Postcard from Abroad
Dear Global Education Office:
After having completed three Duke study abroad programs, I can honestly say my semester in Turkey was the absolute best! As a cultural anthropology major, and perhaps a budding anthropologist, it became very important for me to expose myself to a culture I was completely unfamiliar with. I came across the Duke in Istanbul site and just knew that was where I had to be. The idea of learning a new language IN the host country, going on excursions, and seeing a part of the world I may have otherwise never seen really attracted me. Turkey's rich history and Istanbul's vibrant youth lifestyle were certainly added bonuses.
My experience in Turkey was eye-opening. There were so many aspects of Turkish culture that intrigued me, but living in the Superdorm with Turkish suitemates was probably the best part. My friends often engaged me in interesting conversations where we exchanged information about each others' cultures -- not the kind of information you get from a text but that from an insider's perspective. I learned so much about politics, religion, family structure, and more. I'm especially glad the program took us on our second excursion to the Black Sea Coast and eastern Anatolia; we got to see a part of Turkey that was completely different from what we had grown accustomed to in Istanbul.
East truly meets West in Istanbul, not only in the geographical sense but more theoretically. Having that paradoxical breed of tradition and modernity was visually stimulating. I'd walk through Sultanahmet taking in the centuries-old architecture then on the bus ride home, passing through Beşiktaş, see the contemporary exterior of the multistory Conrad hotel.
I came out of this incomparable experience with lifelong friends, plans to return in the near future, and a new love for Turkey. I encourage everyone and anyone to experience it for themselves!
- Salem Tsegaye
Credit: Salem Tsegaye
Major: Cultural Anthropology & English
