Study Abroad: Hungary Has So Much To Offer Past Review

By (Psychology, ) for

McDaniel College: Budapest - McDaniel in Budapest

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience was worth it because I was able to see first hand how history impacts a people and how it is important to have an open mind about life. I was told that Hungary was a third world country and I thought it was going to be awful. It was not awful and it is a developing country that is working to become financially stable and a place where people can live and have a good life. Hungary has many beautiful places that are not touristy and to me it emphasizes that I should enjoy nature and try to see the wonders and beauty of the country side as well as take a break from the fast life and stress. I went back to Hungary and volunteered with an organization there that helps refugees psychologically. By interacting with other Hungarians, I saw a different side of people who wanted to help others and not let history have a negative impact on themselves. In essence I saw how they wanted Hungarians to be viewed differently and hopefully have a more integrated society. In addition, it was nice to learn about other Hungarian delicacies that I never knew of and got to eat the year before I was there. I even learned more about Hungarian customs by being with the locals than when I was in the city.

Review Photos

McDaniel College: Budapest - McDaniel in Budapest Photo

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Psychology in the Workplace, Psychology of Gender, Hungarian Culture, Elementary Hungarian.
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were not difficult and not time consuming. The program allowed us to enjoy the country and other neighboring cultures as well. With the Hungarian Culture class I learned a lot about the history and culture. The only problem was that we didn't get to see a lot of Hungary and to be more engrossed in the culture. If there was more exposure presented to us such as field trips and group trips it would have been more interesting as well.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Dean never greeted us so he was never known. In addition, it seemed that the students that attended the school were not getting the help or attention that they needed that the American students would get if they were back home. Administration seemed to be limited in how they could help the other international students. It was clear that the American students did have an easier life than the international students there.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My housing did not aid in my language because I was living with another American student. The apartment was great because it had a lot of privacy for us and it was big enough which allowed us to have a break from the dorm life. It had two bathrooms and two bedrooms. The apartment was old, but it gave us a sense of how Hungarians live. The area that we lived in was very lively. There was a mall, easy access to transportation, 24 hour convenience store, lots of shops, reasonable priced supermarkets, and lots of nightlife. The area allowed us to see how the country has evolved into a modern city but yet still have some elements of the Hungarian culture.

* Food:

It was difficult to find places that catered to vegetarians such as the vegetarian food that is plentiful in the US. But there were enough restaurants that were of different cultures that a vegetarian could eat at. For example, there are Indian restaurants and Japanese restaurants. However, it was expensive to go to those restaurants all the time so you are more likely to try to cook dishes and miss home cooked food. But some students helped each other and parents sent boxed food to help with the food situation.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I enjoyed going to Venice and Austria even though I had already been there. I enjoyed attending a school with students from different cultures. Some of the international students were sociable that they took us out to clubs, restaurants and the Buda side of Hungary.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The program provided health insurance, but we had to pay for it although it wasn't expensive. When I was sick I met with a primary care doctor and then I was sent to a rhinologist. However, my sickness was unbearable that I had to contact my own doctor and luckily I had medication before I left the states. Though I have heard the medical problems others have had and the treatment they receive is free with the insurance. The care is decent and affordable especially with medications compared to how much I would have had to pay if I were in the states. I did need to get vaccines before I left home to go to Hungary, but I only got sick because there was a lot of development and allergy season was really bad there. WIth safety, it should be known to everyone that if you go out go with a group, have enough money for a taxi if traveling along and enough minutes on the phone to make a phone call. In addition, to never walk alone at night especially in unfamiliar places. The program prepared us for safety in Hungary, however they made it seem that it was going to be a terrifying experience. I've been to Hungary twice. I do feel safe when walking around, but I know the areas where I should avoid and what time is suitable to arrive home if I am alone. No one will bother you or attack you unless they feel threatened other than that it is a relatively safe place, but one should always practice caution.

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)

Language

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would say to a student to embrace the culture and try to take it all in. Understand the culture and the people by learning about the history because it is a vital part for the Hungarians and who they are today. Also, try to learn the language and let them know that not all Americans or foreigners are bad and naive. In addition, try to see a lot of Hungary. There are so many places to visit out side of the city that I wish I had a chance to see everything.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Psychology of Gender

Course Department: Psychology
Instructor: Prof. Emoke Topalyi
Instruction Language: English
Comments: She made this class very interactive and interesting that it was not difficult to understand and remember the material.
Credit Transfer Issues: No credit transfer issues.
Course Name/Rating:

Psychology in the Workplace

Course Department: Psychology
Instructor: Prof. Bernie Weiss
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was also interactive. The teacher did a lot of activities to help us understand the material as well as discuss them.
Credit Transfer Issues: No problems.