The Florida State University International Programs - Understanding the Eurasian Region: Istanbul, Turkey

Description

With its prime geographical position at the juncture of East and West, Istanbul has played a unique role in world events. The fourth-century Roman Emperor, Constantine, recognized its potential as a major trading city when he relocated his capital there. Over the centuries, Turkey has proven to be of strategic military, economic, and cultural importance as a melting pot of influences from many diverse sources. Today, as a strong regional power with many ties to Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia, Turkey is the ideal place to study the development of globalization throughout the Eurasian subcontinent.

Participants live and study at the private English speaking Turkish institution, Koç University, located north of the urban center of Istanbul. Students will study such contemporary issues as the politics of development in the Middle East and Central Asia; the politics of security in the Eurasian region; and the development of the European Union and its relationship with Turkey; and the contemporary politics of Turkey.

Students will tour the exciting city of Istanbul, visiting the majestic Hagia Sophia; the beautiful Blue Mosque; Topkapi Palace, home of the sultans; and the world's oldest shopping mall, the Grand Bazaar. Sites students may visit include overnight trips to Ankara, the capital of modern Turkey; Cappadocia, with its otherworldly landscape and early Byzantine churches carved into caves; and Mardin, a beautiful, ancient town overlooking the Mesopotamian plain.

Please Note: All students will be required to obtain a Turkish student visa upon arrival at the airport in Istanbul. Details will be supplied after acceptance.

Eligibility
This program is open to all interested students.

Housing
Students share comfortable double dorm rooms at Koç University in the northern suburbs of Istanbul with other students on the program. Included in each room is a refrigerator, desks and wardrobes and Internet connections. A food court and cafes are located on campus. Campus facilities include 24-hour computer lab access, recreational facilities (gym and pool), and a library. Close to public transportation, students can access nearby small towns as well as the city center of Istanbul.