Exchange Experience in Istanbul, Turkey by Houyème

Why did you choose to go to Istanbul, Turkey?

I am actually a scholarship student and i've always wanted to study architecture. Istanbul is a famous city for mindblowing ottoman and modern architecture, in addition i am muslim and turkey has a big amout of muslim so it would feel like home with the mosques everywhere and muslim fiests and all

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

it's gonna last for 5 years (1 year turkish preparation courses and 4 years licence in architecture IN TURKISH)

my studies and accomodation are covered by the scholarship program and i recieve 600TL every month which is sufficient.

What is the student lifestyle like in Istanbul?

you might have a little troubles as a foreigner since you won't be good at speaking Turkish because the communication in English with the university staff, teachers and students is rated as 2/10 based on my experience. so the first days may be really hard to deal with.

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Would you recommend the city and the University of Istanbul to other students?

YES. deffenetly, it's a really new world, a really new culture you will feel a big difference in the manners, the smells, the food and everything and it's a good experience.

What is the food like?

for me as a student coming from Tunisia (from a spicy food resource :p) i see that Turkish food isn't spicy at all BUT it's good and it's so vast and healthy.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Istanbul?

dorms are everywhere, as for houses just look on Airbnb or some announcements online. it will be easy.

How much does it cost to live in Istanbul?

not including rent, 800TL/month will be more than sufficient

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

in istanbul university they have. it's called 'Istanbul Dil Merkezi' (as istanbul language center). actually the language is quite hard but IT'S A MUST TO LEARN because no body speaks a foreign language.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Istanbul from your city?

airplane

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Istanbul?

Taksim, Levent, Bebek, Ortaköy, basiktas...

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And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Istanbul?

for me trying everything you see and have a lust for IS A MUST.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Ayasofia, sultan ahmet blue mosque, sulaymaniye, topkapi, galata tower...

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Istanbul in the future?

it's worth comming.