Background

Yeditepe is a foundation university, established in 1996 by the Istanbul Education and Culture Foundation. It has 11 faculties, two institutes, four research centres and one vocational school. In the 2008-09 academic year, there were 17,000 students and 1,800 faculty members at the university.

Yeditepe refers to the legendary Seven Hills of Istanbul since the city was established. In its early years, Yeditepe University offered educational programs in various campuses on the Asian side of Istanbul. From the summer of 2000, the university was relocated to a new purpose-built campus at Kayisdagi, also on the Asian side. With its highly distinguished academic and administrative personnel, many of whom have made outstanding contributions to Turkish society, the university has deservedly earned a leading position in the echelons of Turkey’s Higher Education system. The university’s aim is to educate the youth as enlightened individuals, fully capable of dealing with the demands of the contemporary modern world, versed in cultural fields, equipped with technological skills and dedicated to the ideals of secularism, progress and creativity, inspired by Ataturk’s principles.

Location

Istanbul

Areas of Study

Arts and Sciences, Commerce, Communication, Dentistry, Economics and Administrative Sciences, Education, Engineering and Architecture, Fine Arts, Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, Foreign Languages.

Medium of Instruction

English (Exceptions: Law and Drama)

Accommodation

You can stay in dormitory and also you can choose one of ErasmusTurkey’ s flats or rooms near to Yeditepe University.

Exchange & International Students

There are approximately 300 international students and 150 exchange students on-campus. Students tend to come from the US, Canada, the EU, Africa and Central Asia and the most popular program for international students is Economics. The international student body has been increasing each semester and the International Office has been expanded to keep pace with the new international arrivals as well as providing services for students involved in study abroad exchange programs. Presently, the university has signed exchange agreements and Memorandum of Understandings with over 40 universities in the USA and has been actively involved in developing Erasmus and related programs with European schools.

University Facilities

Student Support and Learning

Orientation for all international and exchange students are arranged by the university’s International Office. Airport pick-up is provided, and students are brought to their dormitory and given a 1-2 hour briefing. Weekly orientation sessions are then provided for the first month. A one-day excursion to the city and nearby areas is also provided.

The Yeditepe University Knowledge Centre occupies 3,000 square meters and has 350 seating places. The library strives to offer the highest possible quality service by providing all the resources at its disposal to both the academic staff and students, with the aim of supporting research as well as educational activities. Students are also able to access the library through an online library facility. Special laboratories are dedicated to particular fields of study such as Physics and Engineering.

Turkish as a second language courses are provided to international students studying at Yeditepe. The Orientation program includes an Introductory Turkish class.

Sporting Facilities

Yeditepe has both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a gym and tennis courts.

Health Facilities

The on-campus Medical Centre provides 24-hour facilities to all Yeditepe students and has English-speaking staff.

Other Facilities

Students of the university are represented by a very active Student Council. The council organizes student clubs and social activities for the students. It also has a live TV station, radio station and two TV studios. Students are encouraged to take part in student clubs for extracurricular activities. There are 34 student clubs in fields ranging from photography and philosophy through to folk dancing and management.

Canteens, eateries and a main restaurant on-campus provide daily meals to all students, offering a variety of cuisines.

Bank branches and ATMS are located on-campus.

University Contact for Further Information

Director – International Office

Dr. Vehbi Baysan

Tel: +90 (216) 578 0379

Email: vbaysan@yeditepe.edu.tr

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.

Turkish law requires all mobile phones that operate through a Turkish SIM card to be
registered.

If you switch to a Turkish SIM card after your arrival and fail to register, your
mobile phone will be blocked. You can register your phone at customs desk in the
airport.

It is around 10- 15 TL. In case you forget to do so, you can both buy a Turkish SIM Card and make your
registration by visiting the stores of Turkish GSM operators (Turkcell, Vodafone, Avea). You
only need to present your passport in order to register.
If you want to use Turkish Sim Card, We strictly advice that you should register your phone when you arrive Turkey in airport.
For more information, please check this Gsm operators.
Turkcell
Vodafone Turkey
Avea

Doğuş University

International Student Office

Tel: +90 (216) 544 55 21
Fax: +90 (216) 544 55 42
E-mail: intstud@dogus.edu.tr

Marmara University

Marmara University LLP / Erasmus Office
Avrupa Topluluğu Enstitüsü Binası Yanı Kat: 2
Göztepe Kampüsü
34722 Kadıköy İstanbul

Tel: (+90 216) 345 21 67 (+90 216) 345 21 67
Fax:(+90 216) 347 87 14

erasmus@marmara.edu.tr

Okan University

International Office

Serpil Sidgwick

E-mail: serpil.arisoy@okan.edu.tr

Phone: +90 216 677 16 30 / 1138 – +90 216 677 12 74

Fax: +90 216 677 16 47

www.erasmus.okan.edu.tr

İstanbul Ticaret University

LLLP/ ERASMUS OFFICE

ddemirtas@iticu.edu.tr

Address: Selman-I Pak Cd. 34672
ÜSKÜDAR – İSTANBUL/TURKEY
Tel: +90 216 553 92 15
Fax: +90 216 553 97 83
e-mail: erasmus@iticu.edu.

Istanbul Aydin University

E-mail intoffice@aydin.edu.tr
Tel: (90 212) 425 61 51 (pbx)
Fax: (90 212) 425 57 59

Yeditepe University

International Office

Mrs. İrem Eliuygun
Tel: +90 216 578 05 31
Mail: intoffice@yeditepe.edu.tr

Address: 26 Ağustos Yerleşimi,
Kayışdağı Cad.
34755 Kayışdağı-Erenköy
Istanbul Turkey

Sabancı University

Tel: (+90 216) 483 9100 / 9627 / 9735 / 9703
Fax: (+90 216) 483 9715

E-mail :

international@sabanciuniv.edu
suoutgoing@sabanciuniv.edu
suincoming@sabanciuniv.edu

Bahcesehir University

International Office

Responsible Person : Ayşe Kaba

Web: www.bahcesehir.edu.tr

Mail: info@bahcesehir.edu.tr

Istanbul University

International Office

E-mail: intacrel@istanbul.edu.tr

Tel: +90 212 440 00 51

Address: Istanbul Universitesi
Uluslararasi Akademik Iliskiler Kurulu – International Office
Beyazit, 34452 Istanbul / TURKEY

Beykent University

International Office

Tel. +90 212 867 53 02 / +90 212 867 50 77

Mail: aocak@beykent.edu.tr

Kültür University

International Office

LLP/Erasmus Coordinator : Mutlu Çomak-Özbatır, M.A.

Mail: m.comak@iku.edu.tr

Tel.:+90 212 498 44 67

Istanbul Arel University

Erasmus Institutional Coordinator

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aysen WOLFF

aysenwolff@arel.edu.tr

Boğaziçi University

International Relations Office

Dr. Taner BilgiçCoordinator of International Relations

Tel: +902123597421

Mail: intloffice@boun.edu.tr

A Residence Permit is an official document stating registration with the Directorate of Security (Emniyet Müdürlüğü).

All international students, regardless of their status, are required to obtain this document within the
validity period of their student visas.

Recently the authorities have launched a new system to get an appointment on line. Because it might take a few weeks for you to obtain the appointment we advice you to apply individually at this address as soon as you arrive to Turkey:
https://e-randevu.iem.gov.tr/yabancilar/dil_sec.aspx

How to Go

The address of the Directorate of Security for Istanbul is:

Vatan Caddesi İstanbul İl Emniyet Müdürlüğü Yabancılar Şube Müdürlüğü A Blok Kat 1 Fatih/
İstanbul, in the neighbourhood of Fatih, on the European side of the city.

Office hours are 8:30 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 16:30, Monday through Friday except holidays. The day of your appointment you will go to the police with all the necessary documents.

You may take buses 32T, 89T from Taksim . These buses leave from the bus stop which is located right across the McDonalds, close to Simit Sarayi. Then from Kabataş take the Kabataş -Zeytinburnu tram, and get off at Yusufpaşa.(From Kadikoy ; You may take Eminonu or Karakoy ferry . then take the Kabataş -Zeytinburnu tram) .From there, walk to the Aksaray metro stop. It’s about one block north. If you don’t find it you can ask anybody (“metro nerede?”). You take the Aksaray Airport metro one stop. The name of the stop is Emniyet Fatih. As suggested by the stop name, the police station is right there.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
· Petition to the Foreign Office Directorate (will be prepared by Student
Office)

· Student Certificate (will be prepared by Student Office)
· 2 Copies of Declaration of Residence Permit (will be prepared by Student
Office)
· Passport
· A copy of the following pages in your passport containing your photo,
information concerning identification, duration of your passport, the last entry date to Turkey and Student visa.

· 6 passport size photos

· A fee of approximately 130TL payable in Turkish Lira to cover the cost of the
Residence Permit Booklet.
Note: Petition to the Foreign Office Directorate, Student Certificate, 2 Copies of Declaration of Residence Permit mus be in Turkish.
Note:

Students who enter Turkey with a student visa should obtain a residence permit within
one month after their arrival.
If you come to Turkey with a tourist visa, you do not need a
residence permit, but please remember that tourist visas are valid only for three months.

They have a big electronic exchange tables that shows exchange rates. Only in Airports, exchange offices charges %3 commission.

Most of the Universities have a bank in their campuses, so you can also change your money in your university. But easiest way to change your money is using ATM’s.

Every Turkish bank have an agreement with Visa or MasterCard. If you have one of them you can get TL from all ATM’s. Daily limits in Atms around 400-500 Euro.

You can learn exchange rates here   http://www.doviz.com/.

5( Beş) TL

You can buy a a sandwich and ayran or a pocket ciga

rette. Take a ship or bus 3 times.

10(On)TL

You can buy a menu in Burger King or McDonald.

20(Yirmi) TL

You can take taxi for 15- 20 km .

50 (Elli)     TL 100(Yüz)   TL 200(İkiyüz) TL