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Don't miss your chance to study abroad in Istanbul!

Travel Dates | May 5 - May 12, 2026

  • Students who travel will miss Commencement if they plan to walk in the May 9, 2026 Commencement ceremony.
  • Students who travel will need to make alternative arrangements well in advance with all of their instructors for their final exams in all of their courses. Traveling for a Study Abroad Course is not an acceptable reason for not making alternative plans for final exams ahead of time.

Uniquely and strategically located between Europe and Asia, Istanbul has thousands of years of fascinating history, stunning ancient and contemporary architecture, and a large geographical border with Iraq and Syria, which puts Turkey at the center of a confluence of different cultures.

Iliana Miller, Communication Faculty at Mid, leads this immersive learning experience. Mid students are hosted at Nisantasi University and accompanied by a group of students from Istanbul. The trip includes a guided tour of Istanbul, a cruise through the Bosphorus Strait with a stop on the Asian side of the city, a traditional food experience, and unique activities to foster an understanding of common traditions and values.

Request Information Today!

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Reserve Your Spot Today!

Attend an Info Session to learn more!

  • Register for an upcoming information session to learn more and get your questions answered. Zoom links for each session will be sent closer to each info session date.

    • 6pm Monday, November 17
    • Noon Monday, December 8
    • 6pm Friday, January 9

Register for an Info Session Today!

Course Information

To register for the Istanbul Study Abroad course, connect with your Mid Mentor and select either SSC.250, HUM.250, COM.101, or COM.196 during the Winter 2026 semester, whichever best fits your program or pathway. You must register and make your deposit by January 16, 2026, to travel to Istanbul.

  • SSC.250 & HUM.250 are offered virtually. 
  • COM.101 & COM.196 are taught in person.
  • A one-credit Independent Study course is also an option for students.
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About the Trip

Students who need to fulfill a program or pathway requirement, specifically SSC.250, HUM.250, COM.101, or COM.196, are best suited for this study abroad opportunity.

  • This Study Abroad opportunity is offered via 16-Week Courses during the Winter 2026 semester. 
  • Eligible courses begin on January 12 and are offered in both virtual and in-person formats. 
  • Travel dates are May 5 - May 12.
  • The course concludes upon your return on May 12.

  • The sites and excursions listed below include attractions and landmarks in field trips that take students to different parts of Istanbul for several hours each day. These excursions are built to support and strengthen the course curriculum and learning outcomes.
  • Three hours of classroom instruction time is also scheduled each day.

At this time, these costs are estimated. Finalized travel costs will be provided soon.

  • TRAVEL FEES Approximately $2,300 per student
    • Includes round trip airfare Detroit-Istanbul-Detroit, transportation to and from the airport, travel insurance, transportation in Istanbul to course-related destinations, entrance fees to select landmarks and attractions, guided sightseeing by local experts, regional-style meals for breakfast and lunch, and hotel accommodations.
    • Students are responsible for the required passports/visas, tips for tour guides and bus drivers, spending money for souvenirs/shopping, any non-course related transportation, snacks, and one meal each day.
  • TUITION & FEES Approximately $800 per in-district student and $1,200 per out-district student.
  • FINANCIAL AID Contact Financial Aid prior to making a deposit for this course to determine if financial aid will be available to cover a portion of your tuition and fees.

Trip Itinerary

  • Orientation at the Golden Horn Hotel
  • Explore the Metro System

  • Nisantasi University Visit & Campus Tour
  • Connect with Faculty & Students from Nisantasi University

  • Historic Tour spotlights the history, art, and architecture of Istanbul, including a walking tour of Sultanahmet Plaza, Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque, Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, Column of Constantine Porphyrgenitus, and the German Fountain
  • Admire the beauty of Istanbul on a Bosphorus Straits cruise (this is an optional activity)

  • Tour Dolmabahce, Topkapi Palace, and explore the architecture, art, and history of the Ottoman Empire

  • Visit Istanbul University, founded in 1435, which is the oldest in Turkey, and enjoy a lunch and tour hosted by the Istanbul University faculty

  • Nisantasi University presentations, lunch, and farwell

  • Travel back to Michigan

Important Dates & Next Steps

  • October 6 | Registration for Winter 2026 Courses begins
  • November 14 | Early Registration Ends
  • November 15 | Late Registration Begins
  • November 17 | All Courses | Tuition Due for Early Registration by 9am (Make payments on campus or via Self-Service) Students with unpaid tuition will be de-registered from their courses.
  • January 12 | 16-week Courses Begin
  • January 16 | Late Registration and Add Ends
  • January 16 | Istanbul Study Abroad Trip Deposits Due
  • January 23 | 16-week Courses Course Drop Refunds End
  • January 23 | Tuition Due by 4pm (Make payments on campus or via Self-Service) Students with unpaid tuition will be de-registered from their courses.
  • May 1 | 16-week Courses Last Day to Withdraw
  • May 5 - May 12 | Study Abroad Trip Dates
  • May 8 | 16-week Courses End

Scholarships

  • Students who register for the trip are eligible for a minimum scholarship of $300. 
  • Scholarships are limited. Amounts may vary. Contact trip organizer, Iliana Miller, for details.

Apply for Istanbul Trip Scholarships Today!

Trip Prep Sessions

After registering and making your deposit, attend a Trip Prep Session to receive additional details and prepare for your trip to Istanbul. Zoom links for each session will be sent closer to each date.

  • 6pm Wednesday, February 11
  • 6pm Wednesday, March 18
  • 6pm Monday, April 6
  • 6pm Friday, May 1

Required Forms for Travel

Complete these forms after you've submitted your deposit.

Questions?

CONTACT

Iliana Miller

(989) 386-6622 x547

imiller@midmich.edu

Harrison Campus

  • Room 252A

Mt. Pleasant Campus

  • CLAB 176A
Last Reviewed: March 2024