• Population: 83 million
• Capital: Ankara
• Demographics: Almost half Turkey's population is less than 30 years old. The majority are of Turkish ethnicity and approximately 70–80% of the country's citizens identify themselves as Turkish. At least 47 ethnic groups represented in Turkey. Kurds are the largest non-Turkic ethnicity at anywhere from 12-25% of the population.
• Geography: Mediterranean, partially apart of Europe
• Type of government: Democracy
• Common foods: kebabs (BBQ-like skewers), kofte (meatballs), baklava (sweet pastry with nuts), pide (stuffed bread)
• Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY/TL)

The offical language is Turkish. Less popular languages include Kurmanji and Arabic. It is common for people in Istanbul to know English.

As a University of Illinois student, you have access to library resources (such as Rosetta Stone and Libguides). You may also want to consider free sources to learn basic phrases, or to refresh your language skills prior to departure.

It is each students responsibility to independently verify the visa information below and ensure they apply and secure the appropriate documentation to travel and stay in their host country for the duration of their program.

A visa is required for Turkey. Students will need a passport in order to obtain a visa. You'll need to go to the nearest U.S consulate (Chicago, IL) and apply for a visa after reviewing the requirements on the Turkish Consulate's website.

To read more on passport and visa terminology see the Passports & Visas page of this website.

Phones

• Check with your cellphone provider to find out if calls and data usage in this country will be an extra charge or free.
• Have your phone "unlocked" for SIM card use abroad and purchase an international SIM card in country to use your phone with a local service provider.
• Common Apps include: PTTMessenger, WhatsApp, Facebook.
• Make sure you have the Duo Mobile app set up on your phone. If you get a new SIM card, use the passcode options instead of PUSH, or go to UI Verify website to enter your new phone information.

Internet

WiFi is widely available in public building such as hotels and restaurants.

Electricity

• Turkey uses the type C and Type F outlets. Therefore a universal adapter is needed.
• While an adapter makes your device fit into the local outlet, a converter converts the voltage. The voltage will not be the same as in the U.S. For that reason, it is recommended that you do NOT bring appliances such as hair dryers or hair straighteners with you unless you also purchase a voltage converter.

Banking Tips

• It is important to inform your bank(s) for which you will use your card abroad where you will be travelling and the dates so that do not consider your charges abroad as fraud.
• ATMs at banks such as Citibank Turkey (Citibank international) are available for cash withdrawal.

Geography

• Turkey spans two continents. 95% of its territory is in Asia and 5% is in the southeastern part of Europe.
• The country has cultural connections to ancient Greek, Persian, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires.

Climate

• The coastal areas along the Mediterranean and the Aegean Seas enjoy Mediterranean climates, characterized by cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers.

Packing

• Bring sunscreen
• Pack and wear layers
• Pack using "Smart casual" as a guide
• For more packing considerations, view the Packing List (PDF).

• Common public transportation: Buses, taxis, trams (street train), Uber limited
• Cities with airports: Istanbul (2 international, 1 domestic), Izmir city, and Antalaya

Each student faces different barriers and unique challenges based on their identity. For example, how you identify in the United States may not be how you choose to identify abroad because of the local social culture. We encourage all students to reflect on the different aspects of their identity and consider how they may play a role in their study abroad experience. To help with this thought process: visit the State Department website and look into the Identity & Inclusion resources available on this website.

International Safety and Security provides important wellness tips, along with using your insurance and the emergency phone number. Be sure to become familiar with this website and the resources available to you. Review the U.S. Embassy page and the Department of State website for additional safety resources.

Enroll yourself in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the U.S. Department of State. Registration in STEP will allow you to get alerts on the latest safety and security information. In addition, the information you provide enables the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.