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Frequently Asked Questions
I know it's been over a year since I've returned from Turkey, but I figured if I answered some potential study abroad questions here, I could save some people a lot of effort. I'll try to arrange them by some sort of topic.
If you have any more questions, I'd be glad to answer them. You can find my email address on my Dragons Abroad Global Profile.
Basics
I attended the Middle Eastern Technical University in Ankara, Turkey Fall Semester 2005. My travel blog is located within this Blogger blog. Feel free to explore!
Classes are taught in English, but most Turkish students are a bit shy about speaking English. Additionally, most non-academic types you meet (waiters, cashiers, bus drivers, etc.) will not speak any English. I liked this. It forced me to learn more of the language.
If you want to see what Turkey looks like, about 250 of my best/favorite photos are located at http://iristurkey.shutterfly.com (the password is 'irisinturkey').
- Why did you choose Turkey?
I'm an Arabic minor, and Turkey was the closest I could get to the Middle East within the GE3 program. I love learning languages, but I don't speak any others fluently. Since METU teaches classes in English I got the opportunity to learn in English while exploring outside of the classroom in a completely different language.
- Why did you choose METU?
Aside from being the only GE3 school in Turkey, METU is centrally located in Turkey. This means you are closer to a whole bunch of towns. Most people would prefer to stay in Istanbul, but Istanbul is up in the Northwest corner, away from a large number of intriguing villages and cities. Ankara makes the bus rides a little quicker. Additionally, METU has humongous course offerings. Lots of different unique classes to take.
- Where is METU located?
It's actually right outside of Ankara, the city. It has its own trails and such through the woods, it even has its own lake which is very difficult to get to. There isn't any transportation there, really. If you want to go to Kizilay (the main shopping area of Ankara) or Ulus (the older and historical section of town) or another section of town, you need to take a dolmus (a mini van of sorts) from campus. Your Turkish host student should help explain this to you. Have him/her take you into the city.
- What was the weather like?
Seeing as I was in Turkey during fall semester (late August until January), I found the weather/temperature to be just about the same as in Philadelphia. A bit of snow/ice in December. Nothing exceedingly hot or cold. Philadelphia weather.
- Were you homesick?
I was never homesick, but that's just an individual-based thing. I was even in Turkey for the winter holidays. It just depends on who you are. Besides, if you keep yourself busy traveling and meeting people, the time goes by extremely fast.
- Did you have trouble adjusting?
This is sort of a personal thing (i.e. it's completely different for each person). No trouble adjusting. Well, besides the digestive bug nearly every German, Australian, and American got from ingesting Turkish bacteria. That's sort of unavoidable. The important thing is to remember to keep an open mind. Things don't always work the same as they do in the USA.
- Were the people nice? or did you have trouble making friends?
METU has a study abroad orientation that lumps all the exchange students into a lecture series and a language class. So, you meet everyone that way. Remember, all the other exchange students are in the same boat as you! They all want/need to make friends. Also, you will have a Turkish host student to take you out and show you around Ankara. Plus, there's always your roommates or floormates. It is a little more difficult sometimes to make Turkish friends, because their English isn't usually quite as good as exchange students (even non-American ones).
- Did you have trouble contacting your family while in Turkey?
No, not really. You can use Skype to call through your computer for free. But also, Tulumba.com has a 6 cents/minute rate from calls from the U.S. or something like that. It takes about a week for a letter to get to its destination (Turkey -> USA or USA -> Turkey). Packages are rather expensive to send.
- What about cell phones?
Cell phones aren't really necessary, but they are useful for contacting your fellow study abroad students to meet up for food or excursions into the city or whatever. Do not use your cell phone to call the USA. It is expensive. My Turkish host student took me into the city and helped me find a cheap, used phone that worked. Make sure you test your phone before buying it!!! Way too many of them don't function. Turkish cell phones work on a pay-as-you-go service, and there's various providers. I believe there is a TelSim shop, which sells a Sim Card (for pay-as-you-go) in the mini-mall on METU's campus.
- Did you feel safe on or off campus? Did you feel safe traveling?
I always like to say that I was never afraid of the people, but I was afraid of the packs of stray domestic dogs roaming METU's campus. You're not supposed to walk around at night by yourself through the woods because of the dogs. I've never felt unsafe otherwise. There's less gun and violent crimes in Turkey/Ankara than in Philadelphia. I found I felt safer there, than on campus here.
Culture
- Did you ever feel the effects of male dominance while you were there?
Well, I would notice when I went to more rural towns that I would never see females around. But, being an obvious tourist/traveler, I never had any problems. Of course, I didn't go running around in a mini-skirt, but, well, you get what I'm saying. There's a book called "Crescent and Star" about modern Turkey that you may want to read. I think it's still somewhat outdated, but it'll give you a slightly better handle on the culture.
- What is Ramazan?
Ramazan (other cultures refer to it as Ramadan) is a holiday that occurs sometime during the fall. For a month, all Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. This usually means that many restaurants are closed during the day, even on campus. Please keep in mind, that even if you do not fast during the day, it is rude to eat or drink in front of those who may be fasting. During Ramazan, most towns/neighborhoods have someone who walks around the town banging on a drum, waking everyone up so they can eat before sunrise. This does not happen on METU''s campus, but it does happen in Ankara and everywhere else, I assume. At the end of the fasting, there is a holiday called Seker Bayrami, which involves lots of eating.
- What about American holidays?
Obviously, Turkey does not celebrate American holidays, but you may be able to get together with a couple other exchange students and have a Halloween party, Thanksgiving Dinner, or even a Christmas party. Or, you may decide to travel and see something new instead of getting homesick during these times. I opted to stay in Turkey during Christmas, since final exams were scheduled that week. Since the country does not really celebrate Christmas it doesn't really feel like Christmas, and you're a lot less likely to get homesick than you would think. I celebrated by going to one of my German friend's apartments for a Christmas Eve party. There was lots of food and we all exchanged gifts. I believe this event is discussed in this blog.
- What's this I hear about Turkish bathhouses?
I've been in ...3 Turkish bathhouses (hamam). A traditional Turkish hamam is separated by gender, and females are scrubbed by females, males are scrubbed by males. There's usually a changing room (as a female, you get either topless or completely naked- be sure to bring a bathing towel. Males always wrap their bottom halves with a bathing towel). After the changing room, you proceed to a steamy chamber (like a sauna) with others. You sit there for awhile until your skin gets all soft, then a bathhouse worker scrubs you down until all your dead skin sloughs off. My skin has never looked so good as after a Turkish bath. Be sure to tip your bather/masseuse!
Apparel
- How should I dress, culture-wise?
Remember, Turkey is a fairly Westernized nation. On METU's campus, you'll be walking around with fairly typical college students. You can wear "normal" school attire without offending anyone. Generally, in Western Turkey in the larger towns/cities, "normal" clothing will not offend anyone. I would be a little more covered up for visiting a more traditional village, a more traditional section of a city (in Ankara, there's Ulus), or for visiting Eastern Turkey especially. If you're in Turkey for fall semester, you'll spend most of your days a little more covered up due to the weather anyways.
- What is "normal" clothing?
What I mean is that jeans are most certainly okay!! As a female, I don't recall the girls wearing too many T-shirts, but you only have so many suitcases in which to bring clothing. There's no need to overdo it. No one is going to stare at you if you are dressed in sneakers, jeans, and a T-shirt.
- What about shoes?
If you want to be fashion conscious, Turks generally don't wear flip flops, but college-aged Turks really like Converse hi-tops. Remember to keep in mind that if you're going to be doing a lot of walking, you should wear appropriate shoes. Much of METU's campus is paved with cobblestones. It is best to wear sneakers. You should probably bring at least one pair of sneakers and one pair of hiking boots (for walking/hiking, and the snow).
- Do women cover their hair with a hijab (or headscarf)?
It's illegal for public workers to wear a headscarf. Women cannot wear a headscarf while taking Medical School entrance exams, teaching, practicing as a doctor, or attending public universities. Therefore, female students and professors at METU are not allowed to wear a headscarf. In Eastern Turkey and more traditional cities or sections of cities, headscarf-wearing is a lot more popular. However, you are only required to wear a headscarf when entering a mosque (they also require that women cover up their midriffs and that all visitors take off their shoes).
Classwork
- Did you have trouble transferring credits?
I think this depends on your classes, and I believe the procedure has changed since I have been abroad. You usually get your classes pre-approved by some academic advisor before you even apply to go abroad. I also had a class or two approved by a Drexel adviser while I was in Turkey. However, it did take nearly 9 months (after my return to the USA) for my credits/classes to transfer.
- Did you have difficulty in your engineering classes?
Being a computer science major, I took a Computer Engineering class at METU (it was Introduction to Natural Language Processing). I did not have much difficulty with my engineering classes.
- How many classes related to your major did you take? How many classes did you take total?
I was ahead in my classwork, so I mainly chose courses according to my schedule (i.e. I didn't want classes on Friday. Thursday nights were always spent on an overnight bus trip somewhere). I took one computer science course, one freshman philosophy course (it was really easy), Turkish language (required), a contemporary Turkey lecture series (required, but there are only classes during orientation), and a Turkish history class. So that's about 5 course, but only 4 of them were going on throughout the semester.
- Was the level of class difficulty the same?
I would say that my engineering class at METU required almost as much, or slightly less, than a typical computer science class at Drexel. My liberal arts classes were as easy as a Drexel liberal arts course, possibly due to the fact that being a native English speaker gave me a tremendous advantage.
- What sort of course offerings are there?
METU is a really big school, so they had more classes offered in my major than Drexel does. I assume they'll be the same for most engineering disciplines. Their liberal arts offerings were also quite impressive. I was happy to take Turkey-related courses not normally offered by Drexel (such as 'The Image of the Turk in Italy and Europe'. Then there's also the 'Politics of Water' which is an interesting issue, especially concerning the Euphrates).
- How did professors approach the language barrier?
All classes are supposedly taught in English at METU, however, I did encounter a sociology professor or two who did not appreciate my inability to speak Turkish, nor my technical major. There is a week or two in which you get to try out classes at METU. Take this opportunity to talk to professors and gauge their willingness to teach you.
- Are they lenient at METU about class absences?
I believe attendance requirements change depending on professors, just like at Drexel. I do recall skipping a week of classes immediately after Seker Bayrami to travel with my mom. There were not any major problems caused by my absence. Just make sure to fulfill your requirements, do homework, or whatever else is required. But remember, you lose much of the experience if you spend all your time studying for classes.
Language
- What is difficult with the language barrier?
There is nothing that can't be solved with a little bit of hand-waving, and some drawings. Especially if the matter involves money. You learn the names of food you like, places you want to go, etc. The biggest problem is understanding how much several purchases cost together (if it's not digitally displayed). It takes some time to understand what prices/numbers cashiers are saying.
- How do I overcome the language barrier?
Keep in mind, you will likely be taking Turkish language lessons at METU. This helps a lot. But also remember, that practice really does make perfect. The more outgoing you are, and the more willing you are to try conversations with people in Turkish, the better your language skills will get. People are usually quite surprised (and pleased) that you know some Turkish. Don't be afraid. If you want to get a head start on the language before you go, the "Teach Yourself Turkish" with audio CD program is pretty decent.
Housing
- Where did you live?
I lived in a private dorm (EBI II, I believe). It was fine. I wish my Turkish roommate wasn't so shy, but besides that, no real complaints. The dorms are all on campus, with a whole bunch of dorms. There were other exchange students who lived off campus, but the dorms are much cheaper than they are in Philadelphia, so I didn't mind paying for EBI II.
- Which dorm should I choose to live in?
I highly recommend avoiding the public dorms, and sticking to EBI I and EBI II entirely. The location is good, and you get to avoid some of the hassle of public dorms. Public dorms are not open during study abroad orientation, so if you are placed in a public dorm you will have to move. Additionally, public dorms often have more than 2 students living in a single room and/or sharing a single bathroom. If you choose a private dorm, I recommend opting to have a roommate or two. Exposure to someone who lives in Turkey only adds to the experience.
- How do you pay for the dorms?
Living in EBI II, they required the entire 4 months rent within the first month or so, and in cash. Keep this in mind. I hope your debit/ATM card works.
Travel
- Did you get a chance to travel?
I traveled a lot. I think in the 17 or so weeks I was in Turkey, I went on 11 trips and saw/toured/explored 16-20 different cities. I used a "Lonely Planet" guide to Turkey for getting around and choosing where I wanted to go. That books is absolutely great for travel in Turkey. Also, keep in mind, I sort of used my semester abroad as a vacation. I took less/easier classes than I normally would, and chose classes that didn't conflict with my travel schedule (i.e. no class on Friday!).
- Who did you travel with?
I traveled to Olimpos/Antalya with my American roommate and some other exchange students from other countries, to Kapadokya with the study abroad program, to Istanbul (to see a soccer match) with a lot of exchange students from many countires, to Bogazkale/Hattusa with my German friend Torben, to Pamukkale/Afrodisias with my dad, to Mt. Nemrut/Kahta/Sanliurfa/Van with two older American exchange students, to Efes/Canakkale/Troy/Gelibolu/Kusadasi/Istanbul with my mom, to Konya with the study abroad program, and to Bursa with a Dutch friend of mine. Keep in mind, you usually travel with people who have similar schedules as you. Normally, people have Friday off, but not usually Monday or Thursday. I didn't like traveling by myself too much, but I knew a girl who preferred it that way. So, it's not out of the question.
- Where should I go?
I used my Lonely Planet's front map for advice on the must see places. Obviously, Istanbul is a must see. BUT YOU MUST ABSOLUTELY GO TO OLIMPOS IN WARM WEATHER. It's not a real Turkish experience, but Olimpos has absolutely gorgeous beaches, ruins, a dance bar with a ceiling open to the sky, and cheap lodging (with meals included)...plus you get to stay in tree houses!! METU should take you to Kapadokya, which is another great place. I really enjoyed going up Mt. Nemrut near Sanliurfa. My photos at http://iristurkey.shutterfly.com (the password is 'irisinturkey') should give you more ideas about places you'd like to see.
- How do you travel?
Generally, I took an overnight bus on Thursday night, arrived Friday morning and then took an overnight bus Sunday night to show up on time for Monday classes. Yes, it's pretty grueling, but how many times in your life are you going to be in this situation? So, buses are the simplest/cheapest method of transportation. Airfare is also a bit cheaper, especially for airlines other than Turkish Air (that is, the domestic lines). I forget their names now, but sometimes it's much easier to take a 2 hour plane ride rather than a 21 hour bus ride.
- More information about traveling by bus?
METU has two bus company representatives in the Sunshine Cafe. Those two lines are high-end moderate scale, and generally only go places in Western Turkey. If you want to go East, you should go to ASHTI (the bus station) and buy tickets there. There's many more vendors at ASHTI. On the bus, girls should protest loudly if they are seated next to a male they do not know. On the nicer bus lines, you may get a movie dubbed in Turkish (I was privileged to see "Final Destination 2" and "Weekend at Bernie's"). Most bus lines have a bus attendant who will cart free snacks up and down the aisle and hand out cups of water and other drinks. Every 4 hours, the bus stops at a roadside stop allowing people to go to the bathroom and buy snacks there. It's difficult to fall asleep on the buses at first, but you slowly grow accustomed to it.
- What about travel to other countries?
I had some American friends who traveled to Georgia. Probably not the best idea. And sure, Turkey is close to Romania and Eastern Europe, but there's so much to explore in Turkey one semester is really not enough time to do it all, so I didn't bother leaving the country for elsewhere.
Food
- Is alcohol prohibited?
No! Just slightly more expensive and harder to find. I suggest you read up a bit more on the country. May I suggest "Crescent and Star" by Stephen Kinzer. It's a bit old, but...it's a good beginning for a grasp on the culture.
- How were the meals like? as in, did you often go to the grocery store or did you eat out or order-in most of the time?
METU has kantins (translation = cantines = small cafes/restaurants/buffets) in each academic building, plus a small grocery store on campus. I mainly ate out, choosing to have lunch in the academic building kantins, and dinner at either the campus mini-mall, or a kantin in another dorm. There really isn't any "ordering-in". I usually did my own breakfast from the grocery store (yogurt or fruit or cucumbers), but I could also get breakfast in my dorm kantin for about $2 per day. I never cooked my own food, but that may have been because I didn't want to buy any pots and pans. ...or maybe due to laziness.
- What kind of food is the most common?
Turkish food pretty much consists of lamb. Lamb in every form: sliced, mashed, with vegetables, with bread, without, spicy, plain, etc. Even the McDonald's and Burger King offered "McTurco Burgers" and "Kofte Burgers." There's usually a chicken option, as well. There's also a lot of yogurt consumption. It's often a side dish with lamb (usually kebab of some sort. Iskender kebab is always served with yogurt). Milk is not really something they drink in Turkey. They have a salty watery yogurt drink called "ayran" instead. If you want a taste of what Turkish yogurt is like, try Trader Joe's "Greek-Style Yogurt". It's good. Not as sweet as American yogurts, but it has an extra kick to it.
- What is obviously different about Turkish cuisine?
A classic Turkish breakfast is cucumbers, olives, tomatoes, a boiled egg, plain bread, and some processed meats arrayed on a plate...with black tea of course! Cereal and milk are not too widespread. The peanut butter in Turkey is a lot sweeter than our peanut butter, and the jelly is funky, too. Sliced white bread isn't heavily consumed. You can only really find beef offered at international fast food restaurants. Fresh squeezed orange and pomegranate juices are a lot cheaper and a lot easier to find. Make sure you try these!!
- Is it difficult to be a vegetarian in Turkey?
It's not just difficult, it's nearly impossible. Almost everything contains meat of some sort, and most people there do not seem to understand the concept of what "vegetarian" means.
- What if I get homesick for certain foods?
Sadly, the main problem with Turkish food is there is no variety. Very little Chinese restaurants, few (if not no) Mexican restaurants, and I don't recall ever seeing Italian. Of course, there are Turkish dishes similar to some things we know. I'm sure some restaurants offered spaghetti with tomato sauce, but I recall have a tasty dish of spaghetti with goat cheese and mushrooms, or something like that. Even Pizza Hut doesn't really offer typical, plain cheese (or even pepperoni) pizza. A typical pizza from a kantin or restaurant often has corn and processed meat on it and I've even seen a tuna pizza. There are beef cheeseburgers offered at McDonald's and Burger King however. There's a Dunkin Donuts in Istanbul, on Istiklal Caddesi.
- Will I have to drink Turkish coffee?
Turkish coffee is really just a small amount of really strong coffee (don't drink the coffee grounds at the bottom!!). Only dessert places offer Turkish coffee, for the most part. Most Turks seem to drink instant Nescafe, it's rather challenging to find brewed coffee (once again, try the dessert places). Turkish tea is also very popular. It's cheap and you can get it anywhere. It's really just extra strong black tea, and it comes in a Turkish tea glass.
Money
- Does it end up being really expensive to live abroad?
It is cheaper to live in Turkey than in the United States. My dorm cost $400/month, and it was the nicest dorm on campus. Food is cheaper. Traveling is cheaper. Alcohol is a bit more expensive, or the same, I can't remember. You spend the most money by traveling a lot and buying too many souvenirs. But you miss out on a lot if you opt out of traveling.
- How do I get my money while abroad?
You're out of your mind if you plan on getting money with your credit card. I highly recommend getting a Visa Check Card. Life's just easier that way. There's ATMs all over the cities. But be careful, some towns don't have any ATMs at all! Don't get stranded without money.
- What about Traveler's checks?
Bad idea in Turkey. They're annoying and rarely ever accepted. Use an ATM/debit card.
posted by h @ 8:50 PM
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