ACADEMICS
No, you do not. Courses will be taught entirely in English.
Yes. In fact, even though this is a 6-credit program, it automatically fulfils the 9-credit summer enrollment requirement entirely.
Yes. All courses taught on the program are official UF courses. They will show up in your transcript and factor into your GPA.
You should expect an entirely experiential learning experience. All our course activities are designed to take place in experiential settings out in the city (e.g. a lecture on a boat on the Bosphorus, a scavenger hunt game in a museum, a discussion circle in front of a landmark, etc.)
CULTURE AND EXPERIENCE
Are foreigners common in Istanbul?Istanbul was the No. 1 most visited city worldwide in 2023. It is a bustling cosmopolitan city with people from all walks of life, and summers are particularly happening with many foreign tourists and visitors.
American travelers often experience a bit of culture shock in Turkey, particularly when it comes to haggling with salespeople, being assertive in public spaces, or encountering public smoking. At the same time, they’re frequently charmed by the hospitality, curiosity, and warmth of the Turkish people they meet.
Turkey is a majority-Muslim country, so you will see covered women and hear the call to prayer on the streets. You may also be surprised by how much of Istanbul city life resembles other big cities you might know of, especially if you stick to the typical tourist spots. However, we are committed to immersing you in experiences that intend to take you deeper, uncovering the unique charm and character that set this city apart.
Many parts of Istanbul, especially the Besiktas neighborhood where students will be housed, are highly walkable. Istanbul has an extensive public transport system, including buses, subways, trams, and ferries across the Bosporus, and students will be provided with transportation passes. Besiktas, where we will live, is one of the most central and well-connected neighborhoods, which will make a great home base for us.
SAFETY
Is Turkey safe?Turkey receives the same safety rating from the U.S. Department of State as European tourist destinations like France and Italy. As with any big city, tourists in Istanbul should be cautious of pickpockets and petty theft. Your pre-departure and on-site orientations will include lots of common-sense tips to stay safe. After a short time in your new overseas surroundings, you will likely feel comfortable and very much at home.
Three people will be on call 24/7: Dr. Onursal Erol, an emergency contact from the study abroad provider, and UF International Center’s safety manager.
FINANCES
Can I use Bright Futures to pay my tuition for the trip?Yes, you can!
Yes, you can!
No, all students on the trip will be charged at the in-state rate, making this trip especially financially savvy for out-of-state students.
Most financial aid that you would normally receive on campus for the selected term abroad can be applied toward the cost of this study abroad program; however, all financial aid eligibility is determined by the office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships (SFA). You must speak with SFA to determine what aid can be applied to the cost of this study abroad program, including scholarships. To contact SFA, please call (352) 392-1275, email sfa-help@mail.ufl.edu using the subject line of “Study Abroad,” or visit their office in S107 Criser Hall.
We encourage you to take advantage of the several scholarships available to students for study abroad.
Exclusive! UF in Istanbul Scholarships
Alert! The Bob Graham is offering four special $500 scholarships exclusive to students participating in UF in Istanbul. Apply by March 2.
Center for European Studies Scholarships
UF in Istanbul counts as a study abroad program to Europe lasting more than six weeks, so participants are eligible to apply for scholarships offered by UF’s Center for European Studies.
However, the availability of CES Scholarships is currently TBD due to uncertainty about Title IV funding for the 2025-2026 school year. View updates and deadlines on the CES website.
UF International Center Scholarships
Students applying for UFIC scholarships will automatically be considered for all scholarships for which they are eligible. Be sure to check the eligibility requirements on the UFIC Scholarship Application page. Apply by March 2, 2026 for the regular round.
WorldStrides Custom Programs Scholarships
WorldStrides is the study abroad provider which UF partners with for many programs. Apply to their two $3000 merit-based scholarships and several $500 need-based scholarships on their website. To apply, you will need to use the Trip ID: 225062.
Other Scholarships
Students can also apply for scholarships through UF colleges, departments, and national organizations.
LOGISTICS
Yes, virtually all hotels, hostels, and dormitories, as well as most restaurants, bars, and many public spaces offer free Wi-Fi.
While many buildings and some public transport options are accessible, people with mobility issues will likely have difficulties as Istanbul is very hilly and its cobblestone streets are difficult to navigate. It is a fact that Istanbul falls short of accessibility standards compared to many of its Western counterparts, but UF in Istanbul is committed to adjusting our program to meet the mobility needs of all participants.
Entry requirements are ultimately the responsibility of the student and will depend on your nationality. U.S. citizens will not need a tourist visa for stays under 90 days but will need a passport valid for 6 months beyond their date of entry. WorldStrides, UF in Istanbul’s study abroad provider, has a team of visa experts available to assist every student.