Thoughts From Abroad
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