I loved Budapest and would definitely go back to the city again Past Review

By (Public Administration., SUNY - Binghamton) for

Central European University (CEU): Budapest - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I said no because I think I would want to go to a university that had classes that I was more interested in. As for the city, I loved Budapest and would definitely go back to the city again. I learned so much about the world and about myself, I could not have asked for a better experience. I know hope to go abroad again next fall and complete another Master's in Europe.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks
The term and year this program took place: Spring 2010

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I felt that I learned a lot about government from an international level, but most of the classes I took were not was I was exactly interested in, so it was hard to really enjoy the classes. The university I attended is still a developing program and so there were many classes that I thought they might have that they didn't. I also thought that the grading system was interesting because there was only a participation grade and then a final paper. I felt that having the majority of the grade only being weighted on the paper was a bit unfair.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I thought the administration was helpful, but I also thought that they could have informed me about things sooner. For example, letting me know ahead of time about classes offerred or letting me register sooner would be more helpful. Other than that, I did not really communicate on a regular basis with them unless I had a question. They always answered them quickly and effectively.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in the city and found the apartment on my own, without the help of the university. I lived on Nador utca in a apartment building. It was located two blocks from the university and was a great location. <br /><br /> I never learned Hungarian but it wasn't because of my living situation, it was because it is a very hard language to learn and so I only picked up a couple phrases. I lived right in the city center so my location and my apartment were amazing. I could not have asked for a better place to live while I was abroad.

* Food:

The food was interesting. It wasn't was I was used to in the US but I enjoyed it for the most part. Restaurants were everywhere and had all different types of cuisines that were very good.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My program did not really offer extracurricular activities that I was involved in. All the activities and traveling I did, I did with friends and classmates.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt that the student health issues could be easily addressed. I never needed the services, but I heard that they were good. I thought Budapest was extremely safe and I always felt safe walking by myself. I did get some vaccines before I left for Hungary, these were precautionary and recommended by my doctor: Hep A, Typhoid fever, and PPD booster.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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? I spent about $25 USD a week. Right now, the currency in Hungary is very good to the USD and food and what not is very cheap.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? N/A

Language

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

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

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

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

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be open to everything when you get to Hungary. Things are very different and you need to have an open mind, but the program is good and the city is absolutely breathtaking.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Comparitive Political Institutions

Course Department: DPP
Instructor: multiple instructions
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I thought this course was very interesting but I did not enjoy the multiple instructors. They all taught very differently and expected different things. It was challenging though, because I never had a course on international governments and institutions. I participated as much as I would have at my home institution.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A
Course Name/Rating:

Public Policies for Development

Course Department: DPP
Instructor: Thilo Bodenstein
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I thought this course was very interesting. I liked the topics and the instructor knew a lot on the topics.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A
Course Name/Rating:

Health Economics

Course Department: ECON
Instructor: Peter Mihalyi
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I really enjoyed this class. It was very informative and very interesting. The class was challenging and the grading was fair.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A