guide for In..

WELCOME GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE STUDENTS
2015-2016
International Center
Eski Silahtarağa Elektrik Santralistanbulı
Kazım Karabekir Cad. No: 2/13 Room: Z – 108
34060 Eyüp İstanbul TURKEY
Phone: +90 212 311 5497/ 5203/ 7520 (Laureate Programs)
+90 212 311 52 19/ 51 17/ 52 17/ 52 18/ 65 14 (Erasmus Programs)
[email protected]
[email protected]
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CONTENTS
Introduction
3
Travel Arrangements
4
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How to Get to Turkey?
Facebook Group
Obtaining a Visa
Arrival
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7
Be Present on the Orientation Day
Step by step what you need to do
8
İstanbul Bilgi University
14
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BİLGİ International
Studying at BİLGİ
ECTS Credit Allocation
Life at BİLGİ
Accommodation
21
Life in Turkey
21
Life in İstanbul
24
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Transportation
Entertainment
Useful Contact Information & Links
26
2
INTRODUCTION
There is nothing like an international exchange experience to learn more about another
country, language, or culture. Perhaps most important is that, students learn more about
themselves as they gain confidence, independence, understanding, and respect for other
people and cultures around the world.
We hope that your experience will enrich you, both academically and personally, during
your stay in İstanbul, Turkey.
We highly recommend you to follow this “Welcome Guide” in order to learn significant
information that will help you before and during your exchange period at BİLGİ.
It is a great pleasure to welcome you at İstanbul Bilgi University.
International Center
3
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
How to Get to Turkey?
Most of the airlines have direct flights to İstanbul from different parts of the world. Also,
connecting flights is another option for you.
There are two main international airports which are located in İstanbul. These are:
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Atatürk International Airport (at the European Side) RECOMMENDED
You can find information about the airport, transportation to/from airport by
clicking: http://www.ataturkairport.com/tr-TR/Pages/Main.aspx
Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (at the Asian Side)
You can find information about the airport, transportation to/from airport by
clicking: http://www.sgairport.com/
Facebook Group
Please, like our Facebook page which will help you to get in touch with the other exchange
students.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/801638809945455/
Obtaining a Visa
Before your departure to Turkey:
According to new regulations, you do not need to get a student visa in order to study in
Turkey as an Exchange student. We list the visa requirements based on different
citizenships below. You can also check the visa requirements on the following website
https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/apply/ . In order to stay in Turkey more than 90 days, you
need to apply for the Residence Permit. We will inform you in detail about the Residence
Permit Procedure during the Orientation Day.
Citizenship
Visa Requirement
Austria
https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/apply/
Belgium
https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/apply/
Bulgaria
You are exempt from visa for tourist visits of up to
90 days within 180 days starting from the first
entry date.
China
https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/apply/
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Czech, Republic of
You are exempt from visa for tourist visits of up to
90 days within 180 days starting from the first
entry date.
Denmark
You are exempt from visa for tourist visits of up to
90 days within 180 days starting from the first
entry date.
England
https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/apply/
France
You are exempt from visa for tourist visits of up to
90 days within 180 days starting from the first
entry date.
Germany
You are exempt from visa for tourist visits of up to
90 days within 180 days starting from the first
entry date.
Greece
You are exempt from visa for tourist visits of up to
90 days within 180 days starting from the first
entry date.
Italy
You are exempt from visa for tourist visits of up to
90 days within 180 days starting from the first
entry date.
You are exempt from visa for tourist visits of up to
90 days within 180 days starting from the first
entry date.
Requirements for visa exemption:
Valid for touristic purposes not exceeding 30 days
per entry.
Kazakhstan
Korea, Republic Of
Unfortunately, nationals of the country that you
selected are not eligible for e-Visa. Kindly visit the
nearest Turkish mission to apply for a visa
application. Please, visit
http://www.konsolosluk.gov.tr for the full list of
the Turkish Embassies and Consulates.
Lithuania
You are exempt from visa for tourist visits of up to
90 days within 180 days starting from the first
entry date.
Netherlands
https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/apply/
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Norway
https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/apply/
Poland
https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/apply/
Portugal
https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/apply/
Slovakia
You are exempt from visa for tourist visits of up to
90 days within 180 days starting from the first
entry date.
Spain
https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/apply/
Sweden
You are exempt from visa for tourist visits of up to
90 days within 180 days starting from the first
entry date.
Switzerland
You are exempt from visa for tourist visits of up to
90 days within 180 days starting from the first
entry date.
Turkey
No need for visa
United States
https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/apply/
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ARRIVAL
Be Present on the Orientation Day!
We advise to arrive to İstanbul one week before the course registration. After your
arrival, please, visit International Center as soon as possible.
In addition, be present on the Orientation day. We recommend you to arrive a few days
before it so that you get acquainted with the city and settle into your accommodation.
The Orientation day will be held on 26th of January, 2016 at 09:45 in the morning and
will end on the same day at 5 pm. The orientation will take place at santralistanbul
campus (in the CSM Building). Your participation is MANDATORY!
The address of the santralistanbul Campus is;
Eski Silahtaraga Elektrik Santralistanbuli,
Kazim Karabekir Cad. No: 2 /13,
Eyup / Istanbul
A volunteer mentor / buddy who is a student at BİLGİ will assist you. Remember, you
can always communicate with International Center about your concerns, as well.
NOTE: you will be receiving the orientation day agenda in a separate e-mail soon in early
December, 2016.
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STEP BY STEP WHAT YOU NEED TO DO!
1- Enrol to İstanbul BİLGİ University
International Center will help you during your enrolment. Please, have the documents
ready on your enrolment day. In order to be an official exchange student of BİLGİ, you
must enroll as an exchange student through Student Information System (SIS). The
enrolment to SIS is going to take place on January 27th and January 28th, 2016 at the
Student Affairs Office of santralistanbul campus.



2 photographs
Original passport
Copy of your passport – visa and other pages
After that, you will be provided:

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BİLGİ Student ID Card
Personal user name and password for the access of BİLGİ Online Student Page,
BİLGİ E-mail, BİLGİ Online Library Pages, and other online facilities.
Academic Regulations
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Please, click on the following link to see BİLGİ Academic Regulations:
http://www.BİLGİ.edu.tr/en/university/rules-and-regulations/
Academic Calendar
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Please, click on the following links to see Academic Calendars:
Undergraduate Programs
http://step.BİLGİ.edu.tr/en/academic-calendar/undergraduate/2015-2016/
Graduate Programs
http://step.BİLGİ.edu.tr/en/academic-calendar/grad/
2- Course Selection
After enrolling to our system at the Student Affairs Office, you will be selecting your
courses on the SIS. The dates for course selections will be between 01 and 05 February,
2016 for both undergraduate and post-graduate students.
After choosing your courses through your student page on SIS, you must print out your
course schedule. There, you will see a digit number, which must be approved on the
system by your advisor. IF NOT your course schedule never will be valid!!!
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Here is the link for recommended courses for Exchange students;
http://international.BİLGİ.edu.tr/en/international-center/incoming/erasmusexchange/courses/
Sample SIS Main Page
Exchange Departmental Coordinators:
As soon as you complete your course selection, you need to get approval from your
Department Coordinator/Advisor here, at BİLGİ. Please, find the Coordinator/Advisor of
your department on the website at the following link:
http://international.BİLGİ.edu.tr/en/international-center/incoming/erasmuslexchange/coordinators/
Classes:
The classes of spring semester begin on February 8th, 2016 and the last day of
examinations is on June 11th, 2016.
3- Residence Permit
Within one month of your arrival, you have to apply for your residence permit ONLINE.
It is not of high importance the date of the appointment for your residence permit in the
Migration Office, as long you apply for it online during the first month of your stay in
Turkey.
Please, immediately make your appointment at this link upon your arrival to İstanbul;
https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr/
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A Residence Permit is an official document stating registration with the Directorate
General of Migration Management (İçişleri Bakanlığı Göç İşleri Genel Müdürlüğü).
Important Notes!
*Once you complete and submit your online form, you cannot make any changes on it, so,
please, be sure about the information you provide on the system. If you need any
assistance, please, contact your advisor at BİLGİ International Center.
*When you fill up the online application form, please, use only English keyboard/alphabet.
*After you complete the form, please, print it in colour, as black-white print form is not
accepted by the Directorate General of Migration Management.
*In case you complete the form and you cannot print it out, please, take a note of your
application’s reference number.
Health Insurance
One of the requirements to obtain a residence permit is to have health insurance. Students
must have a health insurance issued in Turkey in order to apply for the residence permit.
Here are the options for health insurance:
Option 1: Bring your health Insurance policy from your home country (Only valid
for Erasmus Exchange Students)
Starting Fall 2014, Turkish authorities ask for a proof of minimal health insurance
coverage to issue the residence permits.
Minimum Coverage Table:
*Non- Contracted Institutions: Institutions (hospitals, physicians’ offices, and the other
health institutions) do not have an agreement with the insurer.
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If you are bringing your own health insurance from your home country, it should cover
the minimal coverage indicated above on the table. The coverage table has to be shown in
your insurance policy explicitly. It, also, must be in compliance with the minimal
requirements of the mandate for obtaining a residence permit in Turkey. Additionally, it
has to be translated in Turkish and approved by the Notary in Turkey.
Please, be aware that this regulation is only valid for Erasmus Exchange Students.
Option 2: Social security agreement between Turkey and your home country
If Turkey and your country have a social security agreement: You need to visit your social
security office (not your private insurance company) in your country before you arrive.
They will give you a document with the Turkish Social security Office's approval. You can
use this approved form as your insurance, in your residence permit application. For
further information about the security agreement, please, contact the International
Center of home university.
Here you can find the list of agreements:
Germany TA 11
France SE 208-06 A FT & SE 208-28 FT
Belgium BT 8
Turkish Republic of North Cyprus KKTC/TC 3
Czech Rep CZ/TR 111
Luxembourg TR/L 3
Romania R/TR 3
Netherlands N/TUR 111
Austria A/TR 3
Bosnia Herzegovina BH/TR 4
Macedonia MC/TR 4
Albania AL/TR 4
Option 3: Private Health Insurance (Allianz)
BİLGİ and Allianz have a special agreement for health insurance. If you want to use this
option, you must be here in Istanbul and have a tax number in order to be able to
complete your health insurance application.
You can get your tax number from the Tax offices. All you need is your passport and a
photocopy of the passport page with your photograph on it.
Required documents to apply for Private Health Insurance (Allianz):
 Application form*
 Tax Number
 Photocopy of passport
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
Student Certificate (Turkish Version)
Payment receipt of the insurace policy**
Minimum Coverage Table:
For any questions, please, do not hesitate to contact the Health Insurance Company.
Contact Person:
Mr. Okan Sarı Allianz Health Insurance
E:mail: [email protected]
Office Phone Number: 0090 216 456 81 11
Mobile Phone Number: 0090 539 657 00 59
4- How to apply for İstanbul travel card? (Optional)
İstanbul card helps you to get a %50 discount on public transportation.
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Please, visit the International Center before you apply for İstanbulcard.
Required documents:
- Student Certificate (Firstly, you need to be enrolled to BİLGİ University to request
your student certificate. Then, you will be able to ask for it on your Student Page on SIS.
You may pick it up at the Student Affairs Office in santralistanbul a day after your
request)
Sample SIS page for requesting document
- 10 Turkish Lira (subject to change)
- Passport
Application Address: İstanbul Büyükşehir Belediye Başkanlığı İETT İşletmeleri
Genel Müdürlüğü
Şahkulu Mah. Erkan-ı Harp Sok. No:2 Tünel
34420 Beyoğlu / İSTANBUL
Note: The documents and fees are subject to change. Please, get in contact with
your Buddy & Mentor for any queries you may have.
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İSTANBUL BİLGİ UNIVERSITY
İstanbul Bilgi University was founded in 1996 as a private and non-profit institution in
İstanbul. BİLGİ offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the social sciences,
economics, business, communications, the arts, engineering, architecture, health, applied
sciences and law. The language of instruction is in English in all programs (except Law
and Health Sciences).
BİLGİ has 3 campuses which are located at the heart of the city. Health Sciences, Business,
Architecture, Engineering, Social Sciences, Communication and some graduates programs
are in santralistanbul Campus, Law Faculty, Health Sciences and Applied Sciences are in
Dolapdere, and Vocational school, English Prep School are in Kustepe Campus. All
campuses are connected by a free shuttle service.
For more information: http://www.BİLGİ.edu.tr/en/student-life/campuses/?studentlife-campuses-menu
http://www.BİLGİ.edu.tr/en/programs-and-schools/
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BİLGİ International
Internationalization and being a global citizen are the main focus at BİLGİ. Students are
recommended to spend a semester or an academic year abroad, through Erasmus,
Laureate or Bilateral exchange programs during their studies. BİLGİ has considerably vast
collaborations with higher education institutions located around the world such as the
US, Europe, Latin America, etc.
For More Information: http://international.BİLGİ.edu.tr/en/
Studying at BİLGİ
BİLGİ offers around 1,000 undergraduate and 450 graduate courses every academic year.
Courses which are recommended for International Exchange Students can be found on
the Course Catalog, which can be reached by Online Student Pages. If you do not know
Turkish fluently, you can only attend to these recommended courses.
For the Course Catalog, please, go to:
www.register.BİLGİ.edu.tr/coursecatalog/yeni/index.asp?lang=en
ECTS Credit Allocation
The ECTS credit load for courses at İstanbul BİLGİ University has been determined by
keeping the “student workload” in mind. Programs have been designed in accordance
with an annual workload of 60 ECTS. The calculation of the workload of a course is done
by taking into consideration the total number of course activities required in a term and
the required hours to complete them. Some of the activities are as follows: Lecture class
hours, lab work, project design, project presentations, field work, discussion, problem
solving, internships, exams, etc. For more information, please, click on this link.
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Course Registration: All BİLGİ students need to be registered in courses before the
semester starts. Course descriptions and requirements can be found in the Course
Catalog which is available on Online Student Pages. During the course registration,
academic advisers help and give advice to students about their course choices. The
course schedule needs to be approved by the academic adviser. Students can
change their elective courses in Add/Drop week and these changed courses also
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need to be approved by the academic advisor. Students can withdraw from a
course within the time period which is specified in the Academic Calendar.
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Attendance and Examination: Attending to lectures, classes, or other academic
activities and exams are compulsory. At the beginning of each course, the course
instructor gives information about course requirements, the effect of attendance
to the final grade, weighted value of midterm exam course assignment, or final
exam, etc. All of these requirements are depend on the course design.
Grades:
Letter Grade
Numerical Value
Definition
A
4.00
Excellent
A-
3.70
Excellent
B+
3.30
Good
B
3.00
Good
B-
2.70
Good
C+
2.30
Average
C
2.00
Average
C-
1.70
Pass on Probation
D+
1.30
Pass on Probation
D
1.00
Pass on Probation
F
0
Fail
Other letters used to indicate the student's course status are:
Letter
Definition
I
Incomplete
NP
Not present at the final examination
R
Repeat course
NC
No credit granted
DP
Dissertation or project course without grade
L
Registration suspended or on leave of absence
NGR
Grade not submitted
T
Transferred course
W
Withdrew from course
E
Provisional course grade
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Life at BİLGİ
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Student Clubs
İstanbul BİLGİ University offers its students a wide variety of extra- curricular activity to
suit the varied interests of student body. Clubs range from athletic (snowboard,
mountaineering, scuba diving, chess, etc.) to political interest groups and are always
formed on the basis of student interest and participation. The University encourages all
students to participate in student activities and clubs. The process for starting a club at
BİLGİ is quite simple. Any group of ten students can apply to the Students Services Office
requesting the recognition of their group by filling in a 'Student Club by Laws' form. All
student clubs at İstanbul BİLGİ University are subject to the same code of ethics and
regulations as specified in the By-laws of the University Student Clubs.
For more information: http://www.BİLGİ.edu.tr/en/student-life/dean-ofstudents/student-clubs/
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Student Council
The student body at BİLGİ is represented by the Student Union. This elected body serves
as a voice for student concerns regarding to academic and social life at the university.
Elections are open to all registered students at BİLGİ. Students may contact the Student
Union offices to voice their problems and suggestions about the university
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Library:
BİLGİ libraries at three campuses offer an extensive system in support of university
degree programs, research and teaching. An impressive collection of books, periodicals,
e-books, e-journals, academic internet resources, music scores and other printed
resources is available in the Library. Extensive audio-visual and sound recording
collections are also available. The Library offers essential and supplementary resources
for students in all academic disciplines. BİLGİ libraries have an extensive selection of
electronic journal and e-book databases. Electronic journals and e-books are available via
the BİLGİ homepage on-campus and off-campus. BİLGİ librarians and information
managers provide assistance in using the Library's print and electronic resources,
formulating research strategies and answering general and in-depth questions. Individual
student instruction and classes and workshops are also available to help students use the
library most efficiently.
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Library Hours
Term: 09:00-20:00 Monday-Friday / 11:00-17:00 Saturday
Term Break/Summer Break: 09:00-17:30 weekdays
Study Hall Hours
08:30-22:30 Everyday
Library hours are extended during mid-terms and final exams. The Library is closed on
public holidays.
For more information: http://library.BİLGİ.edu.tr/library_hours.html
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Studios

Production and Post-Production Studios
The Production and Post-Production studios at the Kustepe campus were established to
provide for the practical training needs of undergraduate and graduate students of the
Faculty of Communication.

Ensemble and Recording Studios
The Music Department has two ensemble studios which are equipped to enable the
student groups to practice and a recording studio available for recording demos,
soundtracks, student projects, and the like.
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Computers and the Internet
BİLGİ has nine computer laboratories at the Kustepe campus, twelve at the Dolapdere
campus, and eight at the santralistanbul campus. In addition to the laboratories, at
Dolapdere there is a Center of Advanced Studies in cooperation with IBM.
Apart from the free labs that provide convenient and easily accessible spaces where
students can do their assignments undertake research or just surf the net, there are also
study halls at the Dolapdere and Kustepe campuses where students are free to use PCs for
research and writing as well as surfing the net or playing games.
All computers are, along with the academic and administrative computers, connected to
the internet and all three campuses are interconnected to function as one big intranet.
Wireless Internet access is available to Students, Staff and visitors on all three campuses.
Every İstanbul BİLGİ University student has an e-mail address that they can keep even
after they graduate. New students may acquire their own e-mail accounts during their
registration process.
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Book Store
Textbooks for all classes at the university may be purchased at BİLGİ bookstores. In
addition to textbooks, a limited amount of stationery supplies can also be purchased at
the bookstores. The hours of operation are 08:30-17:30 Monday through Friday at each
campus.
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Infirmary
The university operates free medical clinics in all campuses for all BİLGİ students.
Facilities are open Monday through Friday, 09:00-17:30

Doctors
Hulusi Orhangazili, MD
santralistanbul Campus / hulusi@BİLGİ.edu.tr / +90 212 311 6444
Mustafa Sülkü, MD
Dolapdere Campus, 111 / mustafa.sulku@BİLGİ.edu.tr / +90 212
311 5221

Nurses
Meryem Nalan Serter
santralistanbul Campus, 111 / nalan.serter@BİLGİ.edu.tr/ +90 212 311 76
69
Nurten Ulusaler
Kuştepe Campus/ nurten.ulusaler@BİLGİ.edu.tr /+90 212 311 63 14
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Psychological Counseling
The University offers special assistance to students who feel the need for additional
support in dealing with personal, social or academic difficulties. Psychological counselors
are available by appointment for private consultations.
For more information: http://www.BİLGİ.edu.tr/en/student-life/healthservices/psychological-counselling/info/?psikolojik-danismanlik-menu
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Printing Services and Bulletin Boards
The hours of operation for the photocopying centers are 08:30-17:30 at the Dolapdere
Campus (Main Building-entrance) and at the Santralistanbul Campus (Building no: 19).
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Food Services
BİLGİ operates several facilities for the convenience of the students and staff on its
campuses. The student canteens are popular and lively meeting places for both a relaxing
meal and a social get-together with friends. The canteens operate Mondays through
Fridays 07:30-19:30 at the Dolapdere Campus. The canteen is also open 09:00- 14:00 on
Saturdays at the Dolapdere Campus serving fast-food, beverages and snacks. The canteen
at the Santralistanbul Campus operates all week 08:00-22:00. Also three a la carte
restaurants which host many cultural and art activities are available on the
Santralistanbul Campus on weekdays and weekends.
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Transportation
Shuttle services are available for our students between three campuses and from
different part of the city to campuses. For more information:
http://www.BİLGİ.edu.tr/en/university/transportation/shuttle/?transportation
-menu
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No-Smoking Policy
In an effort to create a healthy, comfortable, dynamic and productive university
atmosphere, BİLGİ has adopted a no-smoking policy, which applies to all students, staff
and visitors. The success of this policy solely depends upon the thoughtfulness,
consideration and cooperation of both smokers and non-smokers alike; therefore, the
entire BİLGİ community must share the responsibility of adhering to and enforcing this
policy.
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Green Electricity
Since February 2010, BİLGİ uses green electricity, which is produced from renewable
energy resources, on all campuses.
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Social Media (please, click on the icons)
 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/İstanbulBİLGİuniversitesi
 Twitter: http://twitter.com/BİLGİOfficial
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ACCOMODATION
Beginning with the 2014-2015 academic year, special agreements have been enacted
with dormitory establishments in compliance with BİLGİ standards.
For more information about the Dormitories and Residence, please, click on this link.
LIFE IN TURKEY
Health Insurance and Medical Conditions
We strongly recommend to International Exchange Students procure international health
insurance which is valid in Turkey before they leave from their home countries. The policy
must be translated into Turkish and notarized.
If you take any medicine regularly, please, bring it/them with you. While many
pharmacies sell basic items for colds, headaches, or stomach-aches, you must see a doctor
and get a prescription for many stronger medications. It is advisable to check with your
local Turkish embassy with regard to medications that you can legally bring into Turkey.
If you are on special medication, have any disabilities that need assistance, or confined to
a special diet for health related issues, please, make sure you provide proper
documentation explaining your condition. Make sure you, also, bring your medication or
any device that you need to assist you.
NOTE: Infirmary is available in all BİLGİ campuses in case of emergency.
The list of contracted health institutes:
Liv Hospital
%20 discount
Ahmet Adnan Saygun Cad. Canan Sok. No:5
Ulus-Beşiktaş
Biruni Laboratuvarı
Tel: 0850 222 2 548 / 444 4 548
%15-40 discount
http://www.livhospital.com.tr/
Tel: (212) 217 41 41
http://biruni.com.tr/TR/INDEX/Default.asp
Türkiye Hastanesi
Akmer Optik
%20 discount
For glasses %30, For contact lens %10
Çiftecevizler sok. 2/2 Şişli
discount
Tel: (212) 314 14 14
Profilo cad. No:24/9 Mecidiyeköy
http://www.turkiyehastanesi.com/
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Tel: (212) 356 45 00
Atatürk cad. No:54 Alibeyköy - Eyüp
http://www.akmeroptik.com/
Tel: (212) 627 10 90
S.O.S Ambulans
Özel Gaziosmanpaşa Hastanesi
in the city 230 TL
%20 discount
Tel: 444 4 505
Çukurçeşme cad. No: 51 Gaziosmanpaşa
http://www.sosambulance.com.tr/Default.aspx
Tel: (212) 615 38 38
Alman Galata Polikliniği
Dünya Göz Hastanesi
%40 discount
%20 discount
Kemeraltı cad. No: 26 Karaköy
www.dunyagoz.com
Tel: (212) 249 49 97
Avusturya Sen Jorj Hastanesi
http://www.almangalata.com.tr/
%20 discount
İstanbul Ortopedi Merkezi
Berekzade sok. No: 7 Galata
%35 discount
Tel: (212) 292 62 20
Çilekli cad. No:1 3.Levent
Tel: (212) 324 03 24
Fransız Lape Hastanesi
%30-40 discount
Haliç Hospital Hastanesi
Büyükdere cad. No: 18 Şişli
%20 discount
Tel (212) 246 10 20
http://www.fransizlape.com/
Climate and Clothes
You can enjoy all four seasons in İstanbul. The autumn and spring are cool and mild, the
winter is wet and cold with much rain and some snowfall in recent years, and the summer
is quite warm.
İstanbul's residents may need a sizable wardrobe with various clothes for indoor and
outdoor use. Fortunately, many clothing items are available in İstanbul at a very
reasonable price and quality.
Electricity
The electrical current in Turkey is 220 volts, 50 cycles alternating current (AC); wall
outlets take continental-type plugs. Check your appliances before leaving home to see
what you'll need to plug in when you travel to and in Turkey.
Weights and Measures
1 pound = 0.45359237 kilograms
1 Yard = 0.9144 m
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Money and Finances
Most commercial establishments accept international credit cards such as Visa, Master
Card and American Express, however, we advised you to carry cash for small purchases.
The value-added tax, here called “KDV”, is 18%. Value-added tax is nearly always included
in quoted prices. Tipping is optional, also, may be already included in the check in some
establishments.
Foreigners and Turkish citizens are permitted to keep foreign currency bank accounts.
Foreign currency is easy to change at exchange offices and banks. (exchange offices may
offer better rates)
The post office (PTT) honors the Central Bank exchange rate without charging a
commission. (working hours: weekdays: 9:00-12:00- 13:00-16:00)
All banks have Automatic Teller Machines, and it's possible to withdraw money from
foreign bank accounts from some of the ATMs. We have ATM machines in every campus
at BİLGİ. There is a full service bank in the Santralistanbul Campus (Garanti Bank).
COST OF LIVING: Estimated living expenses for international students, excluding
accommodation, are around $ 380- 500 per month depending on the student's lifestyle.
Books and administrative fees are approximately $150 to $200 per semester.
Time Zone
Turkey is in the Eastern European Time Zone. Eastern European Standard Time (EET) is
2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2).
Like most states in Europe, Summer (Daylight-Saving) Time is observed in Turkey, where
the time is moved forward by 1 hour in Spring; 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time
(GMT+3).
After the Summer months the time is moved back by 1 hour to Eastern European Time
(EET) or (GMT+2) ( October 31st, 2015)
For time zones in the world: http://www.worldtimezone.com/
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LIFE IN İSTANBUL
İstanbul is a dynamic and vibrant metropolis of 15 million people; the commercial,
financial, artistic, cultural, and educational center of Turkey. Historically, İstanbul was
the capital of Byzantine and Ottoman Empires and holds more than 2,000 years of
diverse heritage. İstanbul is truly an extraordinary city and the only one in the world
built on two continents. The bridges over the Bosphorus that connect the European and
Asian sides symbolize its epithet, “crossroads of cultures”. Today, İstanbul retains its
rich cosmopolitan character and is a great place to study as an international student.
With its many museums, galleries, concert halls, year around festivals and lively night
life, İstanbul has been branded as “one of the coolest cities in the world”.
Transportation
Public buses, private buses, mini-buses, the metro, tramways, ferries, sea-buses, shared
taxis (dolmuş), taxi and trains are all available means of transport within the city.
Furthermore, you can travel to other places in and outside of the country by intercity
buses, planes and trains.
There are two international airports in İstanbul. The bigger one, Atatürk International
Airport is located in Yeşilköy, on the European side, while Sabiha Gökçen Airport is
located in Tuzla, on the Asian side. There is a shuttle service called Havataş from both
airports to a few central areas in the city.
www.iett.gov.tr – Public Buses
www.ido.com.tr – Ferries and Sea Buses
www.tcdd.gov.tr/tcdding/index.htm - Train
www.ulusoyotobus.com – Private Bus Line
www.thy.com – Airline
www.pegasus.com – Airline
Entertainment
The following list includes some of the many museums worth visiting:
Aya Sofia (St. Sophia)
Kariye Camii (St. Saviour in Chora)
The Hippodrome
The city walls and cisterns (Yerebatan Sarnıç)
Topkapı Palace
Ibrahim Paşa Sarayı (the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art)
The Naval and Military museums
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Dolmabahçe Palace
The Archaeological Museum.
The miniature park Miniatürk
İstanbul also has the İstanbul Modern art museum, Santralistanbulistanbul, and
special interest museums like the Sadberk Hanım Museum and the Rahmi Koç
Museum of Transport, Industry and Communications.
For more information:
www.kultur.gov.tr
www.İstanbulcityguide.com
www.turkeytravelplanner.com
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Music and Arts
The following places are popular music and culture venues: Cemil Reşit Rey Hall in
Nişantaşı, Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Amphitheater in Nişantaşı, Rumeli Hisarı Open Air
Amphitheater, jazz clubs in Ortaköy, and Babylon, which is famous for rock and
alternative music performances.
You can check the programs and purchase tickets from www.biletix.com
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Cinema and Theatres
You will have no difficulty in finding a nearby cinema or theatre where you can watch the
latest movies or plays. The website listed below gives a full listing of cinemas.
For more information: www.beyazperde.com
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Religious Institutions
As İstanbul embraces lots of religions, there are several working churches and synagogues
as well as countless mosques. The Patriarchate of the Greek Orthodox Church is in Balat
and there are many other Greek Orthodox and Armenian churches. St. Antoine and St.
Esprit are the two main Roman Catholic churches. The Anglican (Episcopal) community
has services at Christ Church (the Crimean Memorial Church). The Union Church of
İstanbul holds non-denominational Protestant services in the Dutch chapel. Three of the
main synagogues of the city are Neve Shalom in Karaköy and the Şişli and Ortaköy
synagogues.
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Staff Members and Contact Information of the International Center
Director
Asst. Prof. Mr. Şamil Erdoğan
[email protected]
Laureate Exchange Programs
Team Manager
Mrs. Sibel Tülpar Timurkan
[email protected]
Laureate Program Assistant
Specialist/ Outgoing
Mrs. Sibel Ataydır Asrak
[email protected]
Laureate Program Assistant
Specialist/ Incoming
Mr. Murat Doğru
[email protected]
Erasmus Institutional
Coordinator
Mrs. Beyhan Demir Langlois
Erasmus Office Team Manager
[email protected]
Erasmus Exchange Programs
Coordinator
Mrs. Aybala Işık
[email protected]
Erasmus Exchange Student
Specialist /Incoming
Miss Gözde Dede
[email protected]
Erasmus Exchange Assistant
Specialist /Outgoing
Miss Zeynep Ezgi Erdem
[email protected]
International Advising Office
Team Manager
Mrs. Burçak Başaran
[email protected]
Address: İstanbul BİLGİ University / Eski Silahtarağa Elektrik Santralı/ Kazım Karabekir Cad.
No: 2/13 International Center / CSM Building Z – 108 34060 Eyüp İstanbul TURKEY
Phone: + 90 (212) 311 5218/311 7520
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