Program Overview
Located in the heart of Istanbul, Bogazici University has a lot to offer to students. Regarded as one of the top universities in the country, the school attracts the brightest students and faculty. Students will find a welcoming atmosphere at Bogazici University with friendly students and very approachable teachers. On this program, students also have the opportunity to live and study Istanbul, which is a very unique city that connects Europe and Asia. This program is available in the Fall, Spring, and Academic Year.
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Program Specific Information
General Study Abroad Information
When you begin thinking about studying abroad, it’s important that you review all of your resources to help you make informed decisions. What kind of housing would you like? How long would you like to go for? What region of the world is tempting you? What kind of on-site support will you need? All this and more can be found by following steps 1-4 on the Getting Started Link to make sure Bogazici University is the right program for you!
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The City of Istanbul
Located in the heart of Turkey, Istanbul is considered to be the bridge between the East and West. It is the only city in the world that is located in two continents – Europe and Asia. Istanbul has been partially listed as a UNESCO world heritage site and it boasts a rich history that spans four great empires. Istanbul was also located along the historic Silk Road where the arts and sciences of East and West merged to produce layer upon layer of extraordinary cultures and civilizations. Today, Istanbul is a large, modern city that offers students exciting and diverse opportunities during their time abroad.
Turkey is a member of NATO and plays a major role in contributing to the stability of the region. Turkish is written in the Latin alphabet and English, French and German are widely understood. While Turkey is a secular state, 96% of the population is Muslim.
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An exchange program is a direct agreement between the University of Illinois and Bogazici University. As a participant in an exchange program, you enjoy the benefits of direct enrollment at Bogazici University. It offers University of Illinois students the best of all worlds: an affordable way to spend a semester or academic year at Bogazici University, and the chance to continue studying courses which will fulfill graduation requirements. You take all of your classes with local students, live in student housing with other Turkish and international students, and have access to all the sports facilities and clubs of your host university.
The BEST option for students is to spend the entire academic year abroad. The benefits of year programs are numerous: much wider choice of classes, more integration in your host university and more opportunities to experience the regional differences of your host country. In fact, many past participants feel that a single year is almost too short a time at their host university!
Where you will study
Bogazici University is one of Turkey's premiere institutions of higher learning. With a large, American style campus high on the bluffs overlooking the Bosporus (Istanbul strait), it is an ideal site for international study, and provides a convenient base from which to explore the city of Istanbul. With an academic staff of 800 people and more than 10,000 students, the university includes four faculties (Arts and Sciences, Economics and Administrative Sciences, Education, and Engineering), the School of Foreign Languages, and the School for Vocational Studies.
Student Life
Bogazici University offers a wide variety of opportunities to its students on campus. There are various student organizations that range from the Aviation club to the Ballroom Dancing society. Students at Bogazici University also have access to arts centers such as a film center and a music hall. There is also a major sports complex on campus and students may join a number of extracurricular sports teams. The campus houses a Health Center that provides services to all students at Bogazici University.
Courses
Courses will be taken along with your Turkish peers, in a full range of academic areas as diverse as Engineering, Psychology, Art History, Biology, and International Studies amongst others. Students in any academic field can participate on this program and the language of instruction at the university is English, so there is no language requirement to participate in this program.
Students can earn up to 12-18 credit hours during a semester, 24 - 36 for a yearlong program.
For a full listing of courses offered click here.
For a listing of courses offered that already have Illinois equivalencies, please click here.
Note: As a study abroad participant through a University of Illinois approved program, once you are accepted to the program, you will be required to go through a Course Approval Process. During this process, the courses you plan on taking abroad will be evaluated by a 299 Advisor for Illinois credit (the credit can then be used to fulfill major, minor, general education, or elective credit, depending on the approval of the advisor). Details about this process will be provided once you are accepted to a program.
Class size
Bogazici University is relatively smaller than the University of Illinois but many of the classes are taught in a lecture format.
Language
There is no language requirement for this program. All courses are taught in English. Students with no previous knowledge of the Turkish language are required to take introductory Turkish while participating on the program.
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On-site Support
International Student Office
Each university has its own on-site international student office to assist students with local issues (from classes to accommodation) and may host social gatherings throughout the semester. Find our more about Bogazici University’s International Student Office by clicking here.
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Accommodation
Students are housed in the university residence halls, along with Turkish students and other international students. The dormitories are centrally located on the university campus, providing convenient living arrangements for visiting students.
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Returned Study Abroad Student Reflections
Scanned PA Sheets
Forthcoming
Video of returnee on experience
Forthcoming
Contact former Study Abroad students
Having trouble deciding on a location? Unsure about what to pack, or which classes to take? Send an email to someone who has been there! Our returnees love talking about their time abroad, so send them an email!
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Additional Program Resources
Before You Leave
The Before You Leave section on our website provides you with information on what to pack, money abroad, transportation, communicating with family members while abroad, and even what to do the day of your departure.
City videos
Flickr
Check out our Flickr album of photos taken by students while abroad in Turkey!
Country links
- Turkey Country Info
- Turkey News Sources
- Travel Info
Country CultureGram
CultureGrams are concise, reliable, and up-to-date information on more than 200 countries. They go beyond mere facts and figures and try to deliver an insider’s perspective on daily life and culture, including history, customs, and lifestyles of the country in mind. Visit Turkey’s CultureGram here!
Login to access:
Username: World
Password: Verona
Dates and Deadlines
All requirements must be completed by the Study Abroad Office deadlines: online materials are due by 11:59 PM on the deadline date; paper materials are due by 4:45 PM the following business day.
Spring Semester Programs - September 15
Summer/Fall/Academic Year Programs - February 15
How to Apply
Please click the “Apply Now” button (found at the top-right and bottom of this page) to apply. Upon completion of all application components, the "Submit Application" button will allow you to submit your application for review. When you click "Submit Application," you will be charged a non-refundable $100 Study Abroad Systems Fee to your Illinois student account.
This program has a two-step application process:
Step 1 .) The Study Abroad Office Application, which includes:
- Letter of Recommendation - done electronically (must be an academic advisor, TA or professor)
- Personal essay questions
- Photocopy of passport
- Signature verification form
- Official Transcript (prefer a hard copy transcript)
- Online questionnaires
Only application materials for Step 1 must be turned in by the corresponding term’s deadlines as listed above.
Step 2.) The Host University Application, due (TO BE COMPLETED AFTER YOU ARE NOMINATED BY AN ADVISOR IN STEP 1):
- If you are nominated by the Study Abroad Office based on your application in Step 1, you will then submit a host-university application to the Bogazici University. Your study abroad advisor will provide you with additional information, and supplemental application instructions will follow.
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Contact Information
Resources & Contact Information
Walk-In Advising Hours
Monday - Friday
12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Study Abroad Office Resource Center (112 International Studies Building)
First Steps Info Sessions:
Click here for the dates and times of the First Steps Info Sessions.
Mainland Europe Program Advisor
Andy Hinnant
sao-europe@illinois.edu
Location and Mailing Address:
Study Abroad Office
910 South Fifth Street
112 International Studies Building
Champaign, IL 61820
217-333-6322
Hours of operation: Monday through Friday from 12:00am to 4:00pm.
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Program Cost and Advance Fees
For an Unofficial Budget of this program, please scroll to the top of this page and find the box labeled “Budget Sheets,” and click on the semester during which you want to participate. Please read through the Unofficial Budget information, which also includes information on Financial Aid and Scholarships.
All students should be aware that once they are accepted to a program, they will be charged a non-refundable $305 fee to reserve their place on the program.
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Financial Aid and Scholarships
Because this program is sponsored by the University of Illinois, financial aid can be applied to the cost of the program. The amount of financial aid that is applicable to study abroad will depend on your financial aid package. Since there are many variables that determine how your financial aid package applies to study abroad, it is best that you consult with a financial aid advisor in the Office of Student Financial Aid to discuss your individual financial aid package.
In addition to financial aid, there are alternatives to funding your time abroad. Click here to learn more about our over $850,000 in scholarship opportunities. One scholarship that everyone is eligible for is the Illinois for Illinois (I4I) Scholarship. For more information, click here.
For more information about general costs, tips, and advice, please watch the First Steps Cost, Financial Aid, and Scholarship videos found here for tips and advice.
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Health, Safety, Pre-Departure
The health and safety of students abroad is something that the University of Illinois takes very seriously, which is why the Study Abroad Office provides services that range from international insurance coverage to a 24-hour phone line to speak to an Advisor on Duty. These services can be found on our website.
Pre-Departure Orientation
All students are required to attend an all-day Pre-Departure Orientation the semester before their term abroad. The exact date, time, and location will be given to students post-acceptance so that they can arrange for their attendance at this orientation. During this orientation, topics such as Culture Shock, health and safety scenarios, and other helpful pre-departure information will be presented. This is also a really great opportunity to talk about packing, meet other classmates on a program, and talk to returnees who have already been to the host country.
Additionally, students are required to sign off on a Health and Safety Orientation, and are encouraged to read through the Safety and Security section of our website, which includes topics from road safety and keeping your valuables and money safe, to nontraditional student identities while abroad.
This link includes information on our 24-hour emergency service, health matters, insurance, and safety and security
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Passport/Visa Information
You must have a valid passport to participate on this program. If you do not already have a passport, or if it needs to be renewed, you must begin that process now, even before program acceptance.
You may also be required to get a visa for your program. Please consult the host country’s consulate website or a visa agency to determine whether or not a visa is required to travel to your destination country or countries. Please visit our Passport and Visa website for more information.
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Withdrawal, Change, and Cancellation Policy
To withdraw, change, or cancel your participation in a study abroad program, please visit this link to view the Withdrawal and Refund Policy.
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