Budapest Semesters in Mathematics: Great Mathematics in a Wonderful City Past Review
By Melinda L (Math, Wellesley College) for
BSM: Budapest - Budapest Semesters in Mathematics
Studying abroad was my first time out of the United States. So I immediately gained a lot of perspective. Living in a foreign country was difficult at times, but well worth the experience. I enjoyed learning other people's perspectives on mathematics and other things, such as politics. I had a lot of great conversations.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
|
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The apartment was completely furnished. It was extremely close to the main train station in the city, so it was easy to commute places. On the other hand, that meant it was dangerous to walk around late at night (but this is true in any big city). |
| * Food: |
Its hard to be vegan or vegetarian if you plan on eating out a lot. If you plan on cooking your own meals, then it is quite easy to follow dietary restrictions. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
|
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
Budapest is about as safe/dangerous as your typical big city. Follow basic safety rules, such as don't go out at night by yourself. It was more difficult to find an English speaking doctor, but extremely easy to get medicine at the pharmacy for basic cold, etc. I didn't need any specific vaccinations for the program, but I chose to get the ones that the state department recommended for travel in eastern Europe. |
| 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) |
|
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Everything in Budapest is quite cheap. I typically spent around 50 dollars a week on food and personal expenses. But that isn't typical, I am an extremely frugal person. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | there are a lot of fees right when you get there for things like the residency permit. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would recommend this program to student who are serious about mathematics and who are a bit adventurous. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Introduction to Topology |
| Course Department: | TOPA |
| Instructor: | Ágnes SZILÁRD |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | This was a challenging, but manageable, course. Professor Szilard was knowledgeable and well-prepared. I participated at about the same rate that I would have at my home institution. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | No. |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Combinatorics 1B |
| Course Department: | COM1 |
| Instructor: | Attila SALI |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | This course wasn't very challenging, but I learned a lot and am satisfied with my experience. Professor Sali was a well-prepared, knowledgeable lecturer. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | No |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Complex Functions |
| Course Department: | CLXA |
| Instructor: | Gergely HARCOS |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | This course was definitely challenging, but Professor Harcos provided plenty of office hours and additional instruction to ensure that we understood the material. Harcos was a very personable and knowledgeable lecturer. By far my favorite course and favorite professor at BSM! |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | No. |
