Why did you decide to study abroad with AIFS at Bogaziçi University?
Ian: I decided to go on the AIFS Bogaziçi summer program because it fit perfectly with my personal and professional goals. I'm working towards a position in the State Department, with a particular focus on the Eastern Mediterranean and energy policy, and the AIFS program in Istanbul allowed me the chance to study these issues in depth. Additionally, I learned that I have distant family living in Istanbul, and so the trip also had a personal significance for me as well.
What made your study abroad experience unique and special?
Ian: This experience was unique because Istanbul is unique. Istanbul sits at the literal border between Europe and Asia, East and West, and embodies the tension between tradition and modernity that we see raging all across the Middle East right now. From my time in Istanbul and Edirne, I learned that a real sense of living history is to walk down streets that conquering armies have walked for over a thousand years. Also, the opportunities AIFS provided us with really enhanced the learning experience. I saw UNESCO World Heritage sites and mosques that were old when the United States was still a collection of colonies, all in the largest city in Europe.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Ian: My time spent in Turkey is already having an impact on my life, and I expect it will continue to provide me with new opportunities for a long time to come. I met wonderful, intelligent people who share my interests and exposed me to new ideas. Since coming home I have become involved in multicultural alliances encouraging cultural dialogue between the US and majority Muslim countries, which have opened yet more doors to other projects. This trip also contributed directly to my professional goals. I started learning Turkish in a class at Bogaziçi, and I have tried to keep advancing towards fluency since returning home.
The AIFS summer trip to Istanbul was a fantastic and productive way to spend my summer. The classes and extracurricular opportunities were all interesting and relevant to my field of study, and the financial aid I received from my school and AIFS made the trip much more affordable than if I had tried to go it alone. I would absolutely recommend this program to anyone with an interest in Turkey, Middle Eastern/European politics, or just someone looking for a great experience away from the usual tourist destinations.