₦airaland Forum

For those of you in Turkey already and need help on any issue, join this official group on facebook and ask your questions. http://www./271593096252750/ It doesn't matter if you do it in english, one of your colleagues would respond in english too. Cheers.

I would find a way to take the entire ground with me. Still, if i cant get it i would wait in a corner and scream 'ole' to the police for someone else who tries to. If i cant get it, NOBODY else should!

blesh_zie: Thanks a whole lot Joacquin for the pain u'v taken in given answers to questions from forum members. Please,I want a clarification on the language course.Are we to take the language courses in our respective universities or at the TOMER centre in Ankara cos I heard some schools don't av this course centre.And please,kindly advice on necessary things to come along with to Turkey to ease living.What's also the weather condition over there? Please,really anticipating urr prompt response cos u'v never given a reply to al my enquiries.

Firstly, I have to the best of my ability tried to provide a response to every individual question. Sorry if i did not respond to yours earlier. Secondly, you would take the language courses at the TOMER centres of particular universities such as Ankara or Gazi University or at centers in Istanbul, Izmir and one or two other Turkish provinces. It is not done in every university. I cannot know where you would likely be sent, i guess they should or would have informed you about that already.
Summer is most definitely over, winter draws nigh. The nights especially, are getting chilly. Then, it gets really cold in mid-late October, November and December and by January to about March or April, comes the very snowy days. Sometimes it gets really bad depending on where you are located. Ankara(to the best of my knowledge) gets one of the worst snowfalls. Istanbul is not so bad. There are parts of Turkey such as Antalya that it is still like summer all year round though I doubt anyone gets sent there for university studies. Lots of tourists go there. As for the 'necessary things to come along with to Turkey to ease living' conditions like you asked for, please you would need to go through one of my earlier posts as this question has been asked many times already. Good Luck.

perfildeluna: Hi all! I am from Spain and I really found this forum interesting. Thanks Joaquin for all your help! It is amazing! @Nacida asked the two questions I also had, in fact, I agree with him/her: you know much more than the embassy!
About the rejection... I read in the contract (since I just signed it yesterday) that you must refound the 60% of the scholarship if: 1) they discover falsification and they decide to revoke the scholarship, or 2) you stay in Turkey after you finish your studies. But there wasn´t anything about "voluntary rejection" so I really don´t know.

Then, do you know when are we supposed to be there? Are there fixed dates for the beginning of the turkish courses?

AND last question, I couldn´t find in any post (I read all of them ): Can we go out the country when we want and stay (for example) 1 month in Spain (with the permission of the teachers, of course)? Do we have freedom to go out and get in?

Thanks! Really, you make a big effort to help all the confused people!

I would just go ahead and say that a lot of thought and processes has been added to you guys' coming this year. I cannot say anything further on this 'contract' as it was not available during my time and neither have i read yours to explain anything. I am not saying we are all different, it is possible ours too has been modified to include all these rules. Either ways, it is best I do not answer these questions anymore since this is all new to me in order not to give anyone any wrong information.
I don't know the date of when you are supposed to be here nor when the language course begins, sorry. You can go out when u want so far it is for a valid reason and you inform the respective authority. You would be given a residence permit (known as ikamet in Turkish) when u arrive after you have applied for it of course, so u are free to go and come into the country as u please so far the date of your return does not exceed the expiry date on your residence permit. Usually a residence permit is given for one year or the length of your language/school course which has to be continually renewed when it expires(the cost is covered by the Turkish scholarship body). You really need not worry about these details for now, you would know all when u eventually get here. Cheers!

ogbeche77: Thanks alot, pls I won't mind if you can share that of Masters degree applicant too... I got to know of the Turkish program very late...

Sure, and would you share any information on Masters scholarship you find as well? Thanks.

Veneka: Hey Joaquin,

Could you please let me know about the Turkish Language training. How many days a week do you have to be in school and for how many hours? Also can you take a week or two off during the program or is attendance very strict?

Thank you very much.

Things and time tables change. But mine was monday to thursday from 9am to 2.30pm or so. Attendance is said to be strict, but get here first and you will somehow figure out a loop in the system. I cannot say.

This is the direct PDF link for the above information although I still advice to favorite that blog on your PC's just in case of future updates on the site. http://www.sbf.admin.ch/htm/themen/bildung/stipendien/eskas_laender/nigeria/research_en.pdf (For post-doctoral scholarship in Switzerland)
http://www.sbf.admin.ch/htm/themen/bildung/stipendien/eskas_laender/nigeria/phd_en.pdf (For PhD scholarship in Switzerland)

Deleted repeated post.

Just a Tip. Although I have mentioned this before in one of my earliest posts, what many of you do not know is that there are many scholarship information that are available in many embassies but you would have to find a way to visit these embassies or their consulates to get the information. This info may not be put out to the general public and you may not be lucky enough to hear about it eventually and people miss them. For instance, the information I just posted above has the contact address (though I have not personally verified it, its up to you) of the Swiss Embassy in Abuja which you can call and speak to them about the posted scholarship opportunity. It may not be easy but endeavor to keep an ear out and IF you can, make phone calls to these embassies or visits and see their educational section/counsel and grab the appropriate info. You just never know...

Guys out there, I hope you are still following this post whether you made it to this years scholarship or not. Like I said, I would try and post any scholarship information I come across that sounds genuine and would not require you to go spend your money on any agent or anyone. I stumbled on this on someones facebook post http://overseasscholarshipsfornigerians./ and it appears genuine to me although I would still look into it much later when I have the time. I am even thinking of making an application there myself when I am finished here. Anyways check out the website, read the information, make your own research and see if you can take advantage of the opportunity. Good Luck.

AlphaCentaur: @joaquin

can you please clarify:

- Scholarship is given for 9 months in a year only?

- If a student does not live in dormitory, does he get some money ?

Regards

Scholarship is given every single month whether you are in the country or not, so far you are a registered student in the schools there. Even during summer holidays, you get paid your full dues. You need not worry about things like this. If you do not live in a dormitory, you are on your own. So far, that has been the rule. I hear rumors that this is subject to change for masters and PhD students, but I do not know if it is true. Like I said...rumours. Finally, you really need to go through all my old posts to get any information you need because I have talked about this same thing over and over again. This is the reason I never reply private messages so that people can stop asking the same questions over and instead read about it from other people's posted questions. It really is not easy for me to keep repeating the same information. Thanks.

AlphaCentaur: hi all..my question still remains unanswered..I would appreciate your help ...

i recently signed my contract..hope all goes well..

i just need one clarification..is the turkish language training compulsory for every one? ( even if the medium of instruction is english ) (I got this information from the local Turkish Embassy)

if yes, can some one please post a website link here..i need it because i have to prove it to my employer..

Except the rules have changed this year, It is a must for all who accept the scholarship. No exceptions whosoever. I do not know the website link for that though, sorry.

nacida: Hi!! First of all thanks for telling us your experience, it has been so interesting to read it. I´ve just got one question (I couldn´t find any post speaking about it if you have written before I´m sorry). but, do you know if in the contract you are signing something about continuance? I mean, I´d have to study one year turkish before my master so I´m wondering if after that year, imagine, I get a job (I have a kind of an offer which is not sure for next year) and I don´t continue studing the master... would I have to refund all the money they´ve given me before?? Maybe you are signing that you are oblied to finish your master in order to have the scholarship?

Naaah. I am pretty sure it is not that way. If u finish and feel it is not for you, you can inform them you are leaving. Noone will ask you to pay anything back. Some have left for personal reasons I know. It is totally your decision to go further or not.

AlphaCentaur: @joaquin64

Thank you for this useful thread. It is the best source of info about Turkish scholarships on the Internet.

I have recently received the Turkish Govt scholarship for PhD at Istanbul University (Dept of Electrical and Electronics Engineering). But their website does not have enough information, so I would be obliged if some one can give me the foll info:-

- Where is the Dept of Electrical and Electronics Engineering of Istanbul University located in Istanbul ?
- If some one does not stay in University accomodation, how much money is given for rent ? (I have a family, so I will not be staying in dormitories)
- You mentioned that transportation in Istanbul is free for scholarship students. How to avail this facility ?
- I have been asked to apply for Student Visa by 21 Sept 2012. Then I have to attend Turkish Language course. But I dont know when the session will start ?
- Any one studying at Istanbul University on this forum ?

Most of your questions you will need to find out when you are here and not from me. I don't live in Istanbul so I cannot tell you where your department is located. Your answers are in my previous threads. Please take time to go through and read all. Good Luck.


Thanks.

electronic.engr:
Hello Dear joaquin64, Glad to see a such helping person, May God bless you.
I have been selected for Masters in Systems and control engineering at Bogazici university, Istanbul.
Do you have any idea regarding the scope of this university and life there?
The program comprises eight courses corresponding to a minimum of 24 credits, a non-credit graduate seminar and a Master's thesis. So exactly how much total time duration will it take. Program is in english medium then do I need to take turkish language classes initially, if yes then how long will it take. I need to complete it as early as possible.
And how much stipend will be provided to masters student and how much amount is sufficient to live a comfort life there?
and what about the accommodation and food expenses?

Bogazici(the g is silent) is Turkeys Number 4. The best for Social sciences and in general. Total English. Istanbul is a great place to be. Lots of tourists and a fast life. 2years (4 semesters) for a masters course, first for your school courses and the last year for your thesis. However you can split your courses to span the entire 4 semesters. for instance you can take only 3 courses in each semester. Graduate seminar is compulsory and though is usually a 3 credit course, it is not counted to your total credit load. Except the rules have changed, I am sorry but you MUST still do the turkish language class for one year (7-8months) before you can begin your university next year september. As for the rest of your other questions, Kindly read my earlier posts as all details are there. Good Luck.

Husnaink14: i like the field , but i dont know abt the scope of nuclear engineering ....and is it okay for a pakistani muslim to be a nuclear engineer?/

Lol. Neither do I have an answer to both your questions...

Veneka: Thanks a lot. You went to a lot of trouble on my behalf, I really appreciate it. Unfortunately, I am not in that department, I was selected for a PhD in Business Administration. Yea, I did try calling, and I could not get past the Turkish Language barrier as no one I got on the phone spoke more than two words of English. Here is a link to the departmental site: http://sbe.gantep.edu.tr/ (it is in Turkish). I also found this number (342) 317-1895 for a Doç.Dr. Hilmi Bayraktar (Müdür), I called that number as well but the person that answered spoke no English. So if you could please help me find out, I'd be in your debt for real. Thank you once again.

I called but could not get through for some reason. Sorry. I will try again. But you can try again or send an email directly to the person.

Husnaink14: i didnt sign the scholarship contract yet....need some guidance and information......will u help me on this??

My post directly after your last comment was also referring to you sir, in case you did not realize. Please do not be confused. I did not fully understand your problem though. Was nuclear engineering not your choice you wanted? You do know Hacettepe is one of Turkeys best universities right? although in the field of medicine, but still very standard in other fields... and they hardly choose people to get into Hacettepe so I would consider you very lucky. You ma apply for change of course here, but this is usually a very tricky process for undergraduates. Good Luck on whatever decision you take.

wunnam: Wow! it will a pleasure to see the face of sefless Jaoquin64.thanks for the wonderful info. the following statement in the letter make it seem to me that the two semesters turkish course is not compulsory for those of us in the English intructed schools.Could you clarify.
''Students placed in departments instructing in Turkish will get one-year Turkish preparation course (Turkish preparation support is given for one year within Turkiye Scholarships'' thx

lol...no escaping it sir...as far as I know, it is an absolute must for every scholarship student. Maybe the rules have changed, I do not know, but I highly doubt it. It is part of your scholarship agreement and it is paid for by them. Please call the embassy to find out as this may have been changed BUT I do not think it has.

@veneka. I just called the university and spoke to their Doctoral program for natural and applied sciences (took a wild guess you are of this field) and confirmed that it is 100% taught in English. Now, I would personally like you to go further and call one of the numbers on their websites to confirm this for yourself as well only problem is that they may find it difficult replying you in English but would transfer you to their international student office. I have gone as far as this to get the information directly from the horses mouth. But feel free to still post the course you are doing and visit their website in English, get a phone number from one of their staffs in your department and feel free to post it here and I would call and ask them. Cheers.

Veneka: I think this scholarship scheme is very disorganized. I was expressly asked if I speak Turkish in the interview and I said no, then how in the world is it that I was placed in a Turkish program and not an English program (considering they do have those). I get that I am supposed to learn Turkish for a year, but trust me there is no way I can learn enough Turkish to run a full PhD program in it. And they keep saying that it is impossible to change schools. @ Joaquin, I understand what you are saying about the possibility of changing when we get there, but you have to admit that it is a gamble. If after we finish the Turkish language learning, they keep insisting that folk like me go on to study in Turkish programs, we might be forced to leave, making it a wasted year. I am quite disappointed really.

Sorry. It is quite a gamble, yes. But I cannot help you make that decision, only assure you things can be contested. The rest is up to you. Allow me take the liberty to clarify from the school if your courses are done in english or not so as to help make your decision easier. which course is it and is it graduate or undergraduate?

wunnam: @jaoquin64:thanks very much for your updates.Thanks to God I got into METU, PhD International Relations.My worry has to do with accomodation in Ankara as I a have a small family(a wife and a kid).Is it possible to get an apartment close to the campus that is affordable and can accomodate my small family?In that case am I to bear the entire cost?are their apartments out side campus fully furnished or I have to furnish please update,and please which university areyou?thanks and GodBless.

Nice. Welcome. We would definitely be seeing since we are doing the exact same thing in the same school. They have apartments outside school furnished and unfurnished but more expensive than in places a little farther (but still very accessible to) away from school that are very very cheap, well maintained and ridiculously big enough for your family. It all boils down to your financial capability and choice. If you can bear the distance to school, which is not so far and since you would not frequently be at school as a PhD student, then I would advice you to go for those apartments farther away from school. Then again, I dont know your financial standing so you may get here and see that the apartments closer to school can be easily afforded too. You will have to bear the entire cost, yes. Choice of getting a furnished or an unfurnished apartment is up to you. However, personal advice, since you are staying for a long time would be to get an unfurnished as it is way cheaper, furnish it yourself instead of paying that extra every month for furnishing when it can be done once and forgotten. Furnishing is quite affordable too as its their specialty in this country. Good Luck.

For those who are saying they got no replies at all, Please try and go through your Spam emails. CHECK YOUR SPAM BOX!

For those unselected, I must say I feel this very disappointment with you. Sorry. Hopefully next year will be your time or something much better may even come for you before then. Keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities, just like I will try and post any VIABLY CONFIRMED OPPORTUNITY like this one, for your sakes. Be sure to follow my post. Actually, there are many unbelievable ones out there but people do not share the information. Ask, ask ask and try to make applications. You have nothing to lose but a little time and a few bucks.

For the selected, welcome. Glad you made it. Many of you asking me on advice and particular information of your school,I totally understand your eagerness and anxiety or confusion right now and I would probably be on my neck asking the same things if I were in your shoes as well. But, please remember that I am just a normal student here. I cannot give you specific information about these other universities and places except if you ended up in my school and in Ankara or at least, Istanbul. But so far, none has posted that they were given my school or Ankara. Please try to go to the websites of these schools. Better yet, wait till you get here. You are not even starting these schools until next year because you will be going to the language school to learn Turkish for a year (8months or so) so you have an entire year ahead of you to even travel everywhere and visit these places. And trust me, you WILL have the ample time to do it. So, relax and get settled first. Also and very importantly, please know something about these people here and life in general, nothing is ever set in stone. Everything can be contested and fought for. You are all mature adults, so know that when you arrive, you have the opportunity to go find out about your school or town and if it is not acceptable, ask around from many others who were like you before how they got theirs changed. Fight and disturb them for it till you get it. I am not saying for sure or 100 percent of the time you get what you want, but I am letting you know decisions get reverted for the better if you inquire and follow due process. You will learn when you get here (based on many of my experiences as well) that Turks have a way of telling you something is impossible, then you meet someone else in that same office who will tell you other wise and get you what you want. They are not as strict as they let on. Just push them a little bit and ask ask ask, but demand ever so politely. If you get aggressive with them, they will fight you back and that is the end. I never give up till i get what i want, but I do it politely.

So,again, good Luck guys. I am saying this to both the unselected and the selected.

Türkiye'ye hoşgeldiniz! (Welcome to Turkey).

I paid no visa fees whatsoever. I am pretty sure the same will apply to the selected as well...

koleefem05: @Joaquin64: May the good God keep remembering your good deeds and repay you accordingly. We are still expecting the success mails here in Nigeria anyway. But please, I'll like some more clarification on visa fees as part of the requirement to be taken to the embassy. Thanks and nice day bro.

I keep emphasizing this, I DO NOT respond to PM's but I will always read them and try to answer your questions here instead. So, you may as well just post your private messages here to for the benefit of others in your dilemma. I get mails from some of u asking me to make a decision for you as to if to come (when selected) and/or are torn between choosing to leave either your current academic or Job pursuits. Firstly, I am NOT in the position to make a solid decision for anyone but I can only do my best to share my personal experience or rather, thoughts and facts that can only GUIDE you in making YOUR decisions by YOURSELF. But trust me on one thing, I very much understand the crossroads position you are in (particularly the masters and PhD students) to make a decision like this. I was once there before but everyone's situation is different. Mine, I weighed my options, basically as a Masters student of International Relations knowing I needed the exposure amongst other personal reasons, I realized I had nothing solid keeping me back in Nigeria, so I smiled willingly at this opportunity and I must say I do not regret. It maybe a different story for you as I have seen some people here come and return due to family or personal situations.
Now, you guys coming are way luckier than during my time. You now have your airfare to Turkey, to and fro(after the completion of your studies) paid for. I had to pay mine here though it was not difficult for me as I am blessed to have. Also, they have just increased(almost 100%) the monthly payment for your upkeep. I was ok before the increase, so imagine it now with the increase. Along with your entire school fees and Dormitory accomodation paid for, you are basically paying absolutely nothing to study here. Infact, nothing. In the dormitories your meals are also discounted as you recieve money, every single day (about 6TL) to make your meals cheaper. However this money is not in the form of cash but meal tickets persay and must be used before the end of the day, thus cannot be accumulated. Now, according to the increase, Undergrads are now paid 550TL per month, masters 750TL and Phd 1000TL. Now, I will not advice anyone (a natural mistake you will continue to make even when you get here) to convert the TL to NGN in order to compare prices because standard of living is very different everywhere especially in Europe but if u must, feel free to convert 9as you will still do it anyways, lol) so you may have an idea what those prices amount to. Yes, money is never enough and ofcourse, the pay could be better (and they increase it every year), but what I can say is this is enough to keep you going month by month if you are devoid of a frivolous lifestyle. It is even possible to save every month, though not much, but definitely something substanstial. Again, this all depends on how you live. Speaking now and mostly to the Masters and Phd students, based on personal experience, It will be a bit tasking to stay in the dormitories as you have to share rooms with people of different backgrounds regardless of age or anything(although rumor has it now that they are currently working on an option now to favor masters and phd students who are adults and need private space by giving them a part payment of the dormitory scholarship in order to stay in apartments though I cannot confirm this). However, it is advised you spend your first year in the dormitories as this is the fastest way for you to relate with the Turkish students and learn the language, afterall that is what you will be doing for your first year here anyways.
Trasnsportation is cheap and fair. Luckily, those who end up in Istanbul do not pay a dime for transportation as one of the big banks in Turkey opted to take care of that for Istanbul scholarship students. So they move around free as much as they want to anywhere within Istanbul at no cost at all. Unfortunately we in Ankara and other places are not that lucky to have that. But anyways, transportation is not expensive at all. Very affordable. With high speed trains and Buses.
Now, clothes, shoes and stuff like that are Cheap. This is what Turkey is known for. Great quality and ridiculously cheap. This is why when you get to Istanbul you will see lots of Ibo traders there buying and shipping textiles and things of that nature. I just got back from the states a few days ago and realized that the prices are incomparable. So, this is a good thing.
As for getting jobs, NO, you are not legally allowed to get jobs as a student. However, some language talented people manage to easily find English-Turkish Language instructor jobs in private homes and get paid very well for it. Some manage to get menial jobs during the summer and make a lot of money. There is nothing illegal with that. It all depends on where you find and the agreement you make with the people who give you these 'jobs'.
To the best of my knowledge, I think I have shared all I can with those would be candidates trying to decide. I cannot decide for anyone. It is up to you. Everyone's situation and experiences that informs our lifestyles and judgements are and would always be different. Gooooooooooood Luck!

That is one of the best universities here and I have visited Gaziantep twice. It is a great city. Infact, the fourth most popular city in Turkey after Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir. I have lots of friends there in that university. It is perfectly english also so you have no issues. It is a major economic hub for Turkey, very modern and has lots of ancient history and sites as well making it a big tourist destination. Its proximity to Syria could never be an issue to you.

Veneka: Hello Joaquin,

I got selected for a phd program at the uni in Gaziantep. Please what can you tell me about the school and the province. I am worried about its close proximity to Syria. I really wanted to go to Ankara or Izmir...Don't know how to feel about this.

If you must, this is the official Facebook group for the Ministry where the related info or all other useful information is published you can follow. http://www.facebook.com/yurtdisiturkler PS, its mostly in Turkish but i'm sure u can use your Google translator to get a general idea of what they are saying. Or you could post it here and I will translate for you. Good Luck once again.

Yesterday was the last public holiday they have here for a while. Now school mode is on full gear. From what i hear, the results will be published as of today. Expect to be hearing anything from today or next week for sure. Errmmmmmm good luck...

P.S: Many of you have sent me emails and personal messages wondering why i never respond to them, but as i have said from the beginning of this forum, I will only reply to posted messages on the forum not private messages. It benefits everyone else this way not just you. This will stay this way even after you successfully get selected, pre your time of getting to Turkey. I will consider (not promising anything) being in direct touch with whoever gets here eventually to help them out with useful info on settling down and stuff- if its a number of people I can deal with.

I never really expected many people to take this forum seriously as its originator. I am glad to see many people out there are still fighting for big educational opportunities and believing a thing like this is still possible. Unfortunately I am not in Turkey for the holidays if not i would have gone to the appropriate offices to find out when the information you all desperately wait for will be released in order to calm most of your anxieties. Needless to say, the fasting and bayram is done and the preparation for fall semester has kicked off in earnest everywhere so expect the results hopefully anytime soon. Good luck guys. I am looking forward to hearing most of you made it and will endeavor to go further in being personally in touch with anyone who needs help on information and settling down when they get here although, being a very honest person, I cannot 100% promise that due to personal reasons. But I will start you off by advising those of you who will come to... prepare for the nasty nasty nasty cold and snowy weather of late December to April of next year...lol...its not that bad but...ummm...u will survive anyways...Olympic Luck guys. Cheers.