A Fantastic Experience Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Truly a fantastic program. Academically it was the most fun I have every had. Being able to be around so many people who all found mathematics as intriguing as I do was such an amazing experience.

On-site administration of your program

The programs administration takes a very hands off approach. They are there when you need them, but if you do not need them, they allow you to live life as an independent student, rather than coddling you because you are abroad.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I applied for a home stay, and was put in an interesting position. Another student and I were placed with a young host father who did not live with us. It was more of a mix between a home stay, and an apartment. We also lived 40 minutes away from school, so our commute was a little bit long. I would recommend to others to choose to live in the city in an apartment with other students.

No food was provided, we were left on our own.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

First, I felt extremely integrated with the culture as a whole. We had many different opportunities to go on cultural adventures in the city. That being said, integration with local people was a little bit difficult. For those who are interested in this, I would tell you to talk to Erika (the head language teacher) about the Roma achievement program at CEU. This is a program for Roma college students, that you have the opportunity to help in their studies and have a cultural exchange with.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I came home from travel outside of Budapest with a sinus infection. I told one of the program staff that I was feeling sick. The program had insurance for me, and called a number. I had a doctors appointment and a prescription for antibiotics later that afternoon. No health issues were seen in Hungary.

I felt incredibly safe in Hungary. There isn't much violent crime at all in Budapest. For future students, as long as you are aware of your surroundings you will be fine.

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

Hungary is a very easy place to live cheaply. I was able to go out and have a nice meal for about $10.

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

It is a little bit different for this program, and the country of Hungary. Mostly everyone in the country speaks some English. So you can get by without knowing the language. Though, many Hungarians will be happy to see you trying to use Hungarian.

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• Host Family
• Apartment

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• Local Students

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• Americans

• The math
• The friends
• Budapest itself

• Housing situation

The Academic or Linguist