Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My Happiest Semester in College (+Math) Past Review

By (MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS., Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/15/2014 to 02/20/2014 with

BSM: Budapest - Budapest Semesters in Mathematics

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely. I loved being in a program of all mathematicians, and realized that I want to go to grad school for math.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This was the best study abroad experience I could have hoped for. The teachers and administrators were smart, organized, and supportive. I would recommend BSM to anyone interested in math and travel.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

If you want details about the program beforehand, you'll have to reach out to the administrators. But once you get there, they have everything figured out and keep you completely in the loop.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Take the language course! It really helps.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Going to the doctor is a real headache. Pharmacies are also confusing, since the medications are all different from the ones we use in the states. If you must go, ask a program administrator for help asking for what you need, and double check with your insurance company about what is covered.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Rent, food, and fun are all quite cheap.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $135 for rent, food, and a bus pass, $40 for fun
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy groceries and cook in your apartment. If you cook with friends, it's more fun.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

The intensive language program was great, but language classes during the semester were too casual for my liking.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Intermediate
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Always try speaking to locals in Hungarian. They get really excited when you do, and they'll often try to teach you more words.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Fellow students
  • Location
  • Academics
* What could be improved?
  • Communication about housing ahead of arrival
  • Visa procedure
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It's great to arrange your schedule so you don't have class on Fridays or Mondays. Travel a lot with friends to nearby countries.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!