Why Turkey?

The decision process for determining where I would spend my Junior year abroad was easy, I thought. All pre-planned, hand- holding study abroad programs were out. None seemed to be the right fit for the level of cultural immersion I sought. Directly enrolling in a foreign university was the best option because being a student in another country would be the closest to “local living” that I could get. Originally, I set my mind on the American University of Beirut, arguably the most prestigious university in the Middle East (one factor I thought I had going for me in the Parental Discussion). A friend and I talked about going together and living the Lebanese high life amongst a decadent view of the Mediterranean, dark and handsome men, and delicious kebabs. Those plans quickly went down the drain when Mom declared she would not send her daughter to a place where she could “see bombs going off on the news everyday.” A slight exaggeration, I might add, but a valid point nonetheless. Turkey, the runner-up on my list, eventually won out.

I am currently sitting in an apartment in Istanbul for more reasons than my Mom wouldn’t let me go to Lebanon. Actually, I did want to go to Turkey, but I wanted Lebanon just slightly more. Turkey fit all the pre-requisites: that I had never been before, that I knew very little about the place itself, and that living in the place would allow me to learn a new language. The school that caught my eye here was Bogazici University, a Turkish university with classes in English. Soon after I was admitted, I found a female student who was seeking a flatmate in a three-bedroom in walking distance from the school. I quickly signed on and now, here I am in my bedroom in Istanbul. Registration is this Thursday and classes start on September 28 (very late compared to many American schools). So, it’s here. It’s happening. Follow this blog for detailed stories on all my adventures, experiences, and road bumps along the way. Hoşgeldin!