Fall 2016 Exchange Experience- Kapadokya ,Turkey

A multicultural experience that will change how you look at the world. Istanbul is a beautiful city with a lot to discover and Koç University is a top tier research university with elite teaching staff. I feel that this combination between a beautiful city, people, and esteemed university make the whole exchange experience a not-to-miss. I write this just after the trip to Kapadokya--a truly magical place and I don't think I can get over it yet. Exchange programs are engineered in such a way that they would change you as a person and that is an essential asset every student needs to have prior to graduating . If you want to witness the feeling of getting out of your comfort zone, then this is the right place for you to do just that.

The university presents high class education and the Office of International Programs(OIP) is an extremely helpful office.The team members in it from mentors to coordinators, try all that they can to make everything easy for erasmus students. The experience has so far been beyond expectations and I can't believe I am leaving in a mot 1.5 months. Invest wisely in the time here.

The dormitories are highly advanced and modern providing utmost comfort for exchange students. They have 1+ cafteria with pizzeria, burger place, waffle place.. dorms also have billiard tables, many lounges, swimming pool and gym. 

Kapadokya is one of the most beautiful places in Turkey. It has unique archaelogical sites that leave one in awe. They have old churches which you can hop in and discover. It has amazing view for beautiful pictures. Most importantly, people are nice to you. They want you to feel extremely welcomed. 

Kapadokya is very well known for the air balloon ride. You can't miss that whatsoever. Also, we were able to Visit the salt lake which is basically a storage for salt production and it is extremely beautiful (picture above). You can also go with the ATV Ride and even though it can get boring because you will be following a certain track and you can't drift--but it is okay, the experience of going through the city is what  matters.What is even more interesting, is going in the underground cities. You will be given the opportunity to see how and where the older gwnerations used to live.You will get a synopsis of how the people then protected themselves agajnst enemies-- a truly enriching history.

You need to go to Ortakoy for waffles and Kumpir(picture uploaded) -- an amazing turkish food. Other turkish traditional food would be Simit, Baklava, Kunefe and really limiteless options. You should also visit Sultanahmet, Kadikoy(for partying in amazing clubs and pubs).

Koc university exchange has been one most beautiful stages of my life -- It is a turning point. Hussein Shayto, prior to September 26th,2-: completely different than the" Hussein" that is me, now-- and I highly value that.

I would like to point out that transportation is Istanbul is evidently convenient for one. Living is Istanbul is amazing because you can meet the different cultures as it is a multicultural city. 

To have a traditional breakfast, I would suggest Garipçe which is near Sariyer-- or Rumelifeneri. Also, I have been to kilyos Sahil which is a beautiful beach with amazing breeze and view.

I want to suggest that you go on a bosphorous tour in a ferry/boat. In doing so, you will be able to see a great deal of istanbul. As you move, the view gets better and  better.

Again, foods to try:

1) Kumpir

2) Simit

3) Iskender Kebab

4) Adana Kebab

5) Lahmacun

...and the list goes on. Food is an essential part in the turkish experience.

I would like to give you a tip about homesickness. You won't feel the least bit of home sickness if you effectively invest in your time. Between going out, and studying-- The semester will be done and you'll be back home before you know it.

Indulge in conversations with turkish people as well as internationals. 

You need to attend the Turkish night. It is a traditional night with dances from all the parts of turkey with amazing music and Raki(AMAZING DRINK) served usually.

Eat fish and bread by the way.Balik ve ekmek--> Truly delicious.

I also adivse you to go to miniaturk around Levent. It is basically a museum with all the important sites found in istanbul but in a zoomed out size. I will upload pics for reference. The Sapphire Building in levent is epic as well.

Also, of course, in city centre.You have the Grand Bazar and different bazars.This is an extremely cozy and traditional market where buyers meet and greet tourists. Such bazars have goods varying from clothes to bags to even sauces ,peppers--vases , souvenirs and post cards.But, watch out from any ripoff. 

When you go to Sultan ahmet, -and hagia sophoa which is a famous mosque museum there-- you will most definitely appreciate the architecture. You willcwant to take pictures. But, as a heads up, for females yku will be asked to wear a scarf which you are provided with and you will be provided with socks to wear off the shoes which is common for males and females. Even makes if wearing shorts , they are provided with longer pants--to maintain the religious tradition of the place--Note that looking at the adquate architecture of these mosques is essential. Do not be afraid to ask.

Tip words: Tessekurler ( Thank you ) , good morning(Gunayden), good evening(Iyi Aksamlar)-- Haha! You will get to know lots of these terms as you go on with your exchange.

Fabrik Taksim Bar: Amazing music and drinks!!

As you pass by Istiklal Cd Street, make sure to pass by the different stores for clothes and for daily life utilities. Also, make sure to grab an ice cream(and grab it very well/ You will understand what I mean by grab it when youre in istanbul!) 

Tip : Go for currecy change offices with high exhange rates . Dont panic and go for a less profitable one/- Go to taksim or besiktas.

If you want to have some nice breakfast, Besiktas has a whole street for that.You will get the whole traditional brekky for about20 liras only. Super cheap! 

When you want to register for a simcard,take a turkish person with you-- It will easen the issue a lot for you. You would usually take a mentor.m/the person appointed By OIP to help you.

You need to try the Burek which is pastry filled with cheese--Delicious.

I really advise you to take good pictures.Capture moments. So vlogs of what youre doing. By the end of the semester, you will be so caught up you just dont know what to discover in istanbul. What to do?

Make a list of everything you would like to do now.What foods you want to try. For example, the past week: I set my self a goal to go visit touristic places like Topkapi Palace and Dolmabance Palace : two truly beautiful touristic sites. Form a list of what you want to be eating as time comes to an end. Lists will help you a lot.

Prince Islands. One word: Go. This place will be a life changing one. You will bike and walk around, take  unique pictures-- The scenery is breathtaking. You will swim.swimming is the best part.

I would like to note that in Koç University, try to make the best out if its facilities. It has a highly organized student center with over 2 floors which offers food, hairdressing, cafeteria food, banks, photo booths...and the list goes on. The clubs on campus are always active and want you to engage in activities with them-- especially KU Volunteer clubs. This club, which I have been able to be part of, allows you to engage in activities like tutoring english to underprivelged turkish students around Koc university--also, the club usually holds fundraising events to help families and schools in the Anatolian part of turkey. Truly humanitarian.

Also, you can take part as a conversation leader cirlce.If you are a native english speaker , you can tutoe students who are turkish--it is more like conversing with them in a way that boosts their confidence in their ability to speak the language. Also, if you are a french, german or soanish native speaker --you can also converse ina certain time slot with turkish students.The activity enhances your international engagement plus it is paid! You can have some extra pocket money which is amazing!!

At last, make tight bonds with the internationals. These people will be the reaosn why you will have a completely different outlook on life and basically-everything.I truly hope I get to meet these people again one day.We weee together at all times.We studied, partied, got drunk together. They are  a part of my life , I will forever cherish.

also, although you might think that the exchange programme is all about fun-- and it is,  but you meed to study and establish yourself academically as well and it is  a challenge to balance your social life with studying but you can do it. KU also offers the ability to engage in research experiences with highly established professors with fields that vary a lot from finance to engineering to biology. Truly inspirational. 

There are many places in Sariyer where you can hangout for food especially for pastry and lahmacun as well as Durum which is a really deicious sandwich which can have meat or chicken or mere vegetables. Turkey puts adwuate standards to all types of consumers.

My final note is that turkey is safe and do not listen to what the media says.Istanbul is beautiful and it deserves tourists.

I hope you have an amazing erasmus.

I hope you benefit from my feedback and like my pictures.