central european studies

Quick Info

By Term

• Fall 2013
• Spring 2013
• Spring 2014
• Academic year 2013-2014

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Program Overview

Come discover the best kept secret in Europe, Hungary.

Through a series of specially designed courses, you’ll develop insight into Hungary’s historic, political, economic, and social development in the wider comparative context within Europe. And with homestays, internships, and cultural activities and excursions, you’ll explore the Hungarian language while immersing yourself a dynamic Central European culture.

Study abroad in Hungary and you will:

• Take CIEE and Corvinus University courses, which provide a rewarding and challenging academic program in one of Europe’s most interesting cities
• Experience a country adjusting to new alliances—NATO and the European Union
• Volunteer with a local organization or government ministry and earn credit through an internship
• Experience rural villages in Transylvania, Romania, and stay with local families on a multi-day excursion

The CIEE Difference

Coursework

In addition to Hungarian language classes, you’ll choose from a host of Area Studies courses on Hungarian and Central European art, ethnicity, history, and politics. And with internship options and access to courses at one of the leading universities in Budapest, you’ll be able to build an academic program that suits your particular interests.

Excursions

The study abroad program includes visits to sites of historic and cultural importance in and around Budapest such as museums, galleries, and theaters. Students also participate in field trips, both day and weekend trips, to the Danube Bend and other culturally and historically significant parts of Hungary.

A special feature of the program, and a highlight each semester, is the four-day study tour to rural villages in Transylvania, Romania, which are seldomly visited by foreigners. Students stay with families and learn about this unique area, one of Europe’s most ethnically diverse regions.

Internship

Step into the professional world with a for-credit internship. Past internships have included placements in various Hungarian government ministries (i.e. Ministry of National Resources), the American Corner, local newspapers, human rights organizations, and other NGOs and schools.

Dates, Deadlines & Fees

We want to make sure you get the most out of your experience when you study abroad with CIEE, which is why we offer the most inclusions in our fees.

• Tuition and housing
• Pre-departure advising and optional on-site airport meet and greet
• Full-time program leadership and support
• Field trips and cultural activities
• CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits

Please note, program dates are subject to change. Please contact your CIEE Study Abroad Advisor before purchasing airfare. Click the button to view more detailed information about dates and fees.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Fall 2013 (16 wks)

Extended to: 05/15/2013

09/02/2013

12/21/2013

$13,850

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, local transportation pass, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Participation Confirmation *

$300

Educational Costs **

$12,098

Housing

$1,350

Insurance

$102

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

Estimated Additional Costs

Meals not included in program fee

$1,850

International Airfare *

$1,350

Local Transportation

$75

Books & Supplies

$200

Visa Fees

$80

Personal expenses

$2,200

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

* round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

Spring 2013 (16 wks)

11/15/2012

01/28/2013

05/19/2013

$13,850

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, local transportation pass, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Participation Confirmation *

$300

Educational Costs **

$12,098

Housing

$1,350

Insurance

$102

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

Estimated Additional Costs

Meals not included in program fee

$1,850

International Airfare *

$1,350

Local Transportation

$75

Books & Supplies

$200

Visa Fees

$80

Personal expenses

$2,200

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

* round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

Spring 2014

11/01/2013

to be announced

to be announced

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

Estimated Additional Costs

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

Academic year 2013-2014

Extended to: 05/15/2013

09/02/2013

to be announced

$26,400

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, local transportation pass, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Participation Confirmation *

$300

Educational Costs **

$23,298

Housing

$2,700

Insurance

$102

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

Estimated Additional Costs

Meals not included in program fee

$3,700

International Airfare *

$1,350

Local Transportation

$150

Books & Supplies

$400

Visa Fees

$80

Personal expenses

$4,400

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

* round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

Eligibility

• Overall GPA 2.75

Recommended Credit

Recommended credit for the semester is 15–17 semester/22.5–24 quarter hours, and 30–31 semester/45–46.5 quarter hours for the academic year.

Course contact hours and recommended credit for all courses are 45 contact hours and 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours per course, unless otherwise indicated.

Program Requirements

All study abroad students are required to take a Hungarian language course. In addition to language study, students normally take four CIEE area studies courses taught in English or three CIEE area studies courses plus an internship for credit. Students may elect to enroll in courses offered by the Faculty of Business Administration in addition to Hungarian language and at least two area studies courses.

About The City

Budapest, a city of approximately two million, is an architectural gem straddling the Danube River. As Hungary’s capital, it is the administrative, business, educational, and cultural center of the country. Despite the scars inflicted by four decades of communist rule, Budapest retains a turn-of-the-century feel with its marvelous architecture and rich history. It is easy to live in, with excellent public transportation systems; theaters, opera, concert halls, museums, and cinemas; thermal and medicinal baths and swimming pools; and a variety of restaurants and nightlife.

Meet The Staff

Elizabeth Simon

Resident Director

Dr. Elizabeth Simon received her master’s in Public and International Affairs and her Ph.D. in International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh. She was born in Hungary and is a native Hungarian speaker. She also holds a B.A. in History from Princeton University. Elizabeth has served as CIEE Resident Director in Budapest since the fall of 1992, and has experience overseeing CIEE study abroad programs throughout Central Europe, Russia, and the Middle East. Since 2004 she has been also serving as Executive Director of the Hungarian-American Enterprise Scholarship Fund and since 2010 as Program Representative of the Slovak-American Foundation. Both programs are financed by the U.S. Treasury and managed by CIEE.

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Why should Hungary be your foreign study destination? There are many reasons. Budapest, “the best kept secret,” wears many scars, but is a beautiful and extremely livable city. Since Hungary lies in the heart of Europe, you can travel easily to many wonderful places in the countryside or to other European cities.

Hungary celebrated its 1000th year of statehood in 2000. For centuries, the country was occupied by the Turks and then by the Hapsburgs. In the 20th Century, the country was moved from west to east on the political map of Europe. When the Warsaw Pact and the U.S.S.R were dissolved, and all the captive nations of the former Soviet bloc became free, Hungary returned to the family of Western democracies. Free elections were first held in 1990, parliamentary democracy was established, and the transformation to a market economy began. Hungary is now a member of NATO, and on May 1, 2004, became a member of the European Union.

In today’s Hungary you can experience the tremendous impact of an incredible transformation, see the legacies of the past, and witness changes and struggles taking place as the country copes with new social, political, and economic challenges.

— Elizabeth Simon, Resident Director

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Judit Fekete

Resident Coordiniator

Judit Fekete, Resident Coordinator, comes to CIEE with a Bachelor’s Degree in English Studies from Eotvos Lorant University in Budapest. She has several years of experience in customer service in the private sector and language teaching. Her role at the CIEE Study Center is to assist the Resident Director in the day-to-day tasks of managing student services and co-curricular programs.

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Where You'll Study

The Corvinus University of Budapest, known as Karl Marx University until 1990 and the Budapest University of Economic Sciences and Public Administration until 2004, was established in 1948. It is located on the banks of the Danube, centrally located within Budapest, on the Pest side. Its 10,000 students take offerings in general economics, business administration, public administration, and social sciences. The CIEE Study Center is hosted by the Faculty of Business Administration, and courses are taken in various faculties throughout the University.

Housing & Meals

Housing is included in the program fee. Study abroad students are housed in Corvinus University’s Ráday dormitory located within walking distance of the University. Each student shares a double or triple room with Corvinus University or other CIEE student(s). The dormitory has communal kitchens and laundry facilities, and Internet is available throughout the facility. The dormitory is located in a popular shopping district with cafés, small restaurants, schools, and a supermarket.

Meals are not included in the program fee and are the responsibility of the student. Students can prepare meals in the dormitory or eat at one of the many restaurants nearby or on the University campus.

Orientations

You'll begin your study abroad experience in Budapest even before leaving home by participating in a CIEE online pre-departure orientation. Meeting with students online, the resident director shares information about the program and site, highlighting issues that alumni have said are important, and giving you time to ask questions. The online orientation allows you to connect with others in the group, reflect on what you want to get out of the program, and learn what others in the group would like to accomplish. CIEE’s aim for the pre-departure orientation is simple—to help you understand more about the program, and to identify your objectives so that you arrive well-informed and return home having made significant progress towards your goals.

A mandatory orientation session conducted at the beginning of the program introduces you to the country, culture, and academic program, and provides practical information about living in Budapest. Tours of the city and its vicinity and cultural programs are included. During the orientation period, you'll receive introductory language instruction in conversational Hungarian. Ongoing support by CIEE staff is provided on an individual and group basis throughout the program.

Internet

You are encouraged to bring a wireless-enabled laptop. You will receive an email account shortly after your arrival, free of charge, and have access to email in the dormitory, at the University, and in the CIEE Study Center.

Culture

Corvinus University of Budapest is a leading university in business, economic, and social sciences education. It offers degree programs both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The language of instruction is Hungarian; however, the University does offer a wide array of business, economics, and social science courses in English.

Degree requirements, examinations, grading, and credit policies are similar to the U.S. higher education system. Faculty members are from the Corvinus University of Budapest teaching staff as well as other universities and research organizations, and many of them have teaching and/or research experience at U.S. universities and colleges. Corvinus courses are taken by both international and local students. The CIEE Study Center in Budapest and its participants are an integral part of Corvinus University. The CIEE Area Studies courses are country and region specific.

Academics

Corvinus classes are relatively small, and lectures tend to be the method of teaching, although most professors welcome discussion. Teachers and non-American students may express their opinions more frankly than Americans expect.

CIEE courses meet twice a week for 80 minutes. CIEE classes cover a wide range of topics from history and economics to politics and art and culture. Course materials focus on Hungary, but always in the wider context of Central and Eastern Europe, and the transformation of European alliances.

Nature of Classes

Participants take classes with CIEE study abroad students, although they are open to Hungarian and other international students as well. Corvinus University classes are with CIEE, Hungarian, and other international students.

CIEE Community Language Commitment

As students gain proficiency in Hungarian, resident staff encourage them to use their language skills in everyday settings. The more students participate, the more a community that contributes to Hungarian language proficiency and understanding of Hungarian society develops.

Grading System

Grades (A–F with pluses and minuses, based on a scale of 100) are given based on mid-term and final exams and, depending on the course, additional assignments. CIEE courses, in general, have a term-paper requirement in addition to the two written exams. Attendance is mandatory for all CIEE classes.

Internship

With the advance written permission of their home institution, students may undertake an internship for credit while in Hungary. Students must submit a statement of purpose outlining specific areas of interest, a résumé, and an explanation of all requirements for the granting of credit (for example, keeping a journal, minimum time at the place of work, and the role of the supervisor).

The CIEE resident director explores internship placements and, after arrival, meets with the student and the organization’s director to work out details of the internship. CIEE cannot guarantee an internship placement but will make every effort to find an appropriate placement based on the student’s experience.

Past internships have included placements in various Hungarian government ministries (i.e. Ministry of National Resources), the American Corner, U.S. Embassy, local newspapers, human rights organizations, and other NGOs and schools.

Language of Instruction

English
Hungarian

Faculty

All courses are taught by faculty members from either Corvinus University of Budapest or one of the other Hungarian institutions of higher education—,Eötvös Loránd University, Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed Church in Hungary, and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.

Course Description

Program Blog

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