I am thinking of coming to Turkey next summer for 2 months to REALLY learn Turkish. Is anyone familiar with the language immersion program for foreigners at Bogazici University Istanbul? I'm hoping the Low level intermediate will help me become somewhat conversational after a year in the USA of a weekly class/tutor.

They have 4 levels, and I was wondering if anyone knew about this program?

Classes are 09:00-13:00 M-Thursday, and I think I could rent an apartment in Bebek nearby.

I've always heard that Tömer courses are very good. They have summer courses in Istanbul as well.
About renting an apartment in Bebek, I think you might want to stay in an other area, since Bebek is a quite expensive place..

Thank you for the link! Bebek was recommended because it was so close, and also nice. I'm hoping to find a one bedroom apartment with airconditioning for around 600-700 YTL amonth. Do you think I'm too hopeful?

I see the Topek link is an Ankara University program, I will now search for Istanbul.

(by the way- Istanbul is definitely not my preference- I prefer to be south on the Med. sea- but I was told I would never find Turkish language classes for English speakers there)

Christine, you should check out the Tömer site, I think they can provide accomodation for you as well if you would like that.

Well,

The good thing about Bogazici University Istanbul- is that it is a university, and my current job pays for tuition at accredited universities of any classes I take, so I'm really just responsible for airfare and living expenses.

(which is quite a lot- especially since I'm also going in December!)

Incidentally, the 12 credit program for 2 months is about $2900 USD- not too pricey compared to 12 credits in the USA.



Thank you for the heads up about a guaruntee signature- I will search.

You have me very curious- I am going to look into Izmer... I am not a city person, and I long to escape Philadelphia in the summer...

Thank you!

I took a quick look and they are in Antalya and Alanya as well. But I think that the level of courses may vary from city to city.

If I were you I'd inform a bit, maybe they have an exam to state what course level you should take.

Before I choose my course at EGE Üniversitesi, I also went to Tömer-office in Izmir. I loved it there. It was right in the city-centre, close to sea, in a beautiful shopping alley and the building was nice and cold Their classes usually are with only 8 students, so you get a lot of attention. Everybody recommended me Tömer too.

As I attented Boğaziçi University for two years I can tell you the course must be well. However you are too hopeful for a rental flat in Bebek. You must consider paying about 2500 YTL for a flat with two bedrooms, if you can find a flat for rent. It is difficult to find a rental flat in Bebek.

This feedback is so helpful- I can't believe 2500 YTL for one month in Bebek! Much more than I expected.

I want a superb language course- that is the priority. The second priority is to be with Omer. We might need to be in Istanbul, as his father is very, very sick, and I think he needs to be near.

I am a dedicated student. I did a Spanish language immersion program in Puerto Rico for 6 months - (years ago in university), but I was "thinking" in Spanish and conversational in 3 months and received straight "A"'s for 18 credits.

I know I can do this! Especially since I am studying on my own every day and meeting with a tutor once a week.

I hate cities, but given Omer's father's situation we might need to be there. I'm a quiet, cook and read a book kind of person at night.

But, I will explore all options, as a great deal could change by now and the application deadline of March 1, 2007.

Thank you again!!
Christine

Well, I think Istanbul can be hectic, but if you take the time, I'm sure you can find peaceful places near Bosporus too!

Where does Omer live? I would make that my priority, as it will be strange to be in Turkey but not be with your lover.

I'm sure you can figure something out. The pool-thing Meltem said sounds really tempting.. and I don't even like swimming

Omer will be living with me. Our goal is to see how compatable we are- and a two bedroom would be nice for space, but it doesn't seem affordable in Istanbul.

Anywhere near the sea is good for me. I just want to see and walk near water.

His family is in Beygelou (I know I am spelling that incorrectly)

Thanks again Esther!

In Istanbul, it's also possible to find cheap flats. They're in old buildings and in less popular quarters. I'm not very experienced about it, but maybe you should give at least 500 ytl and make a good investigation. Maybe you might find cheaper in a bad condition and a poor district. But you say you want a flat near sea, and the most expensive flats are near sea.
I would never dare to find one in Bebek. It's the highest class most popular place.

But I think you can find a small and an old flat in Beyoğlu. It's a poor district but it has a magical atmosphere for me, one of the oldest and most colorful quarters in Istanbul, but I should say it's a 24 hour living place.

My friend from Bursa is also convinced that Tömer is the best! I'm thinking about going there, but only for a month.

Good luck, and keep us informed if you're actually doing the course