Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A great academic experience if you're willing to sacrifice cultural immersion Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/01/2017 to 12/21/2017 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 made some lifelong friends and took classes that are not offered at my school. Yes, it was worthwhile.

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.

AIT is not the normal "come abroad and don't study" study abroad program. Courses are challenging and valuable. The 4.5 stars is for the availability of the professors. As most of us were from liberal art schools where our professors are extremely accessible, this was one aspect that was more difficult to adjust to.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

They put you in nice apartments in the city center. I'm not sure if I'll ever live in as nice of an apartment with such a nice view.

* Food:

There aren't many vegetables available unless you cook. Hummus bar was my favorite. There are convenient food offerings on AIT's campus.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Luckily, this was not something that I was particularly looking for. But the program is all American students and the program is not super successful in facilitating cross-cultural interactions.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Did not have any issues.

* Safety:

Despite being out at night, sometimes alone, I never had any legitimate reason to question my safety.

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

I made great friends and was lucky enough to really love Budapest as a city.

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? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • housing situation
  • friends that I made
  • classes offered
* What could be improved?
  • some quality of professors
  • AIT staff facilitation in cross cultural immersion and program unity
  • orientation as a whole
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Making friends will feel a lot like freshman year all over again. Embrace it

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!