cities that I have spent time in. That's not to say that everywhere is amazing and students should not be wary, but it definitely should not discourage anyone from choosing Istanbul.

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)

Living in Istanbul on a student's budget is not difficult. While it is still possible to spend a decent amount of money on the weekends it is still cheaper than in the US.

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

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? None
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Most of the language I acquired was related to ordering food and asking for basic things that I needed daily. I would recommend that students seeking to learn Turkish make a couple of close Turkish friends to practice with.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Culture/Food
  • Visiting sites/travel
  • The friends
* What could be improved?
  • Not many issues with the program although the school was sometimes disorganized
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I think if I had been as outgoing before the program as I became afterward then it would have improved the experience but I am thankful for the experience either way.

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!