Turkey

BAHCESEHIR UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1998, Bahcesehir University is dedicated to teaching, research, and service. The university is accredited by the Ministry of Education to award bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in a wide variety of academic disciplines.

The campus is situated in historic Istanbul, on the European side at the Bosporus strait. The campus has sweeping views of Asia and the Bosporus Bridge. There are 6,000 undergraduates, 2,500 graduate students and 700 international students studying at Bahcesehir.

Field Studies & Excursions

Below are the most commonly organized field trips and activities. Knowledge Exchange Institute (KEI) reserves the right to change planned excursions for destinations of equal value. Excursions may change based on availability, local festivals and student interest.

• Istanbul City Tour (orientation)
• Princes’ Island (day trip)
• Bosphorus Ferry Ride (day trip)
• Izmir and Ephesus (2-3 day excursion; semester only)

Housing & Meals

Students live with host families or in furnished apartments, depending on interest and availability. Living with a host family is a great way to learn about Turkish culture and improve proficiency in Turkish.

Host families are screened by KEI. Bedrooms may be single or double occupancy. Students have access to shared areas such as living room and kitchen. Breakfast is provided by the host family.

Apartments are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Students are encouraged to enroll early. A typical apartment consists of a sitting area, kitchen and two to three double-occupancy bedrooms. Apartments are shared with other students. BAU has five different cafés and restaurants on campus and there are numerous eating establishments and grocery stores throughout Istanbul.

Academics

Semester Study: 

• Maximum of 18 credits per semester
• Most courses are 3 credits
• Turkish Language & Culture course is required
• Additional courses, internships and community service based on interest

Summer Study 

• Maximum 9 credits
• Turkish Language course (3 credits) is required
• Turkish Culture & Society course (3 credits) is required
• Internship (3 credits) or Community Service (no credit) optional

Turkish Language & Culture serves as the regional studies course, which aims to provide basic proficiency in Turkish language while familiarizing students with Turkish culture and society through out-of-class cultural excursions and
activities.

COURSE OFFERINGS: For a PDF presenting a partial list of courses offered in English as well as instructions on how to find a complete list of course in English and Turkish, click here.

Internships & Service

Internships and community service allow students to gain practical experiences that are not attainable in a classroom setting. Placement is based on student interests and positions available. Possible placements include the following areas: