Field of study in Wageningen: Management and Consumer Studies (BBC)
Study period exchange: 13/02/2023 – 30/06/2023
Country (exchange): Hungary
City (exchange): Budapest
University (exchange): Corvinus
Faculty (exchange): Economics
2. Motivation for exchange
Why did you choose to go on study exchange?
To have the opportunity to live in a foreign country while studying.
What is the reason you chose for this country/university?
Budapest seemed quite different than the Netherlands and it seemed like a big and vibrant city.
3. Accessibility to reach destination
Do you have any tips to reach your exchange destination?
The easiest way to reach it is by plane, however you can also go by train.
4. University and studying
Could you provide some general information about the followed courses?
How is the study formalized?
First 90 minutes lecture, then 90 minutes seminar, however these can be mixed. The level is not that high. Workload is normal, you will get assignments almost every week.
What is the culture of the university?
Lectures are really approachable, most classes are not bigger than 30 students. Teachers will learn your name.
What does the university offer the student additionally?
There is a canteen in the buildings, I think it offers sport, but maybe with discounts and not on the campus. You can find all the facilities in the mycorvinus app.
5. Housing-travelling-living
What are the possibilities for housing?
There are a few dorms, however I would recommend to look on housing anywhere or smarthomeappartment. You can find nice rooms in apartments for affordable prices.
What is the culture of the country like?
Hungarian is a very difficult language, so you will always feel some kind of distances to most locals. Hungarians are not the most friendly people, but the one you will meet from your own age are very nice! Local cuisine is a lot of meat (goulash) and sweet things like chimney or salty things like Langos.
Could you give a general price indication of the place of residence compared to living in Wageningen?
Average rent is between 350 and 470. Groceries are a little bit cheaper than in the Netherlands. Other things like beer or general things are cheaper than in the Netherlands.
Could you give some information about public transport infrastructure?
Taxi’s are not cheap, but not expensive (download Bolt). Public transport is really good, you can take the metro, tram or bus, also during the night. For a public transport card for the whole semester, you pay 44 euro’s.
6. Free time
What are must-sees in the area?
Lake Balaton is really nice, when the weather is great. Bratislava and Vienna are nearby. In Budapest you can just walk at the buda side, visit heroes square or go on top of the Bazilika.
What does not appear in the travel guide, but is worth a visit?
The swimming pool at Margaret island when the weather is nice. The prosecco cruise is also a nice activity to do.
Do you have general tips and tricks about leisure time?
Restaurants: 26 and mazel tov are really nice. You can find the best food in town (imo) at Két Szerecsen. Best Italian restaurant is il mulino. Going out: Instant is really nice, but really touristic in the weekends, you will love it in the beginning, but feel tired of it at the end. Morrisons 2 is the best place to go on Monday (Erasmus evening) and Thursday (open bar for 11 euro’s if you enter before 12). If you like techno, you should visit Playground, Arzénal and maybe Akvarium (depends on their program). Other nice places are, Stifler Haz, Doboz and Szimpla Kert (although quite touristic). If you like football, try to attend a game at the Puskas arena.
7. Challenges & best moment abroad
What was a challenge you have experienced?
You don’t want people to think that you are a tourist, if you just say hi or thank you in Hungarian, Hungarian people will appreciate you more.
What was your best memory abroad?
Meeting a lot of new friends, from a lot of different countries.