Student Testimonials
I had been waiting for this experience for a year, and here I finally was in Istanbul with two overweight suitcases, my carry-on, and my laptop bag. I had an overwhelming desire to call someone on my cell phone for help but, of course, I knew that this was not an option. I thought anxiously to myself, “Where is the person who was going to pick me up from the airport?” All I could hear around me was Turkish; no English whatsoever. That was June 22, 2005. I remember that I was scared and yet very excited and determined to make this an unforgettably amazing experience.
I spent both a summer and fall semester at Bogazici University through a SUNY Binghamton program, which I surprisingly found to be completely different experiences in each semester. Expecting an orientation upon arrival, or at least information on where my classes were going to be, I was disappointed to learn that none was planned. Luckily, I knew some friends from MIT who were taking classes with me at Bogazici University. My Turkish-American suitemates at my summer dorm, a girl who also was participating in the SUNY Binghamton program, and my MIT friends became my surrogate family for the summer. Having such friends, who can understand the complex feelings of being so far from home while simultaneously feeling the need to enjoy a different culture and country provided me with a sense of comfort that I needed while abroad. Going places with friends was also a necessity for me because of the challenges facing women traveling alone in Turkey. I had to get used to the constant stares wherever I went. Being dependent on someone else even to go to some place as common as the grocery store would become very frustrating at times. Despite all this, the summer was great, always sunny and blue skies.
Being in Istanbul, the only city that spans two continents, was breathtaking. Sitting by the water and looking over at Asia from the European side, I was able to think about all the things that are important to me. It must be said, though, that it was not always peaches and cream being abroad. To my great surprise, I was often homesick and would even cry for my family. The language barrier would also get really frustrating at times. Therefore, learning Turkish in the summer was very beneficial. It was more of challenge than I expected, although, I already know three other languages.
Starting the fall semester was another memorable experience. Since all except one of my close friends had gone back to their home universities, I felt lonely and did not look forward to 
having to make friends again. At first none of the Bogazici University students spoke to me, but after a few weeks I broke the silence and spoke to one of my classmates. From then on, it became very easy to make friends. I quickly learned that the Turkish students were embarrassed about their English proficiency. They thought that they did not speak well enough to have a conversation with the American and European kids. I learned a lot about life and Turkey from these students. For my part, I helped them with their English and with graduate school applications as much as I could. Being abroad was a roller coaster, but most definitely worth it. With my sense of self now solidified, I feel stronger and much better prepared to deal with the next stage of my life. I fell in love with the world so much that I am planning a career abroad after graduating from MIT.
