Every international student, whether Arab or foreign, wonders about the difficulties of studying in Turkey and how to overcome them, especially since Turkey is a country that combines the modernity of the West with the ancient traditions of the East, and is considered a magnet for thousands of international students attracted by its powerful educational curricula and its esteemed position among the world’s best universities.
In this article, we will discuss the most important difficulties of studying in Turkey and how to overcome them, as well as how you can integrate into a society that may differ from the customs and values you were raised with. We will also mention the main advantages of studying at Turkish universities.
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What Are the Most Prominent Difficulties of Studying in Turkey and How to Overcome Them?
It is inevitable that international students moving to Turkey for study must anticipate the difficulties they will face during their stay to complete their university studies. Here is a list of the most prominent difficulties of studying in Turkey and how to overcome them:
1- Language and Communication Difficulties
The predominant language outside the campus is Turkish. You may initially find it challenging to learn Turkish since it differs from your mother tongue, but over time you will adapt. Notably, more than 25% of Turkish is similar to Arabic, and you will quickly pick up some words within the first two weeks or less, which will greatly help you in your daily life through interactions with friends at the university or in your accommodation.
From the very moment you arrive in Turkey, you should avoid feeling discouraged or fearful, as integrating into Turkish society requires extra time and effort on your part to master the language.
Moreover, some students find it difficult to master English, especially those who wish to study at a Turkish university that teaches its curriculum in English, since it is widely used in many countries. Mastering English is essential to fully understand your curriculum and to interact with the surrounding community.
You can also enroll in institutes to learn English in Turkey, and it is advisable to join a dedicated language class concurrently with your university studies.
2- Isolation and Loneliness
Feeling lonely and different is natural and you will experience it as soon as you arrive in Turkey, especially if you have not had any previous solo travel experiences. However, once you integrate into academic life and meet new people from various Arab and European countries, you will find that the situation improves significantly.
It is common for most students during the initial period of studying in Turkey to experience what is known as cultural shock, which may cause isolation and loneliness due to difficulties in integrating with peers because of differing cultures and customs. To overcome this problem, you must be flexible and develop your social skills, which will help you accept and integrate with others while still maintaining the principles and values you were raised with.
It is worth mentioning that Turkey is a country that has welcomed thousands of international students from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and religions, providing them with a suitable environment for study and offering services that facilitate their education throughout their stay.
3- Accommodation
Finding accommodation and searching for suitable housing is one of the most prominent difficulties of studying in Turkey and is a major source of anxiety for international students, especially since Turkey offers different types of student housing—both public and private. Private housing, for instance, may allow you to live with friends. You can overcome this issue by inquiring at student service offices.
4- Cost of Living and Financial Problems
Although the cost of living in Turkey is low compared to other European countries, many international students face financial problems that worry them about academic success due to their inexperience in managing finances and setting priorities. Therefore, it is advised that at the beginning of each month, you set your priorities regarding food, drink, and study-related needs such as books and supplies, and create a budget for your daily expenses as well as for secondary needs like recreational outings and social activities. This will help you avoid financial problems resulting from poor financial management.
5- Lack of Familiarity with Places and Routes
It is natural to feel unfamiliar during your first days because you are not used to the places and routes around you. However, you can use applications that help you learn the routes and the most important addresses you need to reach in your university life, such as Google Maps, Mobit, and Trafi, which will enable you to go out and return to your accommodation without any problems until you become accustomed to your new home.
6- Racism
A student in Turkey may encounter some racist individuals since it is a democratic country, but it is not difficult to avoid this group by connecting with students who share your religion and moral values, which will give you a sense of security.
7- Religious and Moral Deviance
One characteristic of life abroad is cultural openness and the abandonment of strict religious rules and teachings. Consequently, students, especially Arabs, may find it challenging to deal with such cultures. Some resist the negative influences around them and focus all their energy on their studies and future, while others may be swayed by those temptations and neglect the values they were raised with.
Perhaps the most distinctive feature of studying in Turkey compared to other European countries is that it allows students to practice their religious rituals without any obstacles, as the country is home to a diverse tapestry of religions.
After discussing the most important difficulties of studying in Turkey and how to overcome them, we must also highlight the advantages of Turkish universities that lead many students to overlook the aforementioned difficulties.
What Are the Advantages of Studying at Turkish Universities?
Studying at Turkish universities comes with a range of advantages that attract tens of thousands of international students every year. Here is a list of the most important advantages:
- The Turkish university degree is one of the strongest in the world, providing its holder with numerous job opportunities globally, as most countries recognize it.
- Each Turkish university is accompanied by a dedicated university city, equipped with the latest services that provide comfort for students, in addition to numerous libraries and laboratories that support various scientific research projects.
- Cultural diversity is achieved through a wonderful blend of Islamic and Western civilizations, allowing people to live harmoniously.
- The low costs of study and living compared to other European countries suit most students, along with the provision of discounted transportation cards.
- Turkish universities keep pace with development and scientific research across various fields, providing all the necessary resources that help students develop themselves and acquire valuable experiences and skills for the workforce.
We have reached the end of our article after discussing the most prominent difficulties of studying in Turkey and how to overcome them, as well as outlining the key advantages of studying at both Turkish public and private universities.