Perfect Study Abroad Program for Computer Science Majors Past Review

By (Trinity University) - abroad from 09/08/2014 to 12/17/2014 with

Aquincum Institute of Technology / AIT - Budapest: - Creativity in Computer Science & Software Engineering

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was able to take courses that weren't offered at my university, such as Computer Vision and Mobile Software Development. I visited the company headquarters of Hungarian startups, including Prezi and UStream. I met the inventor of the Rubik's cube, toured Colorfront, the company that developed digital imaging software for Lord of the Rings, and learned a lot of Hungarian history from locals. It was definitely a worthwhile semester.

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 level of intensity varied from class to class. Some classes were very challenging with assignments every week while other classes had no assignments besides an easy midterm and final presentation. Most of the professors were very easy going and helpful. Because most of them also work in the industry, they brought a practical perspective to the lectures.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

All four of the AIT coordinators were very approachable and helpful. They take care of everything. If students have suggestions (such as for events), they take that into consideration and if it's a feasible idea, they make it happen quickly. They really went out of their way to make the semester enjoyable for everybody.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Overall, the locations of all the apartments were great. However, I was not fully satisfied with my living arrangements due to problems with the apartment -- something that is not entirely AIT's fault. The apartment I lived in had several problems, including a leaking ceiling, a door that was hard to close, and a heater that didn't work. Although I contacted the landlord several times and he sent workers over, they failed to resolve the issue.

* Food:

Hungarian food is delicious and so cheap. One slice of pizza for less than $1. Soup under $2. Rolls of bread for less than 5 cents. There's everything from cheap street food to fancy traditional Hungarian cuisine. If you go to Hungary, make sure you try turo rudi, langos, chimney cake, and goulash. There are plenty of grocery stores on every street. For lunch, there are quite a few dining options on campus and there's a superstore within a 5 minute walk of AIT.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There are many opportunities to learn about Hungarian culture. However, you have to make a personal effort to integrate yourself into the local culture. Although there are Hungarian students at AIT, most of them only take the IT Entrepreneurship and/or UID, so it can be difficult to meet the Hungarian students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The AIT coordinators took care of the healthcare. I never had to use it.

* Safety:

I never felt threatened in Budapest. There were several protests during the time I was in Budapest. A lot of them took place near Parliament. None of them were violent. Just use common sense and you'll be fine.

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)

Everything in Budapest is reasonably priced.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $40 - $60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Even though food is cheap, eating out a lot adds up. Buy groceries and cook for yourself. Fresh produce is cheapest at the Great Market Hall / Central Market Hall near the Liberty Bridge. The cheapest bread I found is at Auchan.

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

Almost everyone I came into contact with spoke English, so there was no need to know Hungarian, though it was nice to know some common phrases.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Location - Budapest is a beautiful city
  • Other students in the program and the coordinators
  • Academic courses
* What could be improved?
  • Some of the classes are in dire need of a different professor
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The credits didn't transfer perfectly for me.

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!