The best study abroad option for computer science students! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Great professors. The courses were challenging but the professors were in general more lenient than they would be at home, as they understand that it is also important to spend time in Budapest not studying. I took 5 computer science courses and they all count towards my major. Though I didn't take them, the culture courses and the Hungarian language courses got great reviews as well. Classes are quite small and professors are very helpful and easy to talk to. The program also offers some unique classes that aren't offered at most universities like IT Entrepreneurship and Computer Vision for Digital Post-Production Film.

On-site administration of your program

The AIT coordinators could not have been more wonderful. Gabor Bojar is the founder and also teaches a course, and constantly asks students for feedback about the classes, professors, and program in general in order to improve the program. Barbara, Dorka, and Greg, the three coordinators, are wonderful resources for any question you might have. They really go above and beyond to make sure that the students enjoy their time, organizing events and helping us with any issues students may have.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

AIT found great apartments for all the students, all located very centrally in safe areas. Most students shared apartments with 1 to 3 other students, although if you wish to live alone, you may.

Traditional Hungarian food is a lot of sausages and sour cream, which is great if you like that sort of thing. But even if you don't, Budapest has a million really great other options, including a few great soup & sandwich bars and gyro shops for cheap food (under $5) and some great nicer restaurants (which are also pretty cheap ~$10). Of course, you can cook for yourself as well. AIT's school is at Graphisoft Park, a tech campus where there is a small cafe that serves snacks, sandwiches and a daily soup and special for lunch, and a buffet-style cafeteria that is always delicious.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

AIT has a lot of great opportunities to get to know Hungarians if you take advantage of it. Each semester, students from the technical university, BME, enroll in AIT courses, and are happy to show AIT students around Budapest. Barbara, Greg, and Dorka (the coordinators) also plan many events, including a weekend trip (we went to Lake Balaton, but in previous semesters they went to Tokaj), Bike tours, Ballet and Opera performances, and even a Super Bowl party. AIT's campus is a bit outside of the center of the city, which means that between classes, everyone hangs out at school, so all of the students really get to know each other.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I have no personal experience with the health care, but people on the program who had health issues seemed very satisfied with the system. The coordinators are very helpful in setting up appointments and will go with you if necessary to help translate. There are no vaccines or special medication that you need to live in Budapest.

Budapest is a very safe city. I never felt unsafe walking around, even alone at night as a girl. Of course like any city, there are parts of Budapest that are unsafe, but AIT will make sure that you are not living in an unsafe area.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Budapest is a fairly inexpensive city. My rent was $250/month (without utilities), and I probably spent $40/week on food, cooking for myself most nights and eating out a few times. The monthly public transportation pass costs less than $20 for students.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Everyone in Hungary acknowledges that Hungarian is an impossible language. That being said, they really appreciate any attempt to speak it. AIT classes are taught in English, but a Hungarian language course is offered. I would also recommend the 2-week optional language course at the beginning of the semester. Learning the basics is very helpful, but do not expect to learn much more than that.

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• Apartment

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• International Students

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Challenging and interesting courses
• Amazing program coordinators
• Budapest is wonderful!

• I can't think of anything.

The Academic or Linguist