Overview | Academics | Cost | Location | Life Abroad | Student Voices
Experience the rich history and culture of Istanbul while studying at the renowned Bogazici University, academic home to some of the best students in the country. Students interested in directly enrolling in courses in a foreign university will find this exchange program an excellent opportunity to take courses in English while learning about Turkish culture and language. Students have the option of studying for the semester, academic year, or for an intensive seven week summer session.
Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and is both its commercial and cultural center. The city is located on the Bosphorus Strait extending both on the European and on the Asian sides of the Bosphorus. Istanbul is the only metropolis in the world that is situated on two continents creating an atmosphere that has unique contrasts of history, culture, and natural environment.
Istanbul is Turkey's most populous city, and its cultural and financial center. Located on both sides of the Bosphorus, the narrow strait between the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea, Istanbul bridges Asia and Europe both physically and culturally. Istanbul's population is estimated to be between 12 and 19 million people, making it also the largest in Europe and one of the largest cities in the world.
Getting to Your Program
Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to Istanbul but are given guidelines for arrival dates and times.
Visa
U.S. citizens must apply for a Turkish student visa prior to departure. U.S. citizens must have a U.S. passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of the program. You will apply for your own visa. IAP will provide you with visa information.
Upon arrival in Turkey, you will need to apply for a residence permit. Bogazici will assist in the residence permit process.
Non-U.S. citizens should check with the Turkish embassy to determine any special regulations pertaining entry into Turkey at any time.
Orientation
IAP expects you to be an active participant in preparing yourself for your study abroad experience. As a participant on an IAP program, you will receive a pre-departure orientation, either in-person or online. The type and format of this orientation will vary by program and will be provided to you upon acceptance to the program.
Upon arriving in Turkey, the Office of International Relations will provide a series of orientation sessions about academic life, living in Istanbul, and visa matters.
Housing
International Students will stay in a residence hall called Superdorm, a coed housing facility where students can choose between 2, 3, or 4-bedroom furnished suites. Superdorm is located in the highly upgrade residential area of İstanbul called Etiler. It is about a 15-minute walk from the main South Campus. The dorm has wireless network, laundry, recreation and study rooms, a cafeteria, and other facilities.
Excursions and Activities
The university campus offers a myriad of extracurricular activities and social events, almost all of which are prepared by students; concerts, plays, films, folk dancing, exhibitions, as well as sports competitions make life at Bogazici University very colorful. Program participants will have the opportunity to join clubs focusing on sports, dance, drama, scuba diving, mountaineering, amongst many others.
With its long history at the center of empires, Istanbul offers a wealth of historic and religious places to take in, including the popular visit to a hamam, a Turkish bath. Natural highlights outside of the city include the beaches of the Black Sea, the Ataturk Arboretum, the Princes' Islands, and small fishing villages for exploring local culture.
Insurance
You will be enrolled in the UW System required health insurance through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) and the cost of the insurance coverage is included in program fees.
On-Site Support
Staff from the Office of International Relations
Handbooks
Use the links below to find out more information on academics, daily life and student impressions for this program.
Istanbul, Turkey Bogazici University Handbook (Spring - 2012-13)
Istanbul, Turkey Program Handbook (Summer - 2012-13)
Istanbul, Turkey Program Handbook (Fall - 2013-14)
Istanbul, Turkey Program Handbook (Year - 2013-14)
Istanbul, Turkey Program Handbook (Year - 2013-14)
Returned Student Network
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here to see testimonials from students abroad or to contact a returned student.
Student Profiles
Check out student profiles to learn more about their experience abroad.
Nicole Davis Deborah YagowCyrus HeffernanMax Mansevit
Student Testimonials
"I had to choose a university whose language of instruction was English, but at Bogazici there are still plenty of opportunities to step outside the study abroad social circle and learn Turkish language/culture. The country is a fascinating mix of East/West and modern/traditional. Istanbul is the perfect place to experience a new culture with just enough familiarity to remind you of home every once in awhile."
"Being in Istanbul was a breath-taking opportunity. It is a culturally rich and diverse city, and Bogazici is in a great location within the city."
Video
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Nicole Davis
