Submitted 2 weeks ago by Beneficialtexas@lemmy.world to [deleted]
I’m an American college student who has an option to study abroad in Budapest for a semester and was wondering if Hungary is a good place to study in, like is it safe and are the universities there good? Ive never been to Europe so no idea what to expect
Go for it. Hungary is a beautiful country, even if in not a great economical condition right now. But thinking only about the cultural differences between the US and Europe, you should do it. It will open your eyes to something new.
What’s the economic conditions, out of curiosity? I know little on Hungary
Some expenses are on par with California (eating out and other such luxuries), but if you have a chance to cook, you can make the dollar (or forint) last.
But more to the point, the folk are just coming out of (hopefully) a 16 year period of hostile policy (craaaazy levels of corruption), and with high prices and low wages, our moodiness can be overwhelming.
Definitely take the chance, it will change your whole view on life, but prepare yourself emotionally. Be kind, but don’t expect the openness of US Americans. But whenever you do run into someone who shows openness, they are the genuine article.
I’m guessing you’ll be mostly mingling with other foreigners (good times, travellers are fun), but you might want to do yourself a favor and try to get a handle on some basic phrases of language. Hungarian is too far away on the language trees to be comprehensible, and half a year is only enough for the poliest of glots to learn our language. But some kind Hungarian words and phrases can make a world of difference.
Good luck, have fun!
Absolutely do it. I’m an American living in Albania, I haven’t been to Budapest yet, but I have a ton of friends that go at least every couple of years. Everyone says it’s amazing.
In addition, it’s cheap rail and flights to the rest of Europe. Hop around every chance you get while a shitty hostel bed won’t break your body. If possible, plan to spend an extra month after your semester with a rail pass and no plan.
I really can’t stress enough how much I wish I would have done this. Go, use your student ID to get everything possible for cheap. See works by all of the ninja turtles, view ruins that existed and have been abandoned multiple times the age of the US. Eat weird food. See so many awe inspiring churches that you’re like, “oh, it’s ABC(another beautiful church)”
Honestly it sounds really cool, prob going to take the opportunity
You should absolutely take it, and make sure you take advantage of the rail system over the weekends to check out new cities as well. And don’t just go to Western Europe. Go to Prague, go to Croatia, go to Bucharest. Talk to the advisor about your concerns.
Thx for the advice. Yeah I wanna see all of those
Yes.
Yes yes yes. Don’t hesitste, don’t second guess yourself, don’t make excuses. Go.
When us old people say ‘you only regret the opportunities you missed out on,’ this is exactly the sort of thing we’re talking about.
Do it!
Thx lol, yeah I’m really leaning on doing this
If it’s not a strain on your or your family’s resources, then 100% go. Your degree will still be from your American school, and you’ll get credits. The experience will make up for any issues you have with education (unlikely anyway, especially with the way Abbott and company are ruining the public universities in Texas), both for your resume and your actual development as a person. Travel broadens your horizons and exposes you to different ways of living, even if only slightly. Hell, the “slightly” is in some ways one of the most important parts, because it really reiterates that people are people and they’re just trying to live.
I did a three week summer program in Brussels twenty years ago, and even that was an incredible learning experience. There’s something about having to get into a routine in another culture that makes it so much more impactful than tourism.
unless there’s a huge real risk (like ongoing war…) studying abroad is almost always a good experience
Thankfully Hungary is apparently safe, according to the global peace index
I had a great time studying abroad, can recommend
Yes.
Budapest is nice. You won’t regret it!
The best part about exchange is the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. I still have contact with friends I met when I did exchange over 10 years ago.
Nice! Where did you exchange to?
I went to Hong Kong. Best decision of my life.
Yes, yes, absolutely yes! I had the chance to live in Estonia for several years some decades ago, and it combined with visiting nearby countries like Finland, Sweden, Belarus, and Russia fundamentally changed how I view the world. It was an amazing time for me, and I would tell this to anyone considering it.
GO!
I will :)
Glad to hear it! I hope you have at least as awesome a time as I did!
Yes!
do it
I’d say go for it, if anything because it gives you a new life experience at a time when you’re best able to enjoy it.
Expect an academic environment that doesn’t care as much if you succeed or not. American universities have been chasing college rankings in a way that European universities haven’t, and that includes pass rate. You’ll need to show up and be present to your classes on their terms.
Yes. Take any opportunity to travel you can. Same with any new adventure. Go for it
Just tell them you’re from Canada.
I’d never demean myself by doing that lol
You’re from Texas, that’s probably the lowest a person can get…. Besides Florida. Telling them you’re from Canada is an insult to Canada, but it might keep you safer.
But on second thought, I think you should wear the USA flag as a cape while you’re there.
On second thought, maybe you shouldn’t go.
Yes
Yes, you must. How will you know the world at all of you don’t see it?
Very good point
I guess it depends on what you want to do and what your options are, but from my very limited time there as a student passing through for a week or so I thought it was an amazing city. Tons of history and food and hot springs. Cheaper (at that time) compared to big western European cities. Listen to people who know the university system better and have lived in the area for sure, but I would go back in a heartbeat.
Everything I read about Budapest online makes it sound really cool
Beautiful spot and in central Europe you can explore everything else easily. I credit studying abroad as one of the most formative things in my life, I highly recommend it.
I think so. What are you studying?
Regarding the Hungarian exchange, it would be history
Definitely, go. I think make friends with some of the poorer people, get their perspectives.
I hope you like paprika.
I do
Budapest is one of my favorite cities in Europe. Really cool culture and food scene. A great place to spend a semester… and easy train access to other top cities
I mean if you’re hungary for a semester, go for it!
Har har :p
Sure why not? My wife studied there and loved it. Great opportunity to visit other European countries too with how their visas work.
I really wanna see all of Europe
If you have the funds and visa possibility, then you should also travel a bit through europe. There you have a lot more different countries and cultures with relatively little distance between them. My sister was active in an exchange student program (though that was more like highschool students) and helped organize their europe travel tours. You can see a lot more of europe (keep in mind, that europe has totally open inner borders).
deadbeef79000@lemmy.nz 2 weeks ago
Yes.
Any* experience outside your normal environment is beneficial.
* yes yes, bad things that can happen are bad
neidu4@piefed.social 2 weeks ago
Came here to say this. Plus, Budapest is a pretty cool city. Had the pleasure of spending a few weeks there in 2003
Beneficialtexas@lemmy.world 2 weeks ago
Yeah I wanna get out of my comfort zone for awhile