Semester in Hungary

Get to know a major European city better than you know your own neighborhood. A hub for food, politics, fine arts, and thermal baths, Budapest, Hungary offers the opportunity to learn alongside inspiring Hungarians who serve refugees, teach in schools, and advocate for positive social change.

Ride trams with views of the Danube river and one of the world’s largest and most beautiful Parliaments, and enjoy the city’s amazing bridges connecting historic Buda with modern Pest. Enjoy food and music festivals on weekends, majestic views from Gellert or Castle Hill, and the architectural wonder of St. Stephen’s Basilica. Eat authentic Hungarian goulash at the enormous Great Market Hall, or buy your own fresh paprika to season your homemade stew you cook with friends in your shared dorm kitchen. Ride the Eye of Budapest Ferris wheel, or walk the Grand Boulevard and tour the Museum of Fine Arts, or the Terror House Museum commemorating the horrors of World War II. Find yourself at a rally for better education policies, or on a walking tour of the historic eighth district, where you will learn about what the Roma people in Hungary have contributed to its amazing musical and artistic cultural history since the ninth century. Learn to love a place deeply, and hone the skill of finding your own place. Deepen your ability to love God’s world, while better understanding its complex history.

How to apply

If you're interested in participating in this off-campus program, click the button below for a checklist that will walk you through the application process.

Apply to join
this program

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is located on the Danube river in north central Hungary, about 50 miles from the Slovakian border. Hungary is bordered by Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia.

Things to do

Budapest is a dynamic lively city, blending old and new in architecture, activities, and art, among other things. A short list of things to do might include taking a walk down Raday street, where you'll find bars and restaurants galore, but also the Bible museum and the theological faculty of our partner university Károli Gáspár University. Or enjoying a day at the Budapest zoo in City Park, or running the Budapest half-marathon or marathon, passing several UNESCO heritage sites on your run around this gorgeous city. You could also attend a performance at the neo-Renaissance Hungarian State Opera House on the famous Andrassy avenue in downtown Pest.

The program’s emphasis will be on remaining in Hungary, and Budapest in particular, but it may be possible to plan an additional short trip outside Hungary.

As part of the program, you will visit Romania (including the Carpathian Mountains); Vienna, Austria; and Sarajevo and Mostar in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Since Budapest is a hub for rail travel throughout Hungary and the rest of Central Europe, it may also be possible to visit major cities like Prague, the Tatra Mountains of Slovakia, the Julian Alps in Slovenia, and the Adriatic coast of Croatia.

History

Budapest was originally a Celt settlement (before the time of Christ) and was populated by the Magyars (Hungarians) in the 9th century. Over the next 1,000 years it was dominated by the Mongols, Ottomans, Austrians and Soviets. In 1873, Pest, Buda and Obuda were united to form Budapest. Since then it has weathered the destruction and genocide of WWII, a communist regime and a people's revolution. Now the city stands as one of Europe's most beautiful cities, Hungary's political and cultural center and a major food capital of Europe.

Population

Budapest has about 1.7 million residents, while Hungary has about 9.7 million. The land size of Hungary is approximately the size of the US state of Indiana.

Climate

Budapest is in the temperate climate zone, with temperatures averaging 70 ° F (20° C) in September and decreasing to the 30's (0) by December. The weather is very similar to the weather in Grand Rapids, with warmer temperatures normally lasting a bit longer into the fall than in Michigan.

Program Profile: Hungary

In most cases students adapt well to their circumstances, but it is helpful to know what to expect as you prepare for a specific experience. If you have specific questions about a program, we would encourage you to speak directly to your off-campus instructor or director or, feel free to stop by the OCP Office at any time.

Physical expectations: Moderate
Language Importance: Moderate
Cultural acclimation difficulty: Moderate
Level of Cultural Interaction: High
Safety & Security Considerations: Low

Health Considerations: Low
Mental Health Considerations: Moderate
Lodging: Dorms

Social Expectations: By their nature, semesters and interims off-campus are inherently social experiences. Heavy emphasis is usually put on building a strong sense of community within the group, which requires openness, sociability, and a collaborative spirit from everyone involved. Acknowledging that having a diversity of personalities makes a group stronger, it is expected that all participants willfully agree to be an active part of the social community of their interim or semester program.

×

Physical Expectations

Low

These experiences require no more physical exertion than being on Calvin’s Campus. You don’t have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to. No physical preparation is required to make the most of this experience.

Moderate

Moderate physical activity is expected and an average level of fitness is required. You will be doing a great deal more walking then on campus, often over uneven surfaces and rough roads. Some physical preparation is recommended before departure to make the most of this experience.

High

Be prepared for some serious physical activity requiring an above average level of fitness. This will include a high level of walking over all kinds of terrain as well as other physical demands in all kinds of extreme temperatures. The fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy this experience as many activities will be challenging.

×

Language Importance

Low

English is the predominant language in course location.

Moderate

Knowing another language is helpful to fulfill the goals of the course but English is also prevalent in course location.

High

Knowing another language is important to fulfill the goals of the course.

×

Cultural Acclimation Difficulty

Low

Western conveniences are prevalent. Host culture is very similar to traditions and culture of West Michigan.

Moderate

Few western conveniences, the need for students to blend in with the surrounding culture is important. Host culture shares similarities and differences with the culture of West Michigan.

High

No western conveniences, the need for students to acclimatize to local culture is readily apparent. Host culture is vastly different than West Michigan.

×

Level of Cultural Interaction

Low

Interaction with local culture is limited and very formal (e.g. through organized tours).

Moderate

Intentional opportunities to interact with local peoples and culture.

High

Intensive immersion in local culture – host families, service-learning, etc.

×

Safety & Security Considerations

Although no one can guarantee your safety or eliminate all risks from a study-abroad experience, Calvin University is committed to doing its utmost to provide secure environments in which you can live and learn. Our goal is to minimize risks and keep you aware of special situations as you make decisions about studying off-campus.

Low

Safety concerns are similar to living on campus. Incidents can happen anywhere, but there are no indications that you are more at risk during this experience then you would be at home. You always need to continually be aware of what is going on around you and partner with your Calvin instructor or director to assure your safety while off-campus.

Moderate

There are no specific safety concerns of the U.S. State Department for the areas where you will be studying. However, additional care must be taken to assure a safe and secure experience. You always need to continually be aware of what is going on around you and partner with your Calvin instructor or director to assure your safety while off-campus.

High

There are safety concerns you should be aware of as you commit to this trip. The U.S. State Department has issued a Travel alert or Warning for the area where you will be studying. You will need to partner with Calvin in addressing safety concerns and follow all safety guidelines for the experience.

×

Health Considerations

Remember, Calvin follows the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for all Calvin sponsored off-campus experiences.

Low

Health concerns are similar to living on campus. Illnesses and accidents can happen anywhere, but there are no indications that you are more at risk during this experience then you would be at home. Health Care resources (clinics, medical personnel, etc.) are numerous and you would have easy access to medical care if needed. Some vaccinations will be required, but overall precautions are minimal.

Moderate

In general, health concerns are slightly higher than living on campus. Typical travel illnesses (diarrhea, intestinal issues, etc.) are often experienced and appropriate health care is available but can be harder to access than on campus. Several vaccinations may be required and students must be diligent in taking precautions before and during the experience.

High

Health concerns are higher than living on campus. Typical travel illnesses (diarrhea, intestinal issues, etc.) are often experienced at some point. Plans to assure adequate health care are in place but health care facilities could be hard to access during the experience. There may be many vaccinations required for the experience and students must be diligent in taking precautions before and during the experience.

×

Mental Health Considerations

Remember, the Broene Counseling Center cannot provide on-line or phone consultations with students.

Moderate

Mental health resources are similar to living on the Calvin campus. Mental Health resources (clinics, counselors, etc.) are available and you would have access to these resources, if needed. It could be challenging to find the right resources on short notice and for a short period of time.

High

Mental health resources are present in various locations during the experience but maybe difficult to access for a variety of reasons.

×

Lodging

Camping

Group will be camping (living outdoors) at times during the trip.

Host Families

Students will be staying with host families for parts or all of the experience.

Dorms

Staying in College dorms, similar to Calvin. Roommates will be other Calvin students or other international students depending on your preference.

Hostels

Dormitory style lodging, shared bathrooms.

Hotels

Individual rooms (with roommates) and private baths.

×

Cost

Cost of off-campus experiences vary as a result of a number of factors, including the number of students enrolled in the program. Amidst all these factors, the following categories could be helpful, but students are encouraged to check with instructors and directors on specific cost information.

Semester

$ Within $500 of tuition, room & board on campus
$$ Between $501 and $2,000 of tuition, room and board on campus
$$$ More than $2,000 over tuition, room and board on campus

Interim

$ Less than $2,500
$$ $2,501 to $3,800
$$$ >$3,801

Academics

• STHU 210: Studies in Central European Culture (Global Regions & Cultures tag - 4 credits): This course will offer a topical survey of the culture of Eastern Europe. A primary concern of the course will be ways in which Hungarians and other peoples of Eastern Europe have wrestled with their regional and global identities and with the larger question of their place in "Europe."
• STHU 310 Hungary Semester Practicum (1 to 4 credits): Students will be placed in a Hungarian organization (e.g. NGO, social service organization, or school) for a minimum of 50 hours to gain hands-on experience related to the work of the organization.  Through the practicum experience, students will gain a better understanding of the day-to-day work of practitioners.  Special attention will be placed on developing cross-cultural skills needed to function in a multi-cultural world.
• STHU 100: Introduction to the Hungarian Language (General Elective - 1 credit) Students learn vocabulary and basic sentence structures needed to communicate on an elementary level as they live and travel in the city and region. Students will be placed in a Hungarian organization (e.g. NGO, social service organization, or school) for a minimum of 50 hours to gain hands-on experience related to the work of the organization. Through the practicum experience, students will gain a better understanding of the day-to-day work of practitioners.  Special attention will be placed on developing cross-cultural skills needed to function in a multi-cultural world. 
• At least one direct-enrolled course at Karoli Gaspar University (3 credits)
• STHU 250 European Cities (4 credits): Europe’s cities are renowned for their livability, beauty, and sustainability. They have also played significant roles in the history, economy, and culture of the world. Through readings, lectures, and frequent field trips, we will use the built environment of Budapest to illustrate the urban design, architecture, social geography, and contemporary challenges of European cities. This course examines the historical development of European cities: the influence of Greek and Roman precedents, the Medieval urban revival, mercantilism, the Industrial Revolution, the city as seat of empire, socialist city planning, and contemporary urban planning. These diverse waves of city building have left behind a complex legacy of different land uses, architecture, transportation systems, monuments, and public spaces. More recently, European cities have taken on new roles as centers for immigration, tourism, and the global economy, presenting new challenges and opportunities. 
  This course is offered in 2024 by Prof. M. Bjelland.

In addition, students can choose from a list of courses to assure they are enrolled in 12 to 18 credits. Students are required to consult the Hungary Program Director before finalizing their schedule. In some years, specific courses may be required. Students may take more than 18 credits but would be expected to pay credit overload costs like they would do on campus.

You may take your elective courses at the following universities:

• Corvinus University of Budapest (see their list of English-language course options)
• Karoli Gaspar Reformed University
  

See the Calvin program director for up-to-date course offerings at these institutions. The attached list includes courses that were available during the last few years and may be available in the current year also.

Learn more about direct-enroll transfer credits in academic services.

Accommodations

You will stay in a dormitory of the Karoli Gaspar Reformed University with a Calvin roommate. You will have many opportunities here to meet other students, both international and Hungarian.

Eligibility

You must have achieved sophomore status with a grade point average of at least 2.5 to study in Hungary. Preference is given to juniors and seniors when there are more applicants than spots in the program.

Cost

Within $2000 Calvin Tuition + full room & board (airfare not included) (estimate)

The final program cost is expected to be within $2000 of Calvin tuition and room and board on campus (not including airfare). More specific cost information will be sent with your acceptance letter. The final program cost is based on many factors and is not known exactly until the number of students in the group has been identified. The cost for the Hungary semester will include:

• Tuition
• Housing (KGU dorm)
• Food allowance
• Program excursions
• Administrative fee

Additional expenses not included in the program fee: passport, immunizations and medical insurance (required), books, some weekend meals, round trip transportation to program site, any independent travel and spending money.

Hungary Director

The director of the Hungary Semester for Fall 2024 is Dr. Mark Bjelland. His contact information is listed below.

Articles

Read an article about the Calvin Connection at Károli Gáspár University.
Read an article about the student experience at Károli Gáspár University during the Fall 2015 semester.
Read this article about 4 students' experience at Karoli during the Fall 2018 semester.

Application

The Fall 2024 applications in Horizons will be available beginning in Fall 2023.

Questions / contact