Dan Isaacson: Bogazici University

Spring 2002 I had the privilege of participating in the Bogazici University exchange program.  Since my return I have been telling everyone I know that they too need to go! 

Why would I like to participate in another exchange with Bogazici University?  I would like to return for a number of reasons, some academic and some cultural.  Academically, I feel that Bogazici is a great place to learn.  The class sizes are smaller and most of the instructors are genuinely concerned about the performance of their students.  This of course makes for a great learning environment and gives one a desire to do well.   These reasons are highlighted by the fact that Iowa State University is in the midst of many budget cuts, which will make class sizes even larger, and have made it impossible for me to enroll in many of the classes I need next semester.  Though these reasons are important, they pale in comparison to the cultural reasons for wanting to return.

Simply stated: I love the Turkish culture and I miss my friends.  I found the people in Turkey to be relaxed and socially approachable in a non-superficial way.  It is because of the positive academic and social aspects of my time in Turkey that I want to return to Bogazici University.