Rice University School of Social Sciences

Istanbul London Houston 2012

Global Urban L A B

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C O N T E N T S

about the urban lab Global Urban Lab ....................................................................................... Page 5 Rice Students Houston ................................................................................. Page 6 Rice Students London .................................................................................. Page 7 Global Collaborations ................................................................................ Page 8 About the Leadership Team ..................................................................... Page 10

student reflections from istanbul Urban Lab Spring 2012 Istanbul Itinerary ................................................ Page 13 Elizabeth Weeks .......................................................................................... Page 15 Angie Bautista-Chavez ............................................................................. Page 17 Daniel Cohen ............................................................................................. Page 19 Navtej Dhaliwal ......................................................................................... Page 21 Jasmine Elliott ............................................................................................. Page 23 Devin Glick ................................................................................................. Page 25 Mingming Jiang ......................................................................................... Page 27 Christian Keller ............................................................................................ Page 29 Sherry Lin ..................................................................................................... Page 31 Jessica McElroy .......................................................................................... Page 33 Satoshi Mizutani ......................................................................................... Page 35 Maria Nunez-Pogliani ................................................................................ Page 37 Diane Ramirez ............................................................................................ Page 39 Marc Sabbagh .......................................................................................... Page 41 Rebecca Satterfield .................................................................................. Page 43 Ira Shrivastava ............................................................................................ Page 45 Isabella Spanswick ..................................................................................... Page 47 Lauren Theis ................................................................................................. Page 49 David Sims .................................................................................................... Page 51

closing Special thank you....................................................................................... Page 55

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A B O U T T H E L A B

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G L O B A L U R B A N L A B Consider this: How does a city provide the transportation, housing, infrastructure and logistics for hosting a major international event that millions of people will attend? This is one of the questions that a group of Rice students grappled with during their spring 2012 semester in Houston and London as part of the Global Urban Lab program. The Global Urban Lab program aims to provide a platform for the Rice students to analyze a particular urban problem or issue and determine how today’s emerging global cities handle changing circumstances, as well as how they face challenges to enrich their cultural and international standing. The students have two avenues to participate:

1. Study in Houston, enroll in Dr. Melissa Marschall’s POLI 332 class to explore urban policies globally, and travel to Istanbul, Turkey during spring break for a week of meetings with government officials, discussions with scholars, observations and exploration of the city.

2. Study in London for the spring semester to participate in an internship while taking Rice courses and conducting a semester-long investigative research project with guidance of visiting Rice faculty, then travel to Istanbul during spring break to join the team of students from Houston to learn and compare urban policies through discussions, meetings, and observations.

In 2012 thirteen Rice students from Houston joined eleven Rice students from London in Istanbul to explore and study the city together. The students met with officials of the Istanbul Olympic bid committee to learn about their efforts to host the 2020 games after four previously unsuccessful bids for the event. They examined the differences and similarities between Istanbul, Houston and London—such as traffic congestion, public transportation shortages, education systems and changes in economic development. Dr. Melissa Marschall spearheaded the academic development of the program while the associate dean of social sciences Ipek Martinez led the collaborations and execution.

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R I C E S T U D E N T S — H O U S T O N

Rice students in Houston enrolled for Political Science Professor Melissa Marschall’s POLI 332 Urban Politics course during the spring 2012 semester. Students examined the historical growth and change of cities and suburbs, focusing on issues of race and class, the structure of the local government, the development of urban policy in the American federal system, and the various ways in which cultural values have contributed to American exceptionalism in residential patterns and the forms and functions of local government. In addition to the Urban Politics course, students also registered for a one-credit lab course (POLI 349). Prior to the Istanbul trip, the lab course met weekly for one- hour discussions and lectures on topics related to both contemporary political and policy issues in Turkey and the city of Istanbul, and historical and cultural developments in the region. Through the lab sessions, students also identified their research topics and began working with group members (that included both Rice and London students) on their projects. Projects compared specific urban policies, ranging from education, public safety/security, immigration/human trafficking, public health, housing, and urban economic development across three cities—Houston, London, and Istanbul. Once in Istanbul, students continued work on their projects by collecting first hand information via site visits, interviews, and direct observation, and by ongoing discussions with group members and Professor Marschall. Preliminary research and findings were presented by each group at a workshop session held at Koç University’s Istinye campus.

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R I C E S T U D E N T S — L O N D O N Rice students studying in London enrolled for a full-semester course load through the CAPA International Education Program. Students paired with local internship hosts that provided both acquaintance with the city of London and professional work development while abroad. Internship hosts included eATA/Vauxhall, Parsons Brinkerhoff, London Borough of Tower Hamlets, the European/Atlantic Group, and British Water. In addition to enrolling in Professor Marschall’s POLI 332 class and participating in the class via podcasts and Skype sessions, students in London also took part in Dr. Don Ostdiek’s Policy Studies course, POST 350- Comparative Urban Planning Lab. This course allowed students to investigate the challenges and opportunities major global cities face when bringing in large events such as the 2012 Olympics. The students met with local developers and businesses to enrich their own research and solutions to overcome London’s biggest obstacles for making the 2012 Olympics a success. Dr. Don Ostdiek, Dr. Michael Emerson and Dr. Jerry Rusk of Rice University led the Urban Lab lectures in London with alternating intervals. Students worked on group projects with their Houston counterparts and participated in the Istanbul Lab program activities. In addition, they focused their POLI 332 course projects on topics related to urban politics and policy in London.

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G L O B A L C O L L A B O R A T I O N S Koç University- Istanbul The Global Urban Lab Istanbul is a collaboration between Rice University School of Social Sciences and Koç University.

The Koç Istinye Conference facilities, in the Northern part of Istanbul minutes away from Bosphorus, served as the base camp for the group with its first-class accommodations. In addition to meals, the group used this facility for break out sessions, small group meetings and the workshop, where student presentations took place. Finally, Global Urban Lab 2012 featured an end of the week celebration that included skits and an award ceremony. The Global Urban Lab participants spent a day at the Koç University main campus where they attended a lecture by Dr. Ahmet Icduygu on Irregular Migratory Flows and visited with Koç University students.

Koç University- Main Campus

Koç (“Coach”) University is a non-profit private university in Istanbul, Turkey committed to the

pursuit of excellence in teaching and research.

Koç Istinye Campus

The centrally located Istinye Campus, walking distance from the Bosphorus, provides modern

conference facilities and accommodations.

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CAPA International- London The Global Urban Lab London is a collaboration between Rice University School of Social Sciences and CAPA International Education that offers students the opportunity to participate in internships and explore a variety of topics while studying abroad. Students are housed in the heart of London; attend classes taught by distinguished professors and scholars and participate in local internships. The classes offered to the spring 2012 cohort included Ethics in the Media, International Finance, International Marketing, International Economics, The Social Dynamics of London: Contemporary Issues through Service-Learning, Britain in the 20th Century, European Government and Politics.

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A B O U T T H E L E A D E R S H I P T E A M Ipek Martinez Associate Dean of Social Sciences and Director of Gateway, Rice University ipek@rice.edu 713-348-2439 Ms. Martinez is the Associate Dean for the School of Social Sciences and the Director of the Gateway Program for undergraduates that provide opportunities to students through internships, research, and ambassadorships. Dean Martinez and her staff manage the organization and logistics of the Global Urban Lab initiatives. Dr. Melissa Marschall Albert Thomas Associate Professor of Political Science, Rice University marschal@rice.edu 713-348-2694 Professor Marschall leads the Istanbul Global Urban Lab. She received her Master’s Degree in International Relations and Political Science from Boğaziçi University in Istanbul. Her research focuses on local politics, educational policy, participation, and issues of race and ethnicity. Professor Marschall teaches courses on urban and subnational politics, educational policy, policy analysis and research methods. London Team London Director – Dr. Don Ostdiek Associate Dean of Undergraduates, and Director of Policy Studies, Rice University dho@rice.edu Dr. Ostdiek oversees International Programs at Rice University and serves as the Director of Policy Studies program under School of Social Sciences. Dean Ostdiek leads the London Global Urban Lab and his staff manages the preparation of students for studying abroad. 2012 Contributing Professors:

- Dr. Jerold Rush, Political Science - Dr. Michael Emerson, Sociology

Student Assistants Chris Keller and Mark Seraydarian

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S T U D E N T R E F L E C T I O N S F R O M I S T A N B U L

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The Global Urban Lab team at the Istanbul 2020 Olympic Bid Committee Headquarters

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G L O B A L U R B A N L A B S P R I N G 2 0 1 2 I S T A N B U L I T I N E R A R Y Saturday, February 25, 2012 Arrive in Istanbul Sunday, February 26, 2012 Explore Istanbul: Hagia Sofia, Underground Cisterns, Topkapi Palace Monday, February 27, 2012 Besiktas Municipality Istanbul Policy Center Tuesday, February 28, 2012 Olympic Bid committee Transportation Authority Traffic Control Center American Hospital Wednesday, February 29, 2012 Group presentations at Koc University, Istinye Campus Lecture at Koc University Thursday, March 1, 2012 Koc Research Center for Anatolian Civilizations Fenerbahce Sports Club Friday, March 2, 2012 Yenikoy Ilkogretim Ilkokulu Istinye Saturday, March 3, 2012 Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar Sunday, March 4, 2012 Depart for Houston & London

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E L I Z A B E T H W E E K S

Teşekkürler, İstanbul

That is, thank you, Istanbul. As a participant in the Global Urban Lab program, I was lucky enough to be part of the group that traveled from Houston to Istanbul for a life-altering spring break. We were housed in Koç University’s Istinye conference facilities, located in the heart of Istanbul – just minutes away from the Bosphorus Strait. Our first full day in Istanbul was dedicated to tourism: we visited Topkapi Palace, home to Ottoman sultans from the fifteenth to nineteenth centuries; the Hagia Sophia, with fascinating evidence of both Christianity and Islam in the same building; an ancient underground cistern, once used to store water and waste; and Istiklal Avenue, a crowded pedestrian shopping district. Right away, it was easy to see that Istanbul is not only where two continents meet, but also where two vastly different religions and cultures merge. After this rich introduction to the city, we met the next morning with the staff of İsmail Ünal, mayor of Beşiktaş, just one of Istanbul’s thirty-nine municipalities. We discussed the elections process, conflict among opposing political parties, and the role of women in Turkish politics. We followed this meeting with a visit to the Istanbul Policy Center, where we spoke to political science professor Dr. Korel Göymen about the city’s history and politics. The next day, we met with officials from the Istanbul Olympic Bid committee to learn about their efforts to host the 2020 games after four previously unsuccessful bids. We were the first to hear much of the information the committee presented, which they revealed to us in confidence. In the afternoon, we went to Istanbul’s Traffic Control Center, which monitors traffic flow, speed limits, travel times, and the city’s transportation patterns. We then travelled to Istanbul’s American Hospital, where we learned about Turkey’s healthcare system and efforts to address existing healthcare inequalities. The following day was devoted to a mini-conference at Koç University and Rice student presentations that critically compared Houston, London, and Istanbul on topics such as transportation, public safety, immigration, and housing. We visited with Koç undergraduates studying International Relations and attended a Turkish folk dancing workshop, following which we demonstrated the Cha Cha Slide and the Wobble for the Turkish students.

Sophomore

Sociology, Health Sciences major

Jones College

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Then came a change of pace at the Fenerbahçe sports club football (soccer) stadium, of which Ali Koç (Rice ’89) is the vice-president. Treated as VIPs, we saw the team’s locker room and business lounges, went onto the field, met with top executives and board members, and got team jerseys. We were filmed and photographed the entire time and were featured on Turkish television that night! Later Koç treated us to a night out at one of Istanbul’s premier lounges, Ulus 29. His generosity was unparalleled, and it was a night none of us will ever forget. Our celebrity treatment continued during our visit to a public elementary school, where I had expected to learn about Turkey’s education system and the challenges teachers face. But it was much more! We posed for pictures, signed autographs, and shared emails. The students threw questions at us about pop culture, and they asked about American universities – how long it takes to become a veterinarian, or if you can go to college for soccer. These students start learning English in the fourth grade and dream of coming to the U.S. one day. If I had to pick a favorite memory, it would be our personal interaction with these students. Despite language barriers, it was easy to communicate because children are really the same, no matter where they live. I want to extend a huge thank you to the School of Social Sciences, Associate Dean Ipek Martinez – without whose knowledge of Turkey we would have been lost – and Dr. Melissa Marschall – whose love of urban politics inspired a love of learning in her students – for this amazing experience. I was able to view a new city not as a tourist, but as a scholar. I received an insider’s view of Istanbul – its past, present, and future – by interacting with politicians, educators, and innovators. I’m grateful that I got to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. So thank you, Rice. And thank you, Istanbul.

M S . W E E K S ’ A R T I C L E W A S F E A T U R E D I N R I C E N E W S O F M A R C H 1 3 , 2 0 1 2 & T H E G A T E W A Y S T U D E N T N E W S S E C T I O N

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A N G I E B A U T I S T A - C H A V E Z

Throughout my time at Rice cultivated my knowledge of some of Houston’s most pressing problems by volunteering and working in the Houston community. I have also engaged in courses that approach topics such as housing and education policies from sociological and political perspectives. Such hands-on experiences have enriched my academic career at Rice by allowing me to bring into the classroom my observations and help bridge the gap between the theoretical and the practical. As such, I was motivated to be a part of the Global Urban Lab because of its unique nature and emphasis to integrate academic classroom and experiential learning. Furthermore, while my specialty in political science is American politics, this program was the perfect opportunity through which I could develop my understanding of comparative politics and policy. Living, studying, and working in London has proven to be a phenomenal experience. I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with a non-governmental organization called Action for Advocacy (a4a). Through my time at a4a, I have had the opportunity to work on a research project to assess the size, level of activity, and needs of the advocacy sector in England, Scotland, and Wales. This research project has been extremely valuable to my growth as an undergraduate seeking a career in academia. I have been able to be a carry out all parts of the project, from developing the research proposal to the implementation. Through my time at a4a, I have also had the opportunity to witness and take part in a movement to reform the UK health and social care system. a4a joined a greater network of service and community organizations, forming the Care and Support Alliance. This alliance organized mass lobby through which hundreds of older and disabled people visited Parliament to speak to their Member of Parliament (MP) about their opinions of the current care system and how it affects them. This experience helped me gain insight into the UK social policy environment, particularly relating to adult social care and advocacy. Furthermore, I learned of the UK political and policy-making process and methods of campaigning by non-governmental organizations to influence decisions. After seeing how a group of service-related NGOs were able to act as a lobbying group for people and families frustrated by the existing care system, I was interested in the role of NGOs in the planning and implementation of the Olympics, relating in particular to the strategic regeneration projects. This question has been one of central concern for me this semester and has become the base of my research project.

Junior

Political Science, Policy Studies major

Jones College

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The boroughs hosting the Olympics are located in the inner East and South East of London. They have traditionally suffered from significant depravation, facing high levels of unemployment, low levels of educational attainment, and alarming health statistics. Through this program, I have not only been able to visit these boroughs, but also develop an understanding of how the 2012 Olympics is a vehicle through which regeneration projects will be developed for and carried out in the host boroughs. This program also provided me with the opportunity to have meaningful interaction with policy makers and researchers in Istanbul. Through the Istanbul component of the Global Urban Lab, I had the opportunity to meet and speak with the Deputy Mayor of the Besiktas Municipality. During this visit, I gained insight as to how local governments work with the city’s business community and the conflict of interests that often arise between different levels of government. between the Besiktas Municipality and the Istanbul Greater Municipality. This conflict stems from differences in party affiliations and has serious implications, including lack of appropriate funding for projects and development projects imposed on communities opposed to them. Listening to these public officials was extremely rewarding because they discussed problems we studied in Dr. Marschall’s Urban Politics course. I loved being able to build upon what I learned in class with real visits to local governments abroad. Another highlight was visiting the Istanbul Policy Center in Karakoy. Through this visit, we learned about the entrepreneurialism of the Turkish people, but also of the existing social problems in the country. From inadequacy of physical infrastructure to gender inequalities and urban-rural divides, Turkey has several problems it has yet to resolve. However, it was important to learn that the country recognized these issues and has implemented policies and programs to address them. The week in Istanbul was a remarkable, enlightening experience. Not only did I build upon my previous knowledge, but I was challenged to make connections and think in ways I had never done before. I can easily say that my time in Istanbul has been the highlight of my undergraduate career. In such a short amount of time, I learned about the history, culture, and politics of one country. Oh, and not to be forgotten, every meal was an amazing experience on its own!

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D A N I E L C O H E N

Living and working in London through Rice's Global Urban Lab program has been a tremendous experience that has exposed me to dozens of different cultures and countries while deepening my appreciation for and knowledge of urban issues. From riding the Underground everyday to living in Ealing, one of London's outer boroughs, to attending school in South Kensington, an inner borough, and working in still another borough (Westminster), I have learned how to live and breathe urban life. While Rice is located in the United States' fourth largest city and one of its fastest growing urban areas, residential living at Rice can easily obscure the central city feel of the university. The Global Urban Lab has helped me appreciate the distinct differences between urban and suburban living while exposing me to both the advantages and setbacks of traversing one of the world's most prominent cities. My time in London has always demonstrated some of the significant spatial and cultural distinctions between the European and American urban contexts. In London, the population is quite dense with high rises and row houses being the most popular form of accommodation. People frequently use the public transit system not only to travel to work but to crisscross the city throughout the day and during the night. Londoners of all cultures, languages, religions, and interests mingle on the Underground and are able to travel to and from the same places. Another key characteristic of London as an urban space, is the concentration of wealth in its center. The city's wealthiest residents live in posh apartments near mulit-billion dollar corporations' glass tower headquarters. Boutiques, high-end restaurants, and shopping centers abound by these expensive apartments while lower density, quintessentially residential houses are built in the city's outer boroughs. I found this to be in stark contrast with many sunbelt American cities, Houston in particular. Houston is a massive sprawling city where the car is king and ethnic and class homogeneity are more common than not in living arrangements. The Museum District and other financially secure areas such as West U are not at the city's center and public transportation certainly doesn't integrate the city's diverse population. I believe there is much we can learn from the European model of the urban space from its emphasis on public transportation to its structural arrangement that encourages socio-economic integration. What I will miss most about London upon my return to the States will be the sheer diversity of people with whom I will come into regular contact. Hearing Spanish, German, Arabic, Italian, and a host of other languages being spoken while passengers wear their nations'

Junior

Political Science, Economics major

Lovett College

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flags on special holidays and the British read their newspapers was an enriching experience. It is one I hope can and will be replicated in cities like Houston in the future. Living, working, and studying in London would have been a sufficient education in urbanism and urbanization by itself but the Global Urban Lab Program went an incredible step further by sending my colleagues and me to Istanbul. For one week, 26 Rice students ventured all over one of the world's oldest and most important cities and walked the bridge that connects the East and West. We met with prominent Turkish academics, local government officials, executives of the country's dominant soccer team, and spent hours talking with school children while we explored the city's cultural wonders. Being in such a massive city-Istanbul has 12 million inhabitants-in an emerging first world country with immense geo-political influence was an amazing experience. The development underway was both exciting, as it foreshadows future reductions in poverty and higher standards of living, and sobering as we realized how far even emerging markets must come to provide a first-world quality of life to their citizens. The visit also made me acutely aware of how influential American culture is in other parts of the world. During our visit to a primary school, dozens of school children approached me and asked me about my favorite television shows, foods, and the quality of my education. These children gleefully informed me that American television hits such as "Two and a Half Men", "House", "How I Met Your Mother", and "The Big Bang Theory" were their favorite television shows and that their dreams were to play in the NBA or become a veterinarian in the United States. The joy they expressed in meeting American students was overwhelming and deeply touching. The combination of this friendly and curious attitude toward us and the fervent nationalism of the Turkish people reminded me of American culture. Despite holding different faiths and being at different levels of development, there seemed to be a strong similarity between the American Dream and the Turkish ethos of work and success. I hope the bond our group of Rice students formed with the Turkish school children is indicative of future U.S.-Turkish relations. Seeing the wonder and the hope in those Turkish children's eyes made me even more conscious of the benefits of living in the first-world and reminded me of our duty to help all peoples to reach that same quality of life.

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N A V T E J D H A L I W A L

Few American students can say they spent their Spring Break in Istanbul, Turkey. Fewer still can claim they did so conscientious of both the city’s rich history and its contemporary vibrancy. The 2012 Global Urban Lab Program offered its participants just this. It was a truly unique trip that combined research, travel, cultural immersion, coursework, and great people. When I first heard Rice University provided an opportunity to visit Istanbul through the Global Urban Lab Program, I was immediately excited. Istanbul was a place I had always wanted to experience, as much for its place in the art history and literature tomes of my youth as for its place at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, East and West, Occident and Orient. In many ways, my anticipation and hopes were validated by an exotic and unfamiliar destination, largely secular but punctuated by calls to prayer. What I did not expect, however, was the ways in which the program would significantly enhance my journey and challenge perceptions I previously held about the city. Arriving in Istanbul it became clear how important guidance would be in exploring the city within only one week’s time, and the program provided the structure that allowed me to be satisfied I had seen all I could by the return flight. The Turkish people were very hospitable and friendly, kindly accepting us even as we struggled to utter phrases in their native language. Sites visited offered something for everyone, beyond the snacks and tea of gracious hosts. We toured a hospital, a traffic control center, a humanities think tank, a university, historic and modern religious places, a public elementary school, a mayoral office, the Olympics Bid Committee, a policy institute, a huge sports stadium, booming bazaars, and so much more. We ate fresh fish from the Galata Bridge, drank Turkish coffee, delighted in baklava and other desserts, and savored a host of other delicious foods in many-course-meals each day. We learned traditional Turkish folk dance and took part in very Western nightlife. And all this without even mention of the most famous landmarks in Sultanahmet like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, and Hippodrome. The urban focus of the program let us delve into questions of infrastructure and logistics and think about the city in a way we might not as mere tourists. Having activities like transportation challenges, walking to a grocery store or café near our residence, or crossing the Bosporus to the Asia side on a public ferry put us in the mindset of a local and raised awareness of the networks through which the average commuter might navigate such a huge metropolitan area. The research component of the program, in which small teams studied topics from health to housing, from security to migration, granted occasion for us to learn from and

Sophomore

Mathematical Economic Analysis major

Martel College

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present to each other while in Istanbul, but also gave context and allowed collaborative analysis well before our voyage. The relationships built not only through these smaller groups, but also bonds formed within class and strengthened throughout shared experiences during the week are huge benefits of the Global Urban Lab Program not to be underestimated. Indeed, it is through my peers and the people of Istanbul I feel I have taken the most away from this program: whereas I entered with an inclination to stick to typical dichotomy narratives in describing the city, I was quickly challenged to acknowledge its prominence, embrace its vibrancy irrespective of those narratives.

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J A S M I N E E L L I O T T

As a graduating senior, I was asked numerous times why I wanted to go abroad to London in my final semester. It was an easy decision after looking at the opportunities I could have as a part of the Global Urban Lab. The Global Urban Lab program lets students conduct group research over various policy fields and compare the urban policies of three major cites- Houston, London, and Istanbul. My group looked at how each city combated human trafficking and what policies were in place to protect victims of trafficking. Along with the academic aspect of the program, the prospects of living in London and exploring Istanbul during spring break were the deciding factors that led me to apply to be a part of the Global Urban Lab. When talking with Turkish people, they were very interested in hearing what we had previously thought about Turkey. I had always heard that Istanbul was “where east meets west,” both geographically and in the mix of cultures that could be found there. I was also excited to learn a bit about the rich history of Istanbul and see some of the famous buildings, like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. I anxiously anticipated being exposed to a culture and a city that I had only really studied through my high school world history class. Upon arriving in Istanbul, I was shocked to see how sprawling the city was. Waves of sherbet-colored buildings flowed in between the dark blue Bosphorus River and the foothills of larger, tree-capped mountains. We navigated the maze of narrow cobblestones streets in our bus, passing historical palaces, ornately detailed mosques, and numerous street carts selling roasted chestnuts or simit bread. The city itself was a surprising mix of ancient and modern buildings that was overwhelming beautiful. The warm and welcoming people we met were the best part of Istanbul, though. We were offered tea and cookies at every stop, and all of the people we met were eager to share stories and recommendations about Istanbul. For only being able to spend a week in the city, the program was planned to let us see the many different sides of Istanbul. Visiting the research centre was one of my favorite stops of the program. We met with a professor who was extremely well-versed in all of our policy interests. I learned so much about Istanbul in the two hour conversation with the professor, and he gave us a solid background that we could use to analyze what we saw out in the city. We also had plenty of time to some sight-seeing on our own. The Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia left me legitimately speechless upon seeing the grand scale of intricate and elaborate designs on the walls, and I had fun walking around all of the colorful stalls at the Grand Bazaar (and haggling down the price of a Byzantine-inspired necklace).

Senior

Political Science, English major

Brown College

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Istanbul was one of the highlights of my semester. The experience was the perfect mix of tourism and academic enrichment. I loved having the opportunity to research Istanbul in comparison to both London and Houston and to then be able to explore the city and see what we have been learning in class. I thank the Associate Dean Ipek Martinez, Dr. Melissa Marschall, and Rice’s School of Social Sciences for introducing us to Istanbul and for making my final spring break the best experience I could ever ask for.

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D E V I N G L I C K

While it is impressive to learn that Istanbul is one of the largest cities, one of the oldest cities, and a city that spans two continents, it is life changing to experience the magnificent mosques and ancient alleyways yourself. The Social Sciences Gateway Global Urban Lab provided the opportunity for a group of students in the class POLI 332: Urban Politics to travel to Istanbul and gain a close-up, scholarly view of the city. Not only were we able to see the beautiful tourist sites and experience Turkish culture, but we also met with leaders and viewed behind-the-scenes workings of the city. This was my first trip that I was able to get such a unique view of a city. I found that in just one week I was able to learn all about how the city worked and imagine what it would have been like to grow up and live in Istanbul. Before departing to Istanbul, we prepared research on various aspects of urban politics comparing the cities of Houston, London, and Istanbul. This preparation, along with Dr. Marschall’s Urban Politics class, gave us a focus and background in urban studies that prepared us to learn about Istanbul. We gave our presentations at our conference in Istanbul and this allowed us to learn about these cities from the rest of the group. Comparing cities from all over the world I was able to see what common problems every municipality faces and how different cities approach solutions in different ways. One of the best ways we learned about the city was through the people we met in Istanbul. We mingled with students from Koç University who explained the education system in Turkey and taught us some traditional Turkish dance moves. It was fun and also revealing to be able to connect with people our same age and compare our different lives. In a meeting with the mayor of the Beşiktaş district we learned about the relationship between the district government, the municipal government, and the national government, and the struggle between the economic development projects the district would like to do and the dense housing development the central government is asking the district to do. In this moment, we were able to see the same politics at play in a foreign city that we read about and seen in Houston. Even meeting locals on the street and observing citizen’s daily habits taught me about Turkish culture and the Istanbul way of life. A stranger who helped us with directions on the light rail and engaged us in conversation was just one example of the hospitality and friendliness we experienced from everyone there. We were able to take a peek at parts of the city that most Istanbul residents probably never see. We saw the inner infrastructure of Istanbul on tours of a traffic control center, a primary school, a hospital, and the VIP tour of the stadium of the top football (soccer) team in Turkey (go Fenerbahçe!). In the traffic control center we saw how the city was

Senior

Political Science, Policy Studies, Economics, Asian Studies major

Jones College

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using new technology to monitor and regulate traffic flows throughout the city, and then we went and experienced the intensive transportation infrastructure through bus, subway, light rail, funicular, ferry, and taxi. We learned about the public education system at the primary school and were able to interact with the children. We disrupted more than a few classes as the children were overexcited to interact with us, practice their English, and ask questions about America. We were treated like stars not only by the schoolchildren but also at the tour of the Fenerbahçe stadium where our visit to learn about the extensive commercial organization of the sports brand was turned into a news clip appearing on national television and in the national newspapers. I found that Istanbul is truly a magnificent city. It is home to centuries of history; I was left speechless again and again as I entered the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the underground cistern, just to name a few. It is the city at the convergence of many cultures, as it spans Europe and Asia, traditional customs and modern urban lifestyles, and many religions and ethnicities. Turkey is at once trying to join the European Union as it acts as a strong power in the Middle East. Even as it is already such an important country, it is still emerging, as we saw when we visited the Olympic Bid committee. My spring break with the Global Urban Lab in Istanbul was yet only a tiny taste of the city, and as I have heard from everyone who has been before, I have left the city only wanting to return. I feel fortunate to have had this opportunity and look forward to the time when I am able to explore Istanbul once again.

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M I N G M I N G J I A N G

I was one of the 12 students in Houston group. Before the Spring Break, 24 students from both Houston and London groups were divided into 6 research groups. My group focused on education disparities in Houston, London, and Istanbul and we skyped every week to prepare for our presentation in Istanbul. Dr. Marschall also organized weekly meeting for Global Urban Lab students to know more about Turkey. It was a great learning experience.

We met up with London group in Koc University, where we stayed for the following week in Istanbul. We spent most of our time in Istanbul visiting places including one of the Istanbul’s municipalities, Istanbul Policy Center, Olympic bid committee, Transportation Center, hospital, university and primary school, and got to know Istanbul as a city from different perspectives. No matter where we went, we had opportunities to listen to presentations prepared by local experts, getting to know insiders’ opinions of the city. In addition to improving my understanding of Turkish public policies, my experience allowed me to explore Turkish culture. For example, during our visit in Koc University, we had a chance to learn Turkish folk dance from a local dance faculty. We also visited Fenerbahce Football Club and got to know the sport and the team Turkish people were crazy about. Interestingly, we were filmed, interviewed, and showed on TV as part of the news on Fenerbahce channel.

Freshman

Mathematical Economics Analysis major

Wiess College

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28

My trip to Istanbul had been amazing and meaningful. It’s great to learn so much about a new country within a week, and it’s great to travel together with Associate Dean of School of Social Sciences Ipek Martinez, Dr. Melissa Marschall, and other Rice students. I love the idea that we learn when we travel. And I’m glad that School of Social Sciences provides this opportunity, Global Urban Lab, so that more Rice students can benefit from it!

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C H R I S T I A N K E L L E R

London is perhaps the world’s most global city. It was the capital of an empire that once knew no sunsets, it is the world’s financial hub, and today you can hear over three hundred different languages spoken on its streets. It is truly the benchmark against which all other cities should be judged. Now, take Istanbul: home to over twice as many people as London, the capital of two of the world’s greatest historical empires, and the center one of the most rapidly growing economies in the world. Take both of these cities, then add in the fastest growing city in the United States – Houston, Texas – and you begin to understand the scale of what the Global Urban Lab program does for the study of comparative urban policy. These three cities beg comparison, and, despite their apparent differences, they face many of the same problems. Just as Houston struggles to cut congestion and provide better public transportation options, Istanbul is building new bridges and underground lines to extend to its residential suburbs. London’s most marginalized residents are forced out of the city as gentrification processes spread, and Istanbul tears down its gecekondular in favor of high-rise apartments. While London struggles to fund the securitization of its 2012 Olympic Games, Istanbul must rationalize its fifth multi-million dollar bid to host the 2020 Games. The list goes on and on. What is unique about the Global Urban Lab experience is that we got to use our understanding of urban issues from the classroom, and then meet the people at the forefront of these policy challenges in Istanbul. For instance, to better understand how businesses and government interact, we met with the deputy mayor of Beşiktaş – the municipality within greater Istanbul regarded as the corporate hub of Turkey. We had the fortune of similar meetings with Istanbul’s 2020 Olympic Games Bid Committee, the Metropolitan Transport Authority headquarters, and a local public school, just to name a few of our generous hosts. Global Urban Lab truly delivered on its namesake, allowing each student to be actively involved on the front lines of his or her policy area of interest. No other undergraduate program in the world gives such a comprehensive overview of public policy in Istanbul in just one week’s time. Although I was actively involved in my personal research on urban renewal processes across London and Istanbul, I also got to experience the administrative side of planning a trip for twenty-five twenty year-olds, through my role as the London-based teaching assistant. The goal of having a teaching assistant in London this year was to ensure more integration between the Houston and London cohorts, as well as make certain that the

Junior

Political Science major

Jones College

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30

London group was as invested in exploring and analyzing Istanbul as the group is in London. On both of these counts, I feel as if the program has vastly improved over last year, and the comparative perspective on urban policy offered by the Istanbul component has really enhanced the London group’s individual research projects on public policy in London. As a teaching assistant, I took part in the implementation as well as the planning. The Houston-based teaching assistant, Mark, and myself were constantly doing headcounts of our respective groups, and I very proudly ran a tight ship with my 10 “dependents.” Getting a group that large from points A to B at least four times a day could not have taken any less than one staff member, one faculty member, and two teaching assistants, but we always got the job done! These daily tests proved far easier than trying to wrangle 25 people into one pre-departure Skype videochat session, however; the latter being an issue not so much of technology, but instead telling of the caliber of active students involved in this year’s program! One thing in particular we noted, which is a common side effect of living in a large, dense city, is that we Londoners walked at about double the speed of the Houstonians (albeit half the pace of the average Manhattanite). We also found ourselves to be much more disposed to public transportation, taking full advantage of Istanbul’s light rail, underground, and bus systems whenever we could. It was fun to compare that aspect of the urban experience between the two cities, particularly because public transit is so lacking in Houston’s infrastructure. Year-on-year, what continues to impress me about Istanbul is its hospitality. From the street vendors all the way up to Miss Turkey International – about whom I could write an entirely different, infatuation-soaked reflection report – there can be no nation more excited to welcome her guests than Turkey. And it goes beyond the seemingly obligatory tea delivered at every meeting, large and small. When one Turk invites me to return and stay with her mother in Ankara, and another individual I meet on the street invites me and twenty-four friends to free tea just for being Fenerbahçe Football Club fans, I know my first impression of Istanbulite hospitality was not a fluke. Turkish people are the friendliest I have yet met on this Earth, and it is with this in mind I acknowledge that my travels and studies through Global Urban Lab serve only as an introduction to what will be a long relationship with this dynamic, global city.

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S H E R R Y L I N

I have always been something of a homebody, used to the familiar and comforted by the known. I was born and raised in a small hometown, and up until last summer, the farthest I had ever traveled was to Disneyworld with my high school band for a week. But one of my New Year’s Resolutions at the beginning of 2011 was to travel. To go places where I would be uncomfortable and outside of my comfort zones. While the every day is splendid and extraordinary in it of its own, there is a special charm to traveling. Wine tastes sweeter, food tastes more savory, and there is a certain crispness to the air and a lightness of step. Since my pledge to travel, I have experienced the humbling ordeal of border patrols of 4 countries. With each new passport stamp, I have enjoyed learning about a new culture while appreciating my own even more. This spring break, I had the incredible experience of traveling to Istanbul with a team of Houston-based Rice students, to meet up with Rice students currently studying in London. We had all been divided into research groups based around a certain policy area. My particular group was centered on Public Safety and we decided to analyze the different governing policies of Houston, London, and Istanbul. While we were able to find a plethora of information about Houston and London, information about Istanbul was much trickier, and at times downright impossible to find. My team quickly realized that our best option was to do first-hand research on the streets of Istanbul. Istanbul, quite literally, took my breath away. The narrow, winding streets were filled with character and personality, vivid in color and vibrant in hue. On our first day, we were tourists through and through. It was almost like sensory-overload, for each building was more beautiful than the last, each street food vendor smelled more delicious than the last, and each moment seemed to grow more perfect. Thanks to the incredible planning of our Rice faculty mentors, we were able to visit Istanbul not only as tourists but also as cultural ambassadors. We traveled to popular sites such as the Hagia Sophia where we observed two Abrahamic religions, Christianity and Islam, and two empires, Byzantine and Ottoman, and the cultural clash of the two in a show-stopping display, we then observed the stunning elegance of the Blue Mosque, and we later traveled to the Topkapı Palace, which was the breathtaking residence of the Ottoman Sultans for over 400 years. But the reason that this trip will forever stand out in my memory and this particular passport stamp will always hold a special place is because we truly made an effort to understand the city – not only the history, but also what may lay on the horizon for Istanbul. We were able to meet with powerful governing figures such as the mayor of the Beşiktaş municipality and the heads of the Olympic Bid Committee.

Senior

Policy Studies, Kinesiology major

Jones College

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32

We then experienced a change of pace as we took a tour of the Fenerbahce sports club football (soccer) stadium, of which Ali Koç ’89 is the vice-president. As a gift, we all received team jerseys. I remember walking through the market later and vendors coming up to me tugging at my jersey, saying “Me? Fenerbahce!!” It was incredible to us to see such loyalty to different sports teams! One of the most memorable events of the trip was visiting a local public elementary school. While there, we learned of Turkey’s education system and the challenges that teachers face, but we also learned from the students. The students asked us questions about American universities, pop culture, and sports players. It was an amazing experience to learn from the young students, and our pride in being American had us beaming from ear to ear. Istanbul welcomed us with open arms, and it was truly an experience that I will never forget. I hope to travel to Istanbul again, someday – to walk through the twisting streets, to savor every last bite of baklava, to sip on Turkish coffee, and to simply take it all in again.

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J E S S I C A M C E L R O Y

Many people I talk to have shown surprise that I chose to spend the spring semester of my senior year abroad. Although it was a tough decision, knowing I would miss all the “lasts” of senior year, I was ultimately happy to make the leap. The London Global Urban Lab program has turned out to be a uniquely enriching capstone to the past three years at Rice and an ideal transition to post-Rice life. As a Sociology and Urban Policy major, this was a chance to reflect on and apply what I have studied in three years at Rice within the context of a vibrant international city of eminent importance on the global stage. Through the day-to-day of working and studying in London I became familiar with the physical, social, and cultural geography of the city. I loved being a part of the commuter rush on the Tube every morning and evening, striking out to explore new areas of the city on weekends, and experiencing London’s vast cultural offerings through music, festivals, and cuisine. Londoners are so diverse as to defy definition, and it was an illuminating experience to see the dynamics of a truly international city. The experience has added a new dimension to my understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing metropolises of the 21st century. I particularly enjoyed the chance to experience London alongside other Rice students with a range of interests and majors, from Political Science and Economics to Civil Engineering. Their observations highlighted aspects of the city I would not have otherwise noticed myself and got me to think of the many interrelated elements of complex urban policy issues. My research project for the Global Urban Lab class was a great opportunity to further explore a personal interest in sustainable transportation. I studied the burgeoning cycling movement in London, which was the perfect premise to engage with movers and shakers on the London scene. I interviewed professors, transportation planners, policymakers, cyclists, local politicians, protesters, campaigners, and community organizers. The city literally became a laboratory to investigate my research questions from all different angles. Rather than merely reading journal articles and newspaper stories about my topic, I was able to actually be out in the “field” seeing it evolve and actively participating. All the Rice students in London were fortunate to be placed in internships that related to our interests and built upon our academic experiences in significant and meaningful ways. I interned for the Spatial Planning and Regeneration department of the London Borough of Newham. It was an exciting place to be, as Newham is one of the 2012 Olympic host boroughs that are due for a major transformation in the post-Olympic

Junior

Sociology, Policy Studies major

McMurtry College

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34

legacy. My internship gave me the chance to really delve into and develop an expertise in a few specific urban policy areas and to gain insight into the workings of local government in Britain. Plus, there was no better way to learn about British society and customs than through the workplace. Spending Spring Break in Istanbul with our Houston Global Urban Lab counterparts gave us a chance to compare London to another cosmopolitan city at a very different stage of its development. Istanbul is a fascinating case study for numerous reasons. The metropolis is situated in a unique geographic position, forming a bridge between Europe and Asia. It has experienced breakneck growth over the past fifty years, the same process of urbanization that took place over two centuries in European countries. In our week there we saw a snapshot of a city in the midst of rapid change and forward momentum, forging a unique identity shaped by the forces of modernization and omnipresent history as well as a complex blend of Western and Eastern culture. Throughout the week our group got an insider’s look into Istanbul’s culture and political and social landscape. We learned so much through a range of local people, leaders, and thinkers about the opportunities and challenges facing the city. Some of the highlights were meeting a mayor of a local municipality, visiting a highway traffic control center, interacting with children at a public school, chatting with Turkish students over tea at Koc University, and visiting the committee that is working on the bid to host the 2020 Olympics in Istanbul. This last thing was particularly interesting, since we had been closely following the preparation for the 2012 Olympics in London for our research. Seeing the fervor among the Istanbul 2020 committee members gave us a new perspective of the situation in London by making us appreciate the full weight and significance of hosting the Olympics. Another memorable aspect of the trip was the time we had to just be tourists. We marveled at the Hagia Sophia and a palace of Ottoman Sultans, shopped in the Grand Bazaar, and visited a working mosque. On our last day when we had unplanned time to explore on our own, two other students and I chose to go to a traditional Turkish bath and to see a performance of a whirling dervish ceremony, two remarkable experiences I will never forget. Figuring out how to navigate Istanbul’s buses and underground trains was another adventure in itself. We were struck by the kindness of strangers who extended a hand to help us out. As cliché as it may sound, we learned so much from these experiences and went away with a greater appreciation of the world’s beauty and diversity.

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S A T O S H I M I Z U T A N I

As I was returning my plates during lunch, I came across a flyer that said: Global Urban Lab London 2012 Olympics. I had been thinking about studying abroad for a while and when I saw this flyer that satisfied all of the criteria that I was looking for in an abroad program, I knew that I would be heading to London. As an Economics major, the fact that London is a home to number of major economic theorists played a major role in my decision to do this particular program. Furthermore, the internship component of the program allowed me to gain valuable experience in a field that I am considering pursuing after graduation. Bean Partners, the company with which I was placed, is a boutique financial consulting firm that works with a lot of entrepreneurs in London. It has given me a chance to be involved with the process of raising capital and to learn about entrepreneurship. I believe that gaining this international experience will become a key asset for my future career aspirations. However, the most attractive part was the Olympics research. I have been fascinated by this global event for as long as I can remember and have always dreamed of being part of it. The 2012 London Olympics will be unique in many aspects. It will be the first Olympics to take place after the worst recession the global economy has faced since the Great Depression. Hence, London will face more financial constraints than previous host cities. Furthermore, London’s bid for the Olympics was made under the promise to be “the first sustainable Olympic and Paralympic Games.” For my POST 350 research, I have analyzed how London will achieve this goal of hosting the Olympics in an economically sustainable fashion, and overcome obstacles that many host cities have previously suffered from. Having the opportunity to interview members of the Olympic Park Legacy Company, Olympic Delivery Authority, and Greater London Authority who are directly involved in the planning and execution of 2012 London Olympics has been a once in a lifetime experience. Even beyond the official aspects of this program, I have had a lot of amazing interaction with the city of London. Living in the city has allowed me to experience the global nature of London and truly understand the rich history of the city. For example, I was able to explore Canary Wharf, a financial district that was regenerated by Margaret Thatcher in an attempt to revive the docklands area that once prospered through international trade during the height of British Empire. It was extremely fascinating to see how the area served the same purpose of being a global hub for trade through commercial goods and financial products.

Junior

Economics major

McMurtry College

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36

Another really important aspect of the Global Urban Lab program is the weeklong excursion to Istanbul during Spring Break. Having lived my entire life in countries and cities that by all accounts are fully developed, I did not know what to expect from Istanbul, a city that is certainly on the upswing but still developing into a truly modern city. However, having spent a week there, I was able to experience firsthand the energy and optimistic outlook that Turkish citizens have for the future. I was surprised to find out that Turkey’s GDP growth is around 9%, trailing only China. In addition, Istanbul’s position as a crossroads between East and West and as a city where Muslim ideals are a major factor in the Turkish culture was something I have never been exposed to before. Furthermore, it was interesting to see how they are attempting to preserve history even as the city is becoming more and more modern. Due to the fact that we were led by an amazing tandem of Ms. Ipek Martinez and Dr. Marschall, we were able to experience a side of Istanbul that a normal tourist would not have the opportunity to explore. One of the items on our agenda was a trip to meet with the Istanbul bid committee for 2020 Olympic Games. Their presentation contained information that was not publicly available at that time, and gave us a chance to compare how Istanbul plans to execute this significant global event with how London will host the Olympics this year. One of the most fascinating facts was that some venues would be constructed even if Istanbul does not win the Olympic bid, as part of a greater plan to gentrify the area and to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the founding of the Republic. Financing the constructions of these venues and other infrastructure improvements required to host the event, such as expansion of public transportation, hotels, and restaurants are all fully backed by the government. Whether eating amazing Turkish food, visiting with different city officials, meeting with the Olympic bid committee or being treated as celebrities at a local elementary school, Ms. Ipek Martinez and Dr. Melissa Marschall orchestrated a week that I will always remember as one of the greatest experiences of my life. I can’t wait until I go back in the future to see how the city has developed further. Istanbul really broadened my cultural and academic horizons. For me, learning is not only about the books. It is also about going out of your comfort zone, experiencing new cultures, and sharing knowledge with your fellow students. The Global Urban Lab program covers all aspects of what I consider a great learning environment and a program that I am proud to have been a part of. I cannot help but be excited to share my experience studying, working, and researching in London, as well as participating in a weeklong trip to Istanbul, with my fellow students when I return to Rice University next fall.

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M A R I A N U N E Z - P U G L I A N I

My week-long stay in Istanbul, Turkey as a participant of the Global Urban Lab was absolutely wonderful. The trip had many different aspects to it including a touristic view of the city, an intellectual view of the city, and a local Turk’s view of the city. The trip was led by two women who love traveling and learning. Ipek Martinez is native to Turkey although she did not grow up in Istanbul. Her knowledge was the city and language was indispensable. Melissa Marshall is the professor of Urban Politics, the political science course at Rice that opened up this spring break travel opportunity. Dr. Marshall’s knowledge of Turkey and of urban politics in general was also indispensable. These two, coupled with the curiosity of twenty four Rice students, made for an unforgettable trip. Our first full day in Istanbul was full of tourism. In the morning most of the group went to visit a palace. During this time, I, along with two other students and Dr. Marshall, went to mass in Istanbul. In a city famous for its mosques and call to prayer that is heard throughout the city, the Catholic mass was an interesting experience. The church was filled with immigrants. The choir was led by Asian women. The mass was led by African priests and altar servers. The attendees of the mass were speaking all sorts of Asian languages and African dialects/languages, including French with a strong African accent. The mass was held in English, a language which is most often the common denominator when you have a mixture of ethnicities. By this point I had been in Istanbul for well under twelve hours, so I did not know much about the city itself. It was comforting to attend a mass where everything was done the exact same as back home. After mass we met the rest of the group for a typical Turkish lunch. In the afternoon we visited the beautiful Hagia Sophia, which I had only ever read about in books. It was amazing to be there in person. One of my favorite parts of every day was meal time. Every restaurant that we went to was chosen for us, but I was not disappointed by any of them. Every meal was a wonderful time to take a break from walking in the cold weather and just take in the Turkish culture. I tried almost everything they put in front of me: Turkish tea and coffee, cherry juice, a drinkable yogurt that the Turks have with many meals, Turkish delights, Baklava, a Turkish eggplant puree, a loaded baked potato (not to be confused with an American loaded baked potato), and many different types of meats. The Turks are also good at cooking fish, which is served on a plate with the eyes, tail, and all. I am not a fan of seafood to begin with, so I unfortunately could not bring myself to try this. One of my favorite meals was the meal we had when we lunch on the Asian side of Istanbul. According to my personal interpretation of this lunch, it was like being at a Turkish tapas bar. The entire meal was made up of small plates that we each shared between four people. There was also Turkish bread that accompanied the tapas. All of it was very

Senior

Political Science, French, Poverty, Justice, Human Capabilities major

Sid Richardson College

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38

delicious. Best of all, during every meal as we were enjoying the great food and ambiance, I got to know many of the people on the trip that I did not know before. The meals helped many of us develop life-long friendships. The educational aspect of the trip was truly one of a kind. I lived in four different continents when I was growing up including: South America, North America, Asia, and Europe. My family and I traveled a lot while living abroad. However, apart from Buenos Aires, where I was born, and Houston, where I live now, there are no other cities where I can say I visited a soccer stadium, a policy center, a public school, a hospital, a university etc. In addition, in Istanbul I had many firsts. It was my first time meeting the mayor of a municipality, my first time being interviewed by a news station, my first time being on national television (a clip of an interview held at the soccer stadium we visited was aired on a Turkish TV channel), my first time visiting the Olympic Bid Committee of any country and learning so much about the nomination process to host the Olympic games, and my first time meeting the official beauty queen of any country (we met Ms. Turkey). All of the visits taught me a lot about Istanbul through a cultural and educational lens. Everywhere we went in Istanbul we were welcomed with open arms, cookies, and Turkish tea. In one week I learned more about Istanbul than I know about of the places where I lived growing up. Nonetheless, the wonderful visit left me thirsting for more time in this interesting city and country. I really hope I can go back one day. A big thank you goes out to everyone who made this trip possible and memorable!

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D I A N E R A M I R E Z

I first heard about the Global Urban Lab when I took Dr. Marschall’s Urban Politics class during the Spring 2011 semester. I was extremely excited to hear about this program because I saw it as an opportunity that perfectly mixed my academic interests with real world experience. After spending several semesters researching and studying both politics and policy studies, I very much wanted to experience these two concepts in practice. I was searching for an opportunity to live and study in a global city where I could immerse myself in both he culture and the politics of the city. Thus, I decided to take advantage of this invaluable opportunity by participating in both the weeklong Global Urban Lab to Istanbul and the full semester in London. I am a political science major and sociology minor who is extremely interested in urban politics and a variety of social justice issues surrounding city life. My research interests include education policy, demographics and migration, and issues of inequality. I have always believed that my political science education would not be complete without an experience abroad. I want to be able to learn by traveling and gaining an insight into different cultures and viewpoints. Although my entire semester was an incredible learning experience, I consider the trip to Istanbul to be the greatest highlight of my travels. Istanbul is unlike any other city I have visited. It is truly the place where West meets East as it has much in common with other European cities I have visited, yet it is fundamentally different in many ways. The first obvious difference is the fact that Islam is the dominant religion of Turkey. I had never visited a Muslim country before, and it was amazing to me to see the tall minarets of mosques spotting they vast skyline. I also absolutely loved listening to the calls to prayer whenever we were walking around the city. Although Turkey is predominantly Muslim, it is also a secular state. It was fascinating to see the dynamic between religion, culture, politics, and the state. A second difference was the mixture of Western European culture with a Middle Eastern influence. We discussed whether or not Turkey was truly “European” and what the benefits and costs of entering the European Union would be. Furthermore, through our meetings with local leaders, professors, and researchers, we were able to gain a deeper understanding of Istanbul as crossroads of both history and future urban development. I gained much from these meetings and discussions since they were also very relevant to my research in London. One of my favorite meetings in Istanbul was with the Olympic Bid Committee. Not only did we get to see some of the plans for the Olympic park that had not been released to the public, but we also got to discuss some of Istanbul’s reasons behind the bid. Similar to the London Olympic Bid, Istanbul saw the Olympic Games as an opportunity to invigorate urban renewal and development. This was very interesting to me since my

Junior

Political Science major

McMurtry College

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40

research project centered on the urban redevelopment brought about by the London Olympics. Not only are parts of the city being physically transformed, but there will also be societal changes that accompany the development of new neighborhoods. Apart from my research, however, visiting Istanbul and living in London for a semester have been incredible learning experiences by themselves. London has taught me an entirely different meaning of “multiculturalism,” as the city is extremely diverse and is home to people from all over the world. I loved being able to explore different ethnic enclaves of the city, ranging from the Bangladeshi curry houses of Brick Lane to the Polish bakeries and shops of Ealing. I have also been able to fully experience the cosmopolitan life of a young professional. I worked as a research and administrative intern at the Liberal Democrats Headquarters, so my travel to work included walking past Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and seeing the London Eye across the Themes. Working with a party was also interesting, as I got to see a glimpse of the inner workings of the famed Conservative-Liberal Democrats Coalition government. After working, studying, and living in London for more than a month and a half, the trip to Istanbul gave me new perspectives to urban life that I could take back with me to both London and Houston. My whole semester abroad was an unparalleled learning experience. I watched politics in action and met politicians, attended Olympic Planning Committee meetings, drank way too much tea, spent an incredible week in Istanbul, learned some Turkish, shopped at the Grand Bazaar, visited mosques and palaces, and traveled to other cities in the United Kingdom. I saw and learned so much thanks the Global Urban Lab, and I am confident that the experiences I had will carry on with me for the rest of my life.

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M A R C S A B B A G H

The phrase “east meets west” has oftentimes been attributed to the city of Istanbul, and although overused, I found the phrase completely accurate when I set foot in the city. Pieces of London and Paris were visible though the use of an extensive public transportation system and cobblestone streets with a European atmosphere. At the same time, the mosques and Arabic invoked Egypt and the unique fusion of these two worlds mimicked Beirut and Lebanon. Rice’s Global Urban Lab prepared Rice students to analyze the city of Istanbul through this perspective, focused on the urbanization and development of the city. Groups of students presented their findings on specialized research topics, analyzing similarities and differences between Houston, London, and Istanbul. These projects, as well as background information sessions and research, provided a clear framework with which to view the city upon our arrival. I was initially shocked by finding that only a small percentage of Turks spoke English. It made some of the independent journeys through the city difficult, but I believe Turks in general, as represented though the city’s culture and atmosphere, take pride in their language, history, and heritage. I was happy to orient myself with the city by the end of the week-long experience. Many of the site visits were fascinating and accentuated different aspects of the city. I greatly enjoyed visiting Istanbul’s Olympic Bid Committee, because the presentation not only grappled with how the committee could bring the games to the city in 2020, but the future of the city itself and the progress and changes that will occur in the coming years. The visit to Beşiktaş municipality allowed us to learn about the inner workings of the city and its government. The deputy mayor we met with gave an overview of his position and responsibilities. He also spoke about the politics of decision-making within Istanbul and the difficulties of taking action in municipalities with opposing political parties to the city’s government, which is the case in Beşiktaş. Yet despite the formal visits, it was largely the informal discussions which shaped my perceptions and provided unique insights into the city and its population. Interacting with students in a public school setting was probably the highlight of the trip. The students and teachers were very passionate and all were looking for ways to interact with us and other American students. This was also the case during our visit to Koc University, where we engaged with university students on their studies and interests. Most of these students later added us on Facebook. I felt these interactions opened up opportunities to engage

Sophomore

Political Science, History major

Jones College

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42

with students in Turkey to practice and build on English skills, promote American study abroad programs, and encourage cultural dialogue and exchange. Ultimately, the Istanbul Global Urban Lab provided a balance of research, exposure, and engagement. We had the unparalleled opportunity to comparatively analyze the meaning of a “global city” and further understand the development and paths to urbanization of Istanbul, Houston and London. It is no question that Istanbul belongs to the elite group of global cities, and it appears that in the coming years, the city will only solidify its standing.

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R E B E C C A S A T T E R F I E L D

Hearing about the chance to study in Istanbul the spring break of my freshman year, I knew instantly I would be interested. I’ve been lucky enough to travel internationally before, but never past the traditional Europe of England and Germany. It seemed like a dream come true to study cities and politics while visiting a country I’ve always wanted to see. I was attracted to the program by my passions for history, politics, and international relations, and hoped the Global Urban Lab would tie all three together. This semester and spring break has done that and much more than I ever thought. I gained a new perspective on the world and better understand the inner workings of urban centers such as Houston and Istanbul. Perhaps most importantly I have expanded my worldview through understanding daily life in metropolitan Turkey. One of my favorite aspects of the program was studying the specific politics and policy processes of metropolitan areas. Through taking Urban Politics at Rice during the semester, I got to know much more about problems cities in the US face such as urban sprawl and service providing. This provided a great foundation for comparing Houston and Istanbul over the break. For my research topic, I worked with a group to compare the challenges of urbanization in both cities. I really enjoyed focusing on Houston and comparing growth in both cities. As it turns out, Houston and Istanbul share similar issues of migration in the city. While Houston faces rapidly increasing numbers of Asian and Hispanic immigrants, Istanbul constantly deals with irregular migration from bordering countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Eastern European countries. Both cities are also vastly growing metropolises with pressing problems of growth control. Istanbul’s area is jam-packed with residents, very different from Houston’s sprawling surroundings. I loved having the chance to investigate these issues so early in my time at Rice, and have developed many more questions I’d like to answer in future projects. Our trip to Istanbul was probably the most fun, informative, and overall best spring break of my life. We visited numerous policy and urban centers, such as the Istanbul Policy Center and Transportation Authority. I loved talking with the mayor of Besiktas Municipality and directly learning about municipal government in Istanbul. Every scholar and speaker we met was so warm and welcoming, always offering us another glass of Turkish tea. There were numerous opportunities to ask questions and gain insight on Turkey’s future. Visiting the Olympic Bid Committee was particularly awesome, especially because we got an early look at their bid book for Istanbul’s candidacy in the 2020 Olympics! We also attended numerous speeches and lecturers on interesting topics such as Turkey and the EU. Living at Koc University’s Istinye campus, I felt surrounded by scholars and constantly encouraged to challenge my own assumptions about Turkey and cities in general.

Senior

History, Political Science major

McMurtry College

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In between the academics, we had frequent cultural trips such as Turkish folk dancing and eating at the most amazing restaurants. On one of my favorite days, we had a free afternoon to transport ourselves to attractions like the Blue Mosque. At first I was terrified about the possibility of using public transportation on our own in a foreign country, but quickly became like a local. I really felt like I understood life in Istanbul after traveling hours on the subway and in a local metro bus back to our lodgings! I also enjoyed getting to meet fellow college students at Koc University for a coffee break. It served as a good comparison between American universities like Rice and higher education in Turkey. A lot of the students were studying similar subjects to us and got a chance to practice their English (and our very limited Turkish!). Another highlight for my inner history nerd was visiting Ottoman Empire sights such as the Hagia Sofia, Grand Bazaar, and Spice Market. Though by many accounts Istanbul is a very modern and European city, there are historical sights and gorgeous mosques on every corner. The blend of historical and modern in the city makes it such a unique place to visit and study. I fell in love with Istanbul and Turkey immediately after departing the plane. The city itself has such a welcoming feel and a vibrant culture at all times of the day. Istanbul recently referred to itself as the “Culture Capital of Europe,” and I could not agree more! Some of the best moments of the trip were simply sitting in a café by the Bosphorus and drinking salep tea. I love that we got to do several cultural activities such as visit the Asian side of Istanbul and learn Turkish folk dancing. Only going to academic presentations would not have provided the real world experience of Turkey we had. Just from walking around city streets and through bazaars, I gained a sense of Istanbul’s split culture: half Europe, half Asia, half historical, half modern. Yet I definitely found that Istanbul’s people are not at all divided on their love for the city and Turkey, wholeheartedly identifying as Turks. The Global Urban Lab Istanbul solidified by passions for foreign affairs, history, and politics. I never thought such an educational trip with a class could also be so much fun. I loved getting to bond with students from both the London and Houston groups during the trip. There were some really great conversations about urbanization, Turkey, and international affairs that occurred even after we finished for the day. I feel so lucky to have been a part of this program and hope to continue studying Turkey and return as soon as possible!

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I R A S H R I V A S T A V A

When I first heard about Global Urban Lab: Istanbul, I was intrigued. It seemed like a perfect match for me as I love travelling and I liked the idea of comparing urban policy across different cities. In addition, I was always fascinated by Turkey – the culture, history and food. I thought that Turkey would be an excellent city to learn more about due to its image of the East meeting the West. Being a person from the East who is currently living in the West, I was interested in identifying and exploring how the country has amalgamated the two influences together. I am really glad I applied to the program as the one week in Istanbul has been one of the most enriching, fun and exciting week of my life. My research group consisted of me, Devin Glick, Becky Satterfield and Daniel Cohen. Our research topic was Urban Growth across Houston, Shanghai, London and Istanbul. The topic was extremely broad and we got the opportunity to concentrate on the areas we were most fascinated about. The research also prepared us to go to Turkey and I felt it gave us a more ‘insider’ perspective while we were in Istanbul. Dr. Marschall arranged lectures for us before the trip to help us in our research and to have a greater appreciation of Istanbul. The research also made me realize how different yet how similar all the four cities were.

Freshman

Mathematical Economic Analysis major

Wiess College

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We started the week with visiting the popular tourist spots such as the Haga Sophia , the Spice Bazaar and the Topaki Palace. After the first couple of days are trip’s focus changed from a tourist’s perspective to an academic’s perspective. We covered all the major urban policy issues by visiting the office of the mayor of Besiktas, The Olympic Bid Committee, Traffic Control Center of Istanbul, Koc University, Istanbul Policy center and a public school in the city. My favorite meeting was at the Olympic bid committee. We met the planning committee and got to see their presentation before the official press release. I never followed the bid and selection process of selecting a city to host the Olympics. However, the meeting has made me interested in the process and I am hoping that Istanbul gets to host the 2020 Olympic Games. Another factor that made my week memorable was my company on the trip. Both Prof. Marschall and Ms. Martinez had in-depth knowledge about Istanbul and Turkey. It would have been extremely difficult to coordinate and make this trip successful without their knowledge and guidance. The other Rice students were extremely intelligent and fun. We bonded over solip ,turkish coffee and the incredible experience we were having. I really would like to thank the Gateway program for giving me a this opportunity to broaden my horizon, develop an international perspective and form so many happy memories.

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I S A B E L L A S P A N S W I C K

My first morning in Istanbul, I woke up at 6:13. My alarm clock was not the usual annoying little tune from my phone; instead it was the lyrical voice of a muezzin reciting the adhan (call to prayer) for the first prayer of the day, the Fajr. Despite having seen some of Istanbul the previous day on our bus ride from the airport to Koç University’s Istinye, where we would be staying, hearing the call to prayer made me truly realize I was in a new and foreign land. This amazing cultural occurrence set the tone of the rest of my Global Urban Lab experience in Turkey. Our first day allowed us to be professional tourists. We visited the cultural hotspots of Topkapi Palace, the Hagia Sophia, and the incredible underground cistern. The Hagia Sophia was perhaps the most interesting as began its life as a basilica before being converted into a mosque in the 1400s. Walking through the doors, one can very obviously spot the different elements of the two religions: the Catholic orthodox mosaics surround the ornate mihrab which points toward Mecca. The Hagia Sophia exemplified the identity crisis Turkey is facing today—a country set on two continents with strong influences from both sides, the question remains of where Turkey’s strongest affiliation lies. The rest of the week allowed our group to get to the meat and bones of urban policy in Istanbul—the real reason we were in this land. Our directors Ipek Martinez and Melissa Marschall, made sure we got a comprehensive look at the workings of the city. We visited the Beşiktaş municipality for a look at urban government, the Istanbul Policy Centre for a look at different aspects of urban policy, the Traffic Control Center for a look at the hectic transportation and roadways of Istanbul, the Nisantasi-American Hospital for a look at health care, Koç University and Research center for a look at higher education, the Fenerbahçe Sports Club for a look at professional sports and the business of football, and a primary school in Istinye for a look at primary and public education. All of these visits were informative and provided me with a better understanding of the behind-the-scenes workings of the city I was visiting. The meeting that I found most interesting was with the Istanbul 2020 Olympic Bid Committee. As I am part of the Global Urban Lab London program, I am currently studying and working in Great Britain’s capital. Another aspect of this Lab is a research project which focuses on one aspect of London’s upcoming Olympic Games. Listening to Istanbul’s proposal and plans for the Olympics and comparing them to what is currently happening in England brought about an interesting new perspective which will aid me in my research. My project is focusing on the hot-button issue of sustainability in the London Games. Comparing the method in which London is approaching this issue (with new, fantastically eco-friendly buildings) to how Istanbul wants to approach it (by

Sophomore

Civil and Environmental Engineering meajor

Martel College

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refurbishing existing stadiums into Olympic arenas) brought to light new questions and thoughts that I will be researching further for my project. These visits also contributed to the research we were doing for the Global Urban Lab. The group was split into teams of four to examine different aspects of urban politics and policy. My group looked at public safety, focusing primarily on law enforcement. The project was a comparative study among Istanbul, London, and Houston. Being stationed in London for the semester I was able to bring firsthand knowledge of Metropolitan Police force to the project. The other members of my group were able to bring in primary knowledge of the Houston Police force as well. Yet before coming to Istanbul, our knowledge of crime rates and police tactics came from news articles and data sheets. Our different visits allowed us to gain more personal information on law enforcement as well as letting us witness the police in action. In the traffic control center we saw police officers issuing tickets to traffic violators they had caught on camera, and earlier we witnessed the police making sure the peace was kept at a street protest. These experiences definitely added more meaning to our research and enabled us to more effectively compare the policies of the three cities in regards to public safety. In addition to all the hands on learning I received with different aspects of urban politics, the entire trip to Istanbul was an educational and culturally-enriching trip. From getting my fortune read from the dregs of a Turkish coffee cup to completely relaxing in a genuine Turkish bath to bartering with the merchants at the Grand Bazaar, I was immersed in the Turkish lifestyle and heritage. My tourism of a gastronomic nature also helped to attune me to the ways of the Turkish. Baklava, simit, baba ghanoush, doner kebab, gözleme, and salep were consumed in vast quantities to ensure I (and my stomach) got an authentic Turkish experience. The sights, sounds, and smells of a city spread across two continents combined into a cultural adventure that will never be forgotten.

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L A U R E N T H E I S

Istanbul. The name alone fills most peoples’ minds with images of ancient empires, wars of identity, and other fundamentals of modern society. The city is one of the oldest breeding grounds of civilization, and is shaped by the intricate interactions between religion, equality, politics, and the endless quest for modernity that sets it apart from other cities. When I heard about the chance to travel to Istanbul with Rice during Spring Break, I knew it was an opportunity that I could not pass up. I thought I had high expectations for the one city that spans two different continents, but each day of the Global Urban Lab experience amazed me and defied my expectations in ways that I never could have anticipated. Sharing just one week with unknown peers who quickly became close friends, I was able to learn firsthand many of the capabilities and constraints of modern urban growth that will impact my global perspective for years to come. The forces felt by growing urban populations affect the interconnected spheres of politics, economics, technology, sociology, and the environment in both Istanbul and Houston. There are fundamental differences between each of these arenas across global cities, and the Global Urban Lab allowed me to observe many of these dissimilarities, as they are highlighted in the varying political frameworks that we observed very closely through our meetings, projects, and assignments. From the Istanbul Policy Center, to Koç University Campus lectures, the Traffic Control Center, and even the Fenerbahçe Sports Club, each of our destinations enlightened us on at least one type of urban policy challenge and its corresponding solution. One of the issues that fascinated me most in Istanbul is the incredible number of people that need to travel across the city every single day. As a Texan who has spent her whole live traveling about cities in personal and often low-occupancy vehicles, the enormous challenge of facilitating the movement of over 13 million people is difficult for me to comprehend without being able to observe it myself. Using busses, underground funicular railways, metros, trams, ferries, charter buses, airplanes, and taxis, I alone took eight different types of transportation to get in and around Istanbul, but I am sure most individuals do not have the resources necessary to utilize each method of transportation. While I was always with other students, this travel was sometimes confusing, such as the time that two other students and I were told to leave a bus while the rest of our group remained on board. By trial and error, we determined that we needed more bus passes, but the language barrier required us to find alternative methods of communication to reach our final destination. Through this experience, I realized the great amount of detail and organization it takes the city planners and workers to manage sprawling and booming populations, as well as how critical of a part of daily life these public transportation systems are for the residents and visitors of Istanbul.

Junior

Political Science, Poverty, Justice, Human Capabilities, Global Health

Technology major

Wiess College

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In addition to being used for current city functions, the compactness and efficiency of Istanbul’s transit systems are what the 2020 Olympic Bid Committee is selling as the city’s biggest vantage point for finally winning the bid after four previous and failed attempts. From what we learned in presentations, the residents and businesses of the city know that the metropolis will continue to grow in both population and economic power. Transportation systems reflect each of the policy spheres mentioned above, as they cannot function without effective government planning in regards to current economical, technological, social, cultural, and environmental status. While much progress still needs to be made in effectively arranging and utilizing transportation systems, the city governments of Istanbul appear to be supportive of such ventures, which is key in making sustainable advancements.

Before the Global Urban Lab, I had neither been to a city as large as Istanbul nor even come close to that part of the globe. I have spent years comparing the vast differences between urban American and rural African cities, but have never specifically evaluated the challenges faced in modernizing, Eurasian metropolitans. As a hopeful future policy maker, I know that a large part of urbanization is inherently political, depending on actors that are affected by the diversity of race and socio-economic status. Both Istanbul and Houston have abundant disparities in both regards, and the Global Urban Lab has allowed me to directly observe the ways in which policies reflect these disparities, which will undoubtedly aid me in my future policy work. Beyond our traditional academic experiences, the time spent visiting historic palaces, religious buildings, and markets provided a cultural depth to the trip that illuminated the importance of traditions and customs in Turkish life. As we observed and debated the wide variety of Turkish customs, history, and characteristics, we learned more about the variety of perspectives that we offer as Rice students, young adults, and unique individuals. No matter how much I have read or learned about any given city in books and movies, nothing compares to visiting the city itself. I have not encountered a city that matches the uniqueness of Istanbul, as it has remained at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and the Middle East while enduring many centuries of changing political and cultural atmospheres, and I feel very fortunate to have been able to explore it in the way that I was able to on this trip. Through the Global Urban Lab, we did more than just visit the sights of the city; we delved deep into the structure and support of what holds the city together, and experienced the city as a whole, taking our learning space from the classroom into the field. I would never been able to have as incredible of a trip on my own, and I look forward to helping spread the influence of the Global Urban Lab at Rice and beyond.

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D A V I D S I M S

I flew to Houston at the end of this past summer break with really no intention of studying abroad at any point during my sophomore year. However, after attending the info session for the Global Urban Lab program led by some of last year’s participants, my plans were beginning to change. They began by describing the basic format of the program; live in London, take 2 classes through the provider there, one Rice class via podcasts and Skype meetings, participate in an internship throughout the semester, spend Spring Break in Istanbul learning about urban development and urban policy and conduct a semester-long investigative research project on urban policy in London in relation to the Olympics. A lot, yes, but the accounts from the former students of their amazing experiences in the program had me seriously considering spending the second half of my sophomore year in London. And so, here I am. As a student interested in eventually pursuing a career in international affairs, there really was no better place for me to spend a semester abroad than London. Almost immediately upon arriving in London it became very clear to me that, though I was living in an English-speaking country, I was in a city that people from all over the world call home. I remember riding the Heathrow Express from the airport to Ealing Broadway Station, where we were staying, and over the course of the trip hearing English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Chinese and a few languages that I guessed at the time to be of Eastern European origin. And this was just on the first day. When I began my internship with the European-Atlantic Group, I was informed that they would be hosting an event at which the leader of the opposition party in Iraq would be speaking and I would be attending the event. This by itself would have been amazing, but when I arrived at the event a few weeks later, I learned that not only would I be attending, I would be interacting with the dozens of ambassadors, members of Parliament, Lords, prominent Iraqi citizens and many more influential people in the Middle East and Middle East policy. To top it off, I got to eat dinner with about ten of these individuals, over which we debated the effectiveness of the Obama Administration, his decision to withdraw American troops from Iraq and the likelihood of his re-election in November. To debate these sorts of things with men and woman whose perspectives are rarely if ever heard in the states was probably one of the most amazing experiences not only of this program but of my life up to this point. And these are just two examples of the truly international nature of this amazing city. I assure you, there are many, many more. Having spent three months to this point in London, I can safely say that the perception of London as one of the great global cities in the world is one that is certainly valid.

Sophomore

History major

Will Rice College

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Another important aspect of the program for me was the opportunity to conduct research on urban policy in London and to attempt to make connections between these policies and the impending 2012 Olympic Games in London. I chose to focus my research on education in London, more specifically the gaps that exist in academic achievement throughout London. East London, the area that will be hosting the Olympic Games this summer, has historically been home to some of London’s poorest communities and as a result students in this area tend to achieve at a level much lower than their West London counterparts. Over the course of the semester I have been investigating the ways in which the Olympics might help to reverse this trend, whether directly through education initiatives as a part of the Games and the Legacy aspirations of the London Olympics or indirectly through housing and community improvements that have been implemented since London won the bid for the 2012 Olympic Games. My research has allowed me to spend a lot of time in East London, an area that is generally neglected by visitors to London because it lacks the glitz and glamor of the wealthy areas of London. However, having spoken to a number of members of these communities and spent time walking the streets of East London, seeing firsthand the rapid changes that have been occurring ahead of the Olympics this summer, I think that it is unfortunate that more people don’t interact with this very real, often largely forgotten, area of London.

The time I have spent there has really opened my eyes to a lot of the issues facing poorer communities and the challenges that administrators tasked with trying to resolve these issues face. And, on a much lighter note, it has allowed me to discover some of London’s lesser known gems such as the Sunday markets at Brick Lane and the vibrant young community that resides in this area. As if the London aspect of the program wasn’t amazing enough, we also spent our Spring Break in Istanbul where the London group met up with the group of students who had opted to study at Rice for the semester. We were led by the amazing team of Ipek and Dr. Marschall through what I can only describe as one the most amazing, eye-opening weeks of my life. The first few days of the trip were spent going to some of the more touristy attractions that Istanbul has to offer, such as the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Cistern. Then, throughout the rest of the week we met with representatives from Besiktas municipality, the Istanbul Policy Center, Fenerbahce Sport Club, Istanbul’s Olympic Bid Committee for 2020 and more. Each one of these organizations treated us with the utmost respect and hospitality and answered most of

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our questions about policy in Turkey and Istanbul openly and honestly. I think that these, along with probably my favorite experience from the whole trip, visiting a Turkish primary school where we were treated like celebrities, made the week in Istanbul more than just a Spring Break vacation. Oh, and I couldn’t live with myself if I forgot to mention how delicious Turkish food is…especially when you have Ipek there to tell you what you are ordering. A few pages is not nearly enough to describe how influential the Global Urban Lab experience has been in changing my perspective on the world. Having only spent a total of 2 weeks outside of the United States or Canada before deciding to do this program I have quickly learned the value in travelling to countries outside of your own and trying to soak up as much of the culture as possible in the time that you spend there. Had it not been for this program, I probably never would have met a bunch of Turkish schoolchildren, been called “Peter Parker” by a Turkish vendor trying to sell me his wares, had a candid conversation with a professor at East London University about the unfortunate reality that is academic mediocrity in many of East London’s schools or had dinner with the leader of the opposition party in Iraq. I have no reservations recommending the Global Urban Lab to anyone interested in gaining a better understanding of the world outside Houston and the United States.

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S P E C I A L T H A N K Y O U

The Rice University School of Social Sciences would like to thank the following people and organizations for their time, assistance, hospitality, partnership and

support of the Global Urban Lab.

Ali Koç (’90)

Koç University faculty, staff, and students

American Hospital

Beşiktaş Municipality

CAPA International Education

Fenerbahçe Sports Club

Istanbul 2020 Olympic Bid Committee

Istanbul Policy Center

Istanbul Transportation Authority Traffic Control Center

Koç University Istinye Campus

Koç University Research Center for Anatolian Civilizations

Marmara Hotel Taksim

Yeniköy İlkögretim İlkokulu

Kathryn Firth and the London Olympic Park Legacy Committee

Dean Sarah Whiting, School of Architecture Dr. Ayşegül Şahin, Dr. Korel Göymen, Efe Üstündag

Dilay Korkmaz, Didem Gürsel, Eray Aktepe

Dr. Ahmet İçduygu, Ayşe Inan, Ciçek Dereli, Serpil Açıkalın

and

Dean Lyn Ragsdale, School of Social Sciences

Gateway Associates

Global Urban Lab School of Social Sciences

Rice University 6100 Main Street, MS 27

180 Baker Building Houston, Texas 77005

(713) 348-2439 http://socialsciencesgateway.rice.edu

If interested in becoming a sponsor of Global Urban Lab or other Gateway programs please contact Julie Platek, Executive Director of Development, at jplatek@rice.edu