API Budapest - Experiencing & Exploring CEE Past Review

By (Marketing, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities) for

API (Academic Programs International): Budapest - Corvinus University of Budapest

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying in Budapest helped me expand my network to many international friends I made while I was there. It helped me become more aware of how other students live and also the commonalities that all people our age have. In addition to that, it helped me become more confident in my future plans of working in international product management.

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.

The education system in Hungary is pretty close to the other European countries. The professors were all experienced business professionals with PhDs from respected universities within Hungary. In most of my classes, there was a midterm, a project, and a final exam as well as a final oral exam. There weren't many differences in the style of teaching compared to American professors.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The in country director was amazing and answered any and all questions we had. She also was always there to drive someone to the clinic if they were sick or come and check out things at our apartment that we were unfamiliar with. The program had very good coordination and also had many awesome activities and excursions planned as well.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Language acquisition improvement?

I practiced the language with the other students in the class and also in everyday interactions. Most Hungarians do not speak English, however, many of the younger ones do.

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I think this program is a good one for any social science or business student. There are many class options to choose from and if you want more support, there is an on-site director that is very helpful with anything. If you're looking to go to Europe and to somewhere a bit less popular, Budapest is an amazing city with LOTS to offer students.