9 Reasons Why You Should Study in Turkey
Turkey is widely known as the “Bridge to the World” or “Where East Meets West”.
Are you looking for a country that offers a mixture between eastern and western cultures? Yet not expensive like other western countries? A country that offers a wide range and variety of culture throughout history?
Well, I can’t think of a better place than the Ottoman Empire’s greatest country and now in modern times – Turkey. Culture, beauty, history, mountains, seas and more are all available in one single place for you. You can enter this country as a tourist, yet this will not give you enough time to explore the country. However, as a student it is a bridge to the world. Turkey has a lot to offer for international students and so, I have gathered a few reasons why you should consider Turkey as your study destination in 2023.
Let’s explore them together.
1. High Education Standards
For well over a decade, the Turkish government has aggressively pushed for greater integration between education and the needs of the world’s industries. As degrees from Turkish universities are valid throughout the world, education standards are unsurprisingly high. Diplomas from foreign students who study in Turkey are acknowledged across many countries in Europe, America and the rest of the world.
2. Safe Environment
In general, Turkey reflects a safe image of a country and a popular choice to study in. The country has a low crime rate, and the government has taken steps to assure the security of both residents and foreigners. Most colleges and universities employ their own security professionals to keep an eye on campus events and offer support when necessary. Overall, students can study in Turkey with confidence knowing that they are learning in a secure atmosphere.
3. Scholarships
This is certainly an amazing opportunity for students. The Turkish Burslari scholarship system is a governmental system offering up to 100% scholarships in various majors for students (including international students) looking to study in Turkey. With the help of such scholarships, you will be able to study at some of the best universities available in Turkey at the highest level of education, which will prove to be extremely useful as you move on throughout your career. According to data from UNESCO, well over 3.6 million students were enrolled in degree programs abroad at the turn of the decade.
4. Transportation
Cities in Turkey boast highly developed public transport systems consisting of underground trains, trams, bus services, shared taxis and ferries. Due to this wide variety of transport, accessing one place to another is very easy. For students who choose to study in Turkey, they have the possibility to use discount cards for inner-city transportation with the already low cost prices for travel.
5. Cost of Living
Turkey has some of the most modernized cities in the world. As a result, the country offers a high quality of living that is on par with other advanced cities around the world. Turkish cities offer all the convenience you expect and require with first world economies at a surprisingly low cost. An average international student in Turkey will spend only about 400 – 500 USD a month on accommodation, food, clothing, entertainment, transportation and telephone costs.
6. Multiculturalism
Turkey finds itself situated in a strategic geographical location that has allowed it to be home to different Eastern and Western civilizations. Located between Europe and Asia, the Turkish territory has a diversity of cultures, traditions and customs from both parts of the world. One of the biggest advantages of studying abroad is having the opportunity to meet new people and make friends. If you choose to study in Turkey, you can meet people from all around the world and interact with a diverse range of communities that will make your stay a truly great and unforgettable experience.
7. Language
Although Turkey has many diverse languages such as; Turkish, Arabic, Georgian and Bosnian, English is a commonly spoken language. Almost 17% of the people in Turkey speak English. If you are able to speak any of the languages mentioned above you might have an easier time communicating with the locals. Even if English is your first language, you will still be able to communicate with a lot of people. It also won’t hurt to learn a few common phrases of the Turkish language in advance before arriving in Turkey.
8. Nature
Turkey has more than 5,000 miles of coastline and is surrounded by the waters of four different seas, the Mediterranean to the south, the Aegean to the west, the Black Sea to the north and the small Sea of Marmara just below Istanbul. The Kaçkar Mountains in the north-east are a hiker’s paradise with secret valleys, wonderful views and rare wildlife.
9. A Door To Your Dream Job
One of the main questions you will have after graduation is “what’s next?”. International students graduating from Turkish universities have a lot of options including; pursuing a graduate degree, returning back home with a widely accepted diploma or finding a job in Turkey and other parts of the world. In addition, international students who decide to study in Turkey are able to work part-time on campus during their education.
I must tell you that I only picked 9 from the long list of reasons I think anybody should consider studying in Turkey. I haven’t even talked about the simple visa process available for most Middle Eastern students and not to mention the food, tea, and coffee that Turkey is famous for. This is only a glimpse of what I think may interest you as a student. So, think about Turkey as your next travel location if you’re looking for an unforgettable study abroad experience!
