Here is a brief background and some general advice on what you need to think about before you take off…
A Background to Turkey and Turkish Culture
Turkey spans from Europe in the west to Central Asia in the east – its neighbouring countries are Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Greece, Georgia, Iraq, Iran and Syria. The capital of the country is Ankara and the official national language is Turkish. 98% of the population is Muslim, with the remaining 2% Christians and Jews. Freedom of religion and belief is practised in Turkey and the Republic has a secular state structure.
This transcontinental country is unique in its strategic location and wields significant regional power – politically, economically and culturally. Turkey has one of the fastest growing economies in the world and has increasing strategic significance in a global economy. Western Turkey is more prosperous than the predominantly rural and underdeveloped regions of the east.
Turkey’s population is around 74.5 million (2006 census). Because of its geographical location, Turkey is a melting pot of cultures and a unique blend of eastern and western tradition pervades throughout the country. History and modernity comfortably co-exist throughout all facets of life in this unique country.
Why Should I Choose to Study in Turkey?
Choosing to study abroad in any country is both a challenging and rewarding experience for the individual. Further, exchange relationships go a long way towards fostering and strengthening diplomatic ties between two countries as well.
International students will experience a dynamic lifestyle in Turkey that results from a blend of culture, religion, and wide geographic and climactic variations. The population of Turkey is relatively young and Turkish people are traditionally very hospitable.
Turkish universities offer some of the highest standards of higher education in the region, and the elite few offer an education and experience to rival the best worldwide. Participation in mobility programs and strong historical linkages with both Europe and the US have led to recent significant reform in the Turkish higher education sector, resulting in an innovative, dynamic and high quality education system.
The Major Cities
Ankara
Ankara is the young and vibrant capital of Turkey, located at the heart of the nation. It is the hub of government activities for all of Turkey and, host to embassies and a variety of international organizations, also, a gateway to the rest of the world. Ankara is a modern city with a population of more than five million, and is a centre for opera, ballet, jazz and modern dance, as well as the home of the Turkish Parliament and 13 universities.
Istanbul
Spanning both the Asian and European continents, separated by the Bosporus Straits, Istanbul has long been a settlement area. Modern Istanbul bears traces of its history as a capital city during three Great Empires – Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman. Throughout all three periods, Istanbul has preserved its features as a political and religious centre and is one of the few cities in the world visibly characterized by its rich and diverse political and religious history. Istanbul by nature is an international culture centre, hosting many music, film and art festivals throughout the year.
Istanbul is growing at an alarming rate in terms of population and economic activity, contributing to a centre of educational activity, stimulated by the arrival of people from all over the country and from countries which have historical links with Turkey. The foundations of a modern centre of business, education and culture are being laid in Istanbul as Turkey moves towards potential membership with the European Union. 29 higher education institutions are located in Istanbul.
Turkey’s Accession to the EU
In October 2005, Turkey commenced full accession negotiations with the EU. However, Turkey’s acceptance remains controversial and has been delayed by both internal issues and external disputes with neighbouring countries. Internal issues relate to political and religious divisions within the country and external disputes mainly involve Turkey’s non-recognition of the Republic of Cyprus as sovereign authority of the island. Time will tell whether or not Turkey will become a full member of the EU. In the meantime, Turkey is doing everything it can to prepare itself in both the education and economic sectors to be included as an EU member.
Once in Turkey, all students need to apply for a Residence Permit within one month of their arrival. Usually a staff member or student mentor from the host university can be called upon to accompany the student to submit their documents to the Police Department for Foreigners. The student must bring along their transcript, passport, at least 10 passport-size photos and health insurance information for the registration. It will take around one month to process and the student will need to collect their permit once it has been issued. The visa must be renewed annually.
Am I Allowed to Work in Turkey While on a Student Visa?
Basically, the answer is no. Some institutions do permit international students to take up part-time assistance jobs on-campus, but students are definitely not allowed to work outside of the university.
The Turkish Health System and Health Insurance Requirements
Turkey has a well-established healthcare sector with a large number of Turkish doctors and dentists who speak English, particularly in the major state hospitals. In the event that a student has trouble understanding a local professional who doesn’t speak English, they should request the assistance of local students or their host institution’s international student support network.
Turkish universities all have an on-campus medical centre; however, international students are strongly advised to come to Turkey with a valid Overseas Health Insurance Policy as international students are responsible for all costs associated with hospitalisation or for any medical service or treatment not available at a university health centre. The Health Insurance Policy should cover both Asiatic and European Turkey. The necessity of a comprehensive health insurance policy while in Turkey was emphasized by all local representatives of the institutions included in this booklet.
