WHY TURKEY?
THE BRIDGE TO THE WORLD You have many reasons to come to Turkey! Turkey is an attraction to everyone in the world because of the spiritual and physical features which are unique to each single city. For example, İstanbul is the only city in the world that connects two continents. The city, which is located in both Asia and Europe, has been the capital city for many civilizations for thousands of years throughout its history. Turkey is more than a bridge between two continents. Actually, Turkey is a country in which East and West meet in a much broader sense. Turkey has been successful in blending these two cultures and being home to cultural and historical richness and legacy for thousands of years.
A WORLD OF SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES The chance to study abroad is a dream for many students, especially in today’s global era. According to the UNESCO, more than 3,6 million students were enrolled in higher education abroad in 2010, and the number is increasing every year. In this challenging global market, there are a wide variety of scholarship opportunities in Turkey available just for you. Many of these scholarships are provided by the State.
For more information, please visit http://www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr/index.php/en/turkiye-burslari/burs-programlari
A PLACE FOR LIVING! The experience of studying abroad is more than just attending a school in a foreign country. So, when deciding where to study abroad, you should first ask yourself where you want to live. With its cosmopolitan cities and small towns, Turkey offers a variety of cultural experiences to international students. Bringing together different cultures, religions, people, lifestyles and definitely different cuisines, with its unique location, Turkey has served as a gate to Western World for Eastern cultures and to Eastern World for Western societies. Weather is another important consideration when you decide to study abroad. Turkey is one of the few countries in which you will enjoy the beauties of all four seasons thanks to its geographical position and climate. Being surrounded by three seas, Turkey is an ideal destination for sun and swimming in the summer and skiing in the winter.
COST OF LIVING AND STUDY The cost of study and living will be your other consideration in your study abroad decision. Compared to other international student destinations, Turkey offers significantly lower annual tuition fees and much lower living expenses. According to the Mercer’s 2013 global cost of living rankings, Turkey’s metropolitan cities are in the very bottom row of the most expensive cities list.
A DOOR TO YOUR DREAM JOB One of the main questions you will have after graduation is “what is next?” International students graduating from Turkish universities have a lot of options including, pursuing a graduate degree, returning back to home with a widely accepted diploma or finding a job in and out of Turkey. In addition, international students are able to work part-time on campus during their education.
Turkey is progressing towards being one of the leading economies of the world with its developing and growing economy. The number of global brands doing business in Turkey and working together with Turkish brands is increasing. As of June 2013, the number of international companies operating in Turkey is 34,000, 50% of which are companies from European Union countries.
As Turkey is a favorite country for international investors, you can also have the chance to work in one of these international companies. You may also witness that your classmates and other friends you make here in Turkey achieve significant success in their careers in Turkey and even in the world. So, you can use these contacts to open the doors to new opportunities for yourself.
QUALITY OF EDUCATION Turkish higher education system has developed significantly in the last few decades in terms of both quality and quantity. Turkish universities now offer a rich field of choices for international students.
The quality of the system is also reflected in international ranking lists. According to The Times Higher Education BRICS & Emerging Economies Rankings 2014, there are 7 Turkish universities in the top 100 university list, and 3 of them are in the top 10. In addition, 9 Turkish universities took place among the top 800 world universities ranking by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) in the UK and 19 Turkish universities took place among the top 1000 world universities ranking by METU Informatics Institute.
Turkish universities offer high quality studies and are an integral part of the European education space. There is an increasing number of universities offering programs taught in English, and these include medicine, engineering, humanities, business, and finance. Turkey is part of Bologna Process since 2001 and also a member of many different international platforms. What this means is that, first all students can continue their education in other countries with ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) and second they can get their diplomas recognized by other countries.
UNIVERSITY-INDUSTRY COOPERATION Regarding the link between university-industry, starting with the year 2000, many techno-parks and technology development centers have been established within the university campuses. The Law on Technology Development Centers, which entered into force in 2001, draws the framework for the legal status of these institutions. As of 2014, there are 32 technology development centers operating and an additional 11 are under construction in different universities. Associate Degree qualifications are also included in Turkish higher education system. Within this degree, universities offer two-year programs, all of which are vocational oriented and at the end of the study period, graduates are expected to be employed as intermediate staff in related sectors. The curriculum design of these programs is done in such a way that gives the student the opportunity to do their internships in firms of the related sectors.
ACCOMMODATION Many Turkish Universities provide campus accommodation to all international students who wish to stay on the campus or in state dormitories. Meals generally are not included in the fee but dormitories have canteens where students can eat breakfast and other meals for a nominal cost. All fees are fixed in Turkish Liras. Regardless of their nationality, all international students may pay the same amount as Turkish students. In addition, most Turkish dormitories are segregated by sex. You may need to make payments upon arrival. Therefore, it is advised to bring the necessary initial payment in cash. In Turkey, all processes related to accommodation in state dormitories are carried out by General Directorate of Higher Education Credit and Hostels Institution. For detailed information, please visit www.kyk.gov.tr web page.
If you are looking for a room in a shared apartment, you may find vacancies posted in hostels and language schools in addition to the other sources. You would also have a chance to find an apartment on your university’s campus.

TESTIMONIALS
“When first thinking about studying abroad, I never even thought about Turkey. Though, once Turkey was brought to my attention, I realized how little I knew about this country and culture. Due to this, it made perfect sense to travel to Turkey in order to experience and learn first-hand what Turkey is all about. Originally, I came to Turkey for only a year, but the hospitality of the people, their rich culture, and of course the food convinced me to transfer my credits to Bilkent University and become a full-time student there. I transferred to Bilkent because it is considered an elite school in Turkey and internationally respected. Bilkent offers an excellent education with a mix of American and European pedagogical traditions. If you're looking for an awesome adventure for your study abroad experience, I highly recommend going to Turkey and studying at Bilkent University. You will make wonderful memories and lifelong friends.”
Matthew Guenther, USA
Department of International Relations

“My experience with the students at Sabanci University was entirely positive: I met-without nearly any exception- open minded and welcoming people that were very willing to relate to me, so that the feeling of being a stranger disappeared quickly”

Stefan Cihan Aykut, Germany
Exchange student from Freie Universitaet Berlin

"I am very happy with my choice of doing my ERASMUS semester at Cukurova University (CU). Being student at CU in Adana, Turkey was a very good experience to me. The service and organisation offered to the ERASMUS students was very good: Fetching from the airport, providing rooms for rent, excursions for the students and the fact that there was always someone to ask for help in the international office. Turkey is different. And for me the best and most important experience was the ‘intercultural adventure’ that I had when living and studying in Turkey. In general there is a big Turkish hospitality – a custom that is not standard in Germany like this. The Turkish hospitality made my stay very pleasant and easy. I need to tell that I decided to stay another semester at CU, what proofs that I really think it is worth to come to this place."

Julia Thomas, Germany
Exchange student from Freie Universitaet Berlin

“My experience studying abroad is something I’ll never forget. I found myself quickly falling in love with Istanbul just during my first few days there. Everything from the people to the beauty of the city won me over. It was an eye-opening four months that I’ll always remember. I was surprised by how comfortable I felt exploring on my own through the city and using my beginner’s Turkish skills! In my mind, the most important step in becoming closer and learning more about the country and culture was by making Turkish friends. It was an easy task as the mentors at Koc University were so welcoming, friendly, and helpful. They weren’t just there to show us the campus, but they truly became our friends. I got to have experiences such as having breakfast with a friend’s family, going to football games, and attending festivals. I now feel like Istanbul is my second home, and I can’t wait to go back. I know there is much more waiting for me.”

Ashlie O’Day, USA
Exchange student from University of Minnesot