<p>I'm an International Affairs major who's considering studying abroad in Turkey for the Fall 2010 semester. Specifically I'm looking at Istanbul, at Bogacizi University. I haven't been able to talk to any students who actually went abroad, so if anyone here has gone to Turkey on study abroad - the more specific the better - I would really appreciate any impressions you had; difficulties and challenges, and but also great things too.</p>
<p>Right now my main worries are:
- father complaining that it won't help my career out at all / little to do with my major (I'm International Affairs with a concentration in Development)
- the fact that the Turkish academic calendar runs until mid-January, with most finals Jan 1 - 12.
My advisor said that students have been able to negotiate with their professors to take their finals early, so they can leave in time for Christmas. I'm afraid it would be a dealbreaker if I wouldn't be able to return home for winter break at ALL though and would have to go straight back to my regular school after I finish up my stay.</p>
<ul>
<li>the fact that I don't know any Turkish; I'm taking French right now but I would be going to an English-language university</li>
<li>that the program is direct enrollment ; i.e I'd just be plopped down at Bogacizi as an exchange student and wouldn't have any sort of outside support network or excursions like I would with CIEE, SIT, etc. Although they do have an Office of International Students.</li>
</ul>
<p>Well, any impressions on studying abroad in Turkey in general, I would appreciate!</p>
<p>You will have lots of support from your Turkish friends. They’re really intimate and you’ll see that you won’t be alone. Turkish people love to hang out even though the ones at Bogazici University spend too much time on their studies. I honestly believe that Turkey is a good experience for anyone in this world since lots of international stuff is going on there, especially in Istanbul. Turkey has very strong connections with the whole Europe and Asia, Russia, Israel and some other important countries. So you will meet with a big community. pm me if you have any questions about Istanbul.</p>
<p>My D did not study in Turkey but did travel to Istanbul while she was studying in Switzerland.</p>
<p>She loved Istanbul. She was not fluent or even familiar in the language. She did, of course respect their customs when necessary. She got by fine.</p>
<p>She was “plopped” down in Geneva by her University with no place to live. H and I were not happy at all. She found a place to live and all was well. It was all part of the learning experience.</p>
<p>You sound like someone willing, wanting, to go it on your own. Good luck and good for you! But I understand your parents concern. You will understand some day.</p>
<p>I can’t speak about studying abroad, I’m still in high school. I have however visited Istanbul and other parts of Turkey and can vouch that it’s a beautiful place. I also recommend checking out Selcuk and Cappadocia.</p>