Job Discussion Forums

joeuconn · Joined: 23 Jun 2005 Posts: 16 Location: Boston, MA

Hello all,

I've recently received a scholarship to pursue a master's degree in International Relations in Istanbul. At this time I'm considering the following universities: Bosphorus, Bilgi, Yeditepe, Koc and Fatih. Bosphorus is my first choice, though I've heard the admissions process is extremely competitive . Of course, I've also heard that Fatih is overly "conservative".

Any thoughts on graduate studies in Istanbul? I'd love to hear from anyone who is a current grad student there...

Lastly, I've been awarded a $1,000 (USD) monthly stipend. Will I be able to survive on this? Perhaps I'll need to teach English on the side (I have a CELTA and experience).

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Regards,

Joe
[email protected]

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

that is the poverty line in istanbul

joeuconn · Joined: 23 Jun 2005 Posts: 16 Location: Boston, MA

Thank you for the reply Scot47. I assume you live or have lived in Istanbul before. How much will I need to monthly to live reasonably (average apartment, going out for dinner and drinks once a week, cell phone, etc...)

Laura777 · Joined: 13 Apr 2004 Posts: 101 Location: Istanbul Turkey

Hey Joe if its Istanbul Univeristy in Fatih I wouldnt worry about 'conservative' issues. Its a good school. Fatih is a conservative neighborhood in regards to religion but not a problem.

The other schools are in more prosperous neighborhoods and perhaps more 'modern'. Newer housing sites and more modern accommodations. But if it were me I would go to Istanbul Uni.

You are lucky to have the opportunity to come on a scholarship. 1000 us is poverty line, and you will need an additional source of income. Rents are expensive and these days food is quite expensive.

good luck.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

I see Istanbul when travelling from my house in one part of the former Ottoman Empire to my work, in another part of the former Empire. As a transient I am no expert on living and surviving in Istanbul, but I would say US$2,000 a mointh would be what you need. Maybe more.

FGT · Joined: 14 Sep 2003 Posts: 762 Location: Turkey

The dollar is low at the moment but that may not last. I'm not familiar with the dollar exchange rate anyway so here's the gist of life costs according to Turkish currency:

Rent : 600ytl or more
Basic food etc: 800ytl
Utilities: 100ytl
Entertainment/Eating out/Drinks: 200ytl - Any sum you feel appropriate.
Transport/Other expenses: 300+ytl

Therefore you need a BASIC income of 2000ytl a month

In my opinion, Bosphorus University would be the best place to study.
Congratulations on winning a scholarship, I hope you enjoy your time in Turkey.

yaramaz · Posted: Sun Oct 21, 2007 5:33 am Post subject:

Laura, I think the Fatih that was mentioned might actually be the Fatih University where Justme used to work...and it is extremely religious/conservative. The OP never actually said Istanbul University (which, admittedly, would have been a great choice). For a masters in International Relations, I'd go for either Bosphorus or Bilgi- I've met people studying at both at Masters level and they've said the programs are excellent. An American friend studying for his MA in modern economic history said that some of the profs at Bosphorus are frustratingly nationalistic (to the point of glossing over/ignoring very key events, like the 1914 appropriation of Armenian property and giving it to pure Turkish businessmen for 'security')and that all the after-lecture discussions are held in Turkish, even though there are several international students (who speak some Turkish but not enough for these discussions).

As for money, 2000ytl/month is your best bet in Istanbul, unless you're sharing or living in campus housing. It's definitely possible to make do on less but not as enjoyable. I've done it and didn't suffer but it depends on how you like to live, where you want to live.