Why I loved studying at Bogazici University

When I first looked at studying as an exchange student in Turkey, I had 2 options: Bogazici University and Bilkent University. These two universities had partner programs with my university (Georgia Institute of Technology), which allowed me to have a set protocol for enrolling and also made it smoother to transfer my credits back to my home university.

Another plus? I was allowed to do an exchange program during my last year - during my last 60 credits of classes - which is normally not allowed at my school.

Yay for partner universities! After researching my options, I had a choice to make: which university to attend?

Bogazici University is located in Istanbul, which is a city of about 17 million people. It is the only city that sits on 2 continents - Asia AND Europe.

Bilkent University is a great international university and is known throughout Turkey for being very open to having international students. It is located in Ankara, which is the capital of Turkey and is located in the middle of the country. Ankara is known for being a quieter city (almost anything is "quiet" when compared to Istanbul), and it feels more residential to me.

After talking with my Turkish friends, I chose to attend Bogazici University. I packed my bags and flew the 14+ hours to my new home for 4 months.

Here are 4 reasons that I loved studying at Bogazici University. I'm obviously biased, as I haven't studied at other Turkish universities, but I hope that I am able to help if you are looking at choosing a university or seeing what to expect when you arrive at Bogazici.

1. Bogazici University is located above the beautiful Bosphorus Strait. That's actually where it gets its name from (you may see it refered to sometimes as Bosphorus University, which is the English equivalent of the name). Bogazici is known to be one of the most beautiful campuses in all of Turkey, mainly because of its location. On walks to South Campus to my Microeconomics class, I would stop and stare out at the glittering water below and the many barges and ships that were slowly guiding along the waters. It is a breath-taking sight, no matter how many times you see it.
2. The campus houses a large population of stray cats and dogs. Don't be afraid, they are (mostly) very tame and kind! The cats and dogs are so iconic of Bogazici, that you can buy a university t-shirt with cats on it. Students love to sit and pet the animals and during orientation we were reminded to treat the animals kindly. You do have to watch out for your food, though. They can get a bit greedy.
3. The teachers are amazing and are here to help you. I had so many amazing professors at Bogazici, and even after having been gone from campus for almost a year, I went back and had coffee with one of them and discussed my career path. They all have been instrumental in my job search and career advisement, and I cherish their friendships. Even if you get a bit of flack at the beginning for not speaking Turkish, let it roll off your back - they still love you.
4. There are so many activities and events to do! Even after ending my time as a student, I have still gone back and attended the huge concerts that are held every year on campus (keep that Student ID card - it will be your best friend for years to come! ). They also have amazing student organizations, and I learned how to do traditional Turkish folk dances while I was a student. Through these activities, you can make great friends on campus and really learn what it is like to live in Turkey.

Quick note of advice: You will learn to love all of your fellow exchange/erasmus students - they will be some of your best friends! But, make sure to also make friends with native students as well. The events and student organizations are one of the best ways to do that. Through your Turkish friends, you will really learn more about the Turkish culture and what life in Turkey is really like. Staying in the Erasmus bubble can feel very comfortable, but you will end up missing out on a lot of the unique and beautiful aspects of Turkish culture. So grab an Erasmus friend and go folk dancing! Or rock climbing! Or play Ultimate Frisbee! The opportunities are endless.

If you are an exchange/Erasmus student at Bogazici University, I would love to hear in the comments below about your favorite aspects of the school. Thanks!

Make sure to check out the amazing EspressoLab on North Campus, they make the best filter coffee (normal drip coffee for Americans) ever!

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