Travel to Turkey to backpack, study, intern, volunteer, work,

or live as a digital nomad, expat or emigrant?

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Turkey: table of content

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 Turkey

Intro

Backpacking in Turkey?

  • Turkey is a beautiful and affordable country for backpackers. From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the unique rock formations of Cappadocia, there is something for everyone.
  • Characteristics: easy to travel, inexpensive away from the attractions, relatively safe, Islamic, delicious culinary delights. 

Traveling in Turkey?

  • Turkey is a fascinating destination where Eastern and Western cultures meet, with rich history and diverse landscapes. From vibrant cities and ancient ruins to serene beaches and unique natural wonders - the country combines modern conveniences with traditional charm, making it an ideal place for adventurous and cultural exploration.
  • City spotting: Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, Bursa, Konya. 
  • Activity spotting: visit historical sites such as the Hagia Sophia and Ephesus, enjoy a hot air balloon ride over the fairytale landscapes of Cappadocia, relax in the baths of Pamukkale, explore the many bazaars and eat Turkish delicacies, visit a hammam (Turkish bath house) and explore the many natural landscapes. 
  • Nature spotting: Limestone terraces of Pamukkale, rock formations of Cappadocia, the Taurus Mountains, the beautiful beaches, Lake Van and the forests and waterfalls of the Bolu region.  
  • Animal spotting: including wild ones, sea turtles, birds of prey, dolphins, wild goats and chamois. 

Study in Turkey?

  • Education in Turkey: with a good quality of education, Turkey is not a wrong place to study. 
  • Language: Turkish with some universities offering English-language programs. 
  • Studies: you can choose from a huge number of studies, but education, engineering, finance, international relations, biomedical sciences, architecture and journalism, among others, are popular fields of study. 
  • Study cities: Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya.  
  • Study Culture: The study culture in Turkey is competitive and achievement-oriented, with a strong emphasis on academic excellence. Students tend to be highly motivated and committed to their studies. Outside of academia, there are numerous student associations and clubs, which organize social and cultural activities. Networking and relationship building are also important within the study culture.
  • Language learning: learn Turkish through university language programs, language institutes, online platforms and cultural centers. 

Doing an internship in Turkey?

  • Internship opportunities: there are various internship opportunities in a variety of sectors, including IT, tourism, international trade and business, textiles and fashion, education and healthcare. 
  • Internship cities: Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, Bursa. 
  • Characteristics: hierarchical, hospitable, sometimes long working hours, diversity and many cultural experiences.   
  • Competencies: intercultural communication, strong work ethic, hospitality and customer orientation, networking and relationship management. 

Volunteering in Turkey?

  • There are several volunteer opportunities in Turkey. For example, you can help in agriculture, education/child care and refugee counseling. 
  • Animal/Nature projects: stray animal assistance, sea turtle monitoring, nature restoration.
  • Characteristics: both one week to several months possible, and both part-time and full-time. 

Work in Turkey?

  • Jobs: for foreigners, you will find jobs mainly in the tourism and hospitality industry, (English language) education, tech and IT, international trade and business, healthcare and work for NGOs.  
  • Work culture: hierarchy and respect for managers is very important, as is team spirit. In business, personal relationships and networking play a big role. So building trust is also very important here. It is also useful to take into account flexible working conditions and long working hours. 
  • Characteristics: work-life balance differs depending on where you work, innovative, opportunities for professional development, cultural diversity.

Working as a digital nomad in Turkey?

  • An off-the-beaten-path digital nomad destination that is slowly becoming more popular because of its low cost, cultural richness and pleasant climate. 
  • Favorite locations: Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya, Bodrum. 
  • Features: good facilities, plenty of coworking spots in major cities, many accommodation options, affordable, lots to explore and delicious food. 

Living in Turkey?

  • The land of shisha, coffee, tea and good food. If you want to enjoy a mix of modern living standards combined with rich cultural traditions and a cozy social life, Turkey is definitely a good option! 
  • Quality of life: a good quality of life with relatively low costs, a diverse climate, good infrastructure, hospitable people and lots to experience. 
  • Culture: Turkey has a mix of traditional values and modern influences, of East and West and religion and secularity. There are great cultural differences between different parts of the country, yet there is also strong national identity. However, some core values do apply everywhere such as hospitality, generosity, honor, loyalty. Besides hard work, in daily life everything is at a somewhat lower level. Time and attention is given to personal relationships, doing things together and this is often more important than punctuality. Also, Turkish people are incredibly generous, giving to charities and can make you a generous offer.... But beware, sometimes this is out of politeness and you are actually expected to decline. 
  • Characteristics: hospitable, multicultural, lots to do, good connections with Europe and Asia in terms of travelability, delicious food, relatively safe, good education. 
  • Health care: good health care system with modern medical facilities, especially in private hospitals. Do arrange your own (international) health insurance well.

Supporting content

Turkey Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

Turkey Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

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Content about Turkey on WorldSupporter

Why study, intern, work, live as an expat digital nomad or as an emigrant in Turkey
How does healthcare work in Turkey, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?
Turkey: Updates & Travel
Supporting content:
Why study, intern, work, live as an expat digital nomad or as an emigrant in Turkey

Image ACTIVITIES

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ACTIVITIES
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Een toeristenvisum is verplicht voor Turkije. Je kunt gemakkelijk een e-visum aanvragen via de website van het Turkse Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken. De visumaanvraag duurt slechts een paar minuten en je ontvangt het elektronische visum direct in je mailbox als de aanvraag is voltooid. Het e...

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STORIES
Langs de grenzen van Turkije

Het afgelopen jaar is Syrie geruineerd. Weinig mensen die er echt wat voor voelen en mensen die er heen gaan worden als terroristen gezien. In deze documentaire wordt goed een beeld gemaakt van de huidige situatie in Syrie. Het is een erg pakkende documentaire en ook soms niet aangenaam om te zien. ...

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Wie?

  • DesertJoy

Door wie?

  • Oprichter Joyce Schröder, bij de Bedoeïenen van de Muzayna stam beter bekend als Subhiyya, wat Dageraad betekent.
  • De Lycië-Turkije reizen worden georganiseerd in samenwerking met Nederlander Eric die al sinds 2000 in ...

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Toeristenvisum Een toeristenvisum is verplicht voor Turkije. Dit visum is tot 90 dagen geldig binnen de periode van 180 dagen nadat je je aanvraag voor het visum hebt gedaan. Het is mogelijk om meerdere keren Turkije binnen te komen (multiple entry) binnen de 180 dagen nadat je de visumaanvraag hebt...

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Turkey hot air balloon is a popular tourist activity.  The balloons are often filled with helium, which makes them lighter than air and able to float.  They are often brightly colored and can be very large. Most hot air balloon rides last for around an hour.  Passengers are typically ...

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ORGANIZATIONS
Stage in Turkije

Deze organisatie biedt stageplaatsen aan in Turkije, voornamelijk in Istanbul, Ankara en Izmir. De organisatie richt zich zowel op MBO, HBO als Universitaire studenten. Er zijn naast meeloopstages ook mogelijkheden voor afstudeer en onderzoekstages. De stageperiodes variëren van 3 tot maximaal ...

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SUMMARIES
Summary Case Law: Salduz v. Turkey

Summary of the Case Law: Salduz v. Turkey (Comparative Criminal Law, 2016/2017) Access to a lawyer, breach of Article 6(3)(c) European Convention on Human Rights & Fundamental Freedoms

  • Salduz v. Turkey
  • Introduction
  • Facts
  • Judgment of the Chamber and arguments<...>

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SPOTLIGHT & FAVORITES

SPOTLIGHT
Turkije

Turkish habits, customs and lifestyle

  • Asking for photos
  • Unexpected visit
  • Turkish tea
  • Deceive customers
  • Ice Cream Man
  • Point system (school, study & profession)
  • Family
  • Cats
  • The bus
  • The army
  • Going out...

FAVORITES

Safety and insurances in Turkey

How does healthcare work in Turkey, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does healthcare work in Turkey, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does the health care system work in Turkey?

  • Turkey has a well-organized health care system. The care is modern, efficient and of the same quality as in, say, the U.S., but the costs are a lot lower. 
  • Life expectancy is around 78 years. Not bad, in other words! 
  • The country is particularly known for fields such as cosmetic surgery, dental care and fertility treatments. There is a lot of medical tourism. 
  • The system consists of public health care and private health care. 
  • Insurance is mandatory for everyone under the age of 65 living in Turkey. Whether this is public or private insurance. 
  • In fact, Turkey also has a public insurance system, Genel Sağlık Sigortası (GSS). You pay for healthcare through the Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu (SGK). 
  • Emigrants can join this universal healthcare system only after one year of living in Turkey. For the first year, you are required to purchase your own international health insurance. 
  • Eventually, many people who have moved to Turkey choose to keep their own private insurance because the costs are often not that bad, the care is better and you are also insured for other things such as repatriation. 
  • In Turkey, you can also go to the pharmacy for a consultation. Here you can get medication right away, or you are referred to a specialist. 

How does the public health care system work in Turkey?

  • The public healthcare system (SGK) covers much of the cost of public health care.
  • The quality of care is generally good, but you can expect long waiting times. 
  • Good quality healthcare is generally less accessible in the country side than in the big cities. 

How does the private health care system work in Turkey?

  • Almost all expats choose private hospitals: waiting times are shorter, there are English-speaking doctors and it is more comfortable than public hospitals. 
  • The cost of care is also quite reasonable compared to costs in Western Europe, for example. Dentistry, cosmetic surgery, hair transplants, people come to Turkey for everything. 

How is the general practitioner arranged in Turkey?

  • In Turkey you can visit general practitioners, including Family Health Centers (Aile Sağlığı Merkezleri). 
  • You can find these through your own embassy, among others, or through the Turkish government's “Family Medicine Information System” (FMIS). 
  • Be aware that not every doctor speaks English. So call in advance to check this.

How is the dentist arranged in Turkey?

  • Turkey is a top destination for dental tourism. So even as an expat, you have many, and good, choices!
  • Dental care is generally a lot cheaper than in Western Europe. 
  • Most people choose private clinics. Surely those are just a little better. 

How is the pregnancy, obstetrics and maternity care arranged in Turkey?

  • During your pregnancy and birth, you can go to public and private hospitals. The former is obviously cheaper, but the care is also less personal and the language barrier can be big. 
  • The care is comprehensive, with many checks, tests and personal counseling. 
  • Home birth is also an option and allowed in Turkey. It can be more difficult to find appropriate care for a home birth, though, because the system is not fully equipped for it. 
  • Cesarean sections are common, as are medical interventions. Be sure to discuss your needs in advance and ask other expats about their experiences with doctors. 
  • Fun fact - many private hospitals have hair dressers and photographers in their birthing packages. 
  • Breastfeeding in public is normal in Turkey, but only if the mother covers up. 

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Turkey?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safely in Turkey?

  • Turkey is reasonably safe, but in crowded tourist areas such as the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, watch out for pickpockets. 
  • Try to stay away from political discussions and demonstrations as these can get out of hand.  
  • It is not recommended to visit the border areas with Syria. 
  • There is also a risk of terrorist attacks in Turkey, this happens several times (on a small scale) a year and especially in the south but also in other areas.  
  • Beware of “drink & food spiking” - that someone puts something in your drink or food.
  • There is risk of sexual abuse, especially in the evening, but also for example if you go to toilet facilities alone. 
  • There are street dogs almost everywhere. These kinds of groups of dogs can be aggressive, never approach them and keep your distance! 
  • We may not be used to it, but it is illegal to insult the Turkish nation or flag - both online and offline. You could end up in jail in no time. 
  • Turkey also suffers from natural disasters including floods and earthquakes.  

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Turkey?

  • Tap water is technically safe to drink, but can taste like chlorine. 
  • There are a number of recommended vaccinations. Check with your local vaccination center. 
  • Rabies is a problem in Turkey. If you are bitten by an animal, go immediately to a hospital/clinic for medical advice. 

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Turkey?

  • Many people find driving in Turkey quite a challenge. There are many road accidents, especially at night. 
  • The roads between major cities are generally good, but in remote areas, on the other hand, they can be very bad. 
  • Drive carefully, especially at night, and keep in mind checkpoints. 
  • It is illegal to ride a scooter or moped without a helmet.
  • As a pedestrian, you don't always get the right of way! Not even at a crosswalk. 

Which work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Turkey?

  • Is the trip to Turkey and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Turkey if you are going to live there for a while?

  • It is mandatory to have your own private international health insurance during your first year in Turkey. Most people keep this insurance after that as well (rather than switching to the public system) because there can always be things you may face as an expat or emigrant that are not covered by public insurance (think repatriation and wider treatment choices, for example). Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.

 

 

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