Study in Budapest

Program Type

SU-Sponsored

Program Provider

CEA CAPA

Location

Budapest, Hungary

None

About this Program

Study abroad in the heart of Europe! Expand your international experience by taking business and social science courses with local Hungarian and other international students. All courses are taught in English, with the exception of a beginner Hungarian language course. Take courses at Corvinus University of Budapest, one of the leading universities in Hungary. Students will select from the following tracks: - Business & Economics - Social Sciences


Program Highlights

Program specific information not available

Level of Immersion

Language(s) of Instruction:
  • English

Features

  • Courses with Locals
  • Local University Program
  • No Language Pre-Requisites

Housing Abroad

  • Dorm
  • Apartment

Moving can be both costly and stressful, but careful planning can help minimize both. Start by creating a housing plan for before and after your study abroad experience to avoid the pressure of continuing to pay for rent at home. Program fees typically cover housing abroad, so if you expect to incur additional domestic rent expenses, be sure to include these in your budget. If possible, consider staying with family or friends temporarily before you depart or when you return to save on costs.

Housing Residence Life

Education Abroad typically recommends considering Seattle University on-campus housing for when students return from their programs, as Housing Residence Life staff are able to support students in securing housing, while adhering to student preference as best as they can.

Housing Application

Check the Housing Portal for more specific dates

  • Winter Quarter Housing applications open in November
  • Spring Quarter Housing applications open in February
  • Fall Quarter Housing applications open in May

Courseload

Students who participate in an SU-Sponsored, SU-Exchange, or Non-SU program must be fully enrolled at their host university/program provider. Full-time enrollment on a semester-length program is typically 15 US semester credits (not quarter credits) or 30 ECTS credits.

Note: Not all programs/host universities provide syllabi prior to the start of classes. Some may have samples of past syllabi but cannot guarantee that a specific course will be offered during the student's time abroad.

  • Credit Range: 24-30
  • Credit System: ECTS Credits
  • Typical Course load: 4-5
  • Credit Per Course: 6

Credit Conversion

  • Transcript Issued By: Corvinus University of Budapest
  • Credit Conversion Rate: 1 ECTS Credit = 0.80 SU Quarter Credits. Note: if credit conversion does not equate a whole or half quarter credit, credits will be rounded down to the nearest whole or half quarter credit per course
  • Quarter Range: 18-22.5

Academic Policy & Minimum Grade Requirement:

  • Student will receive transfer credit for their study abroad program and academic grades will not be reflected on their Seattle University transcript and will not be reflected in the Seattle University GPA nor honors calculations.
  • For all undergraduate programs, courses accepted in transfer are graded at least a C- when letter grades are issued and at least a 1.5 on the decimal grading system. Courses graded D+ or lower (1.5) will not be allowed either for transfer credit or to fulfill degree requirements.
  • Students in the College of Nursing, the College of Science and Engineering, and communication and psychology majors in the College of Arts and Sciences will be required to repeat courses graded lower than C (2.0) if the course is a major requirement or if it is a prerequisite to a major requirement.
  • Students in the Albers School of Business and Economics must complete required business courses (including mathematics, economics & accounting) with a grade of C (2.0) or better.

Transfer Credits

Letter grades received on this program will not transfer to SU nor factor into Seattle University GPA. If students receive the minimum grade required, credits will transfer toward their Seattle University degree as approved through the required pre-departure Course Approval process. Minimum grade details will be specified during Course Approval for each course taken abroad.

Placeholder Course

The Education Abroad Office will enroll students in a 12-credit placeholder course per term that you are abroad so that students maintain full-time student status and are billed properly. This placeholder course will be replaced by the courses taken abroad upon successful completion and receipt of official transcript.

Program Fees

Program fees are subject to change and based on previous year's tuition, if future tuition rates are not available yet. The purpose of the budget worksheets is to provide an estimate of how much studying abroad is going to cost. Actual spending may vary.

  • Fall Semester: $4,000
  • Spring Semester: $4,000

Requesting a Financial Aid Estimate

Student Financial Aid allows students to request a financial aid estimate when planning an education abroad experience. Students can bring the completed worksheet of your preferred program to a meeting with a Student Financial Aid Counselor.

Participation Costs

For SU-Sponsored programs, you will be billed for Seattle University (1) Tuition, (2) Technology Fee, and (3) Program Fee per term abroad. These and estimated additional expenses are outlined in the program’s detailed Budget Worksheet. Students are encouraged to complete the Budget Worksheet and discuss applicable financial aid with Student Financial Services.

Payment

For SU-Sponsored programs, pay your Seattle University bill through your MySeattleU Student Account for the term(s) you are abroad. The Program Fee is labeled as "MSA Fee" on your bill. Payment deadlines align with Seattle University’s quarterly deadlines and you can sign-up for a payment plan as usual.

Seattle University handles payments to CEA CAPA on your behalf for the program cost. Additional expenses not included in Seattle University’s Program Fee, like special course fees, housing upgrades, and optional excursions, may be billed to you directly by CEA CAPA. Consult the Budget Worksheet for a breakdown of estimate additional expenses.

Insurance

Comprehensive travel and global medical insurance is provided by the program provider.

Scholarships

There are many study abroad scholarships for all program types. The application process may be easier than you think, but planning ahead is key. Deadlines are often 6-8 months in advance of departure. Check out the Scholarship section of Seattle University Education Abroad website for more information on scholarships and how to apply.

Student Journey

Approximate TimelinePhaseMore details
Sept-JanExplorationStudents will work with Education Abroad and various supporters (family, academic advisor, etc.) to find a program that best fits student's academic, personal, and professional goals.
Feb 1ApplyStudents will have the opportunity to apply to SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs during next academic year in the Fall around November. The hard deadline is February 1st.
Late Feb/Early MarNominationsEducation Abroad Office will nominate selected students for SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs.
Mar-May (Fall)
Sept-Dec (Winter)
Jan-March (Spring)
PreparationStudents will complete secondary applications for program providers/host university in preparation of going abroad. Additional preparatory steps include pre-departure orientation, courses approvals, Health Check, Visa application, planning housing arrangements (abroad & Seattle), immunizations, etc.

Application Steps

  1. Complete Module I of Global Engagement with Education Abroad Canvas course, including Education Abroad 101 and attending a Planning Meeting with your Education Advisor.
  2. Complete the SU-Sponsored/SU-Exchange Program Application in Module II of the Canvas course by February 1 for selected program.

If you haven’t joined the Education Abroad Canvas Course yet, Join Now!

Climate

  • Spring (March to May): Mild with blooming flowers and temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). Occasional rain showers.
  • Summer (June to August): Warm to hot, with temperatures between 20°C and 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Ideal for festivals and outdoor activities.
  • Autumn (September to November): Cool and colorful, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). Light rain is common.
  • Winter (December to February): Cold, with temperatures between -2°C and 5°C (28°F to 41°F). Snowfall is possible, especially in mountainous regions.

Travel Resources

  • Air: Major international airport is Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. Visit Hungary Travel for more details.
  • Train: Hungary has an efficient rail network (MÁV) connecting major cities and neighboring countries.
  • Public Transport: Budapest and other major cities offer buses, trams, and metro systems. Budapest's public transport is particularly comprehensive.

Cultural Resources

  • Historical Sites: Top attractions include Buda Castle, the Parliament Building, and Lake Balaton. The thermal baths of Budapest, such as Széchenyi, are also iconic.
  • Language: The official language is Hungarian, though English is widely spoken in tourist areas and among younger generations.
  • Festivals: Notable events include the Budapest Wine Festival, Sziget Festival (one of Europe’s largest music festivals), and the Christmas markets.

Food & Diet

  • Cuisine: Traditional Hungarian dishes include goulash, paprikash, langos, and chimney cake. Hungarian wines, such as Tokaji, are also internationally known.
  • Dietary Needs: Vegetarian and vegan options are available, especially in larger cities, although traditional cuisine is meat-heavy.

Embassy/Consulate

  • U.S. Embassy in Budapest: Szabadság tér 12, H-1054 Budapest (Phone: +36 1 475 4400)

Identity-Specific Considerations

  • Accessibility: Hungary’s accessibility for people with disabilities is improving, particularly in major cities. However, older buildings and public transportation may still pose challenges.
  • LGBTQ+: While Hungary has legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, societal acceptance varies, and public displays of affection may attract attention in more conservative areas.
  • Religion: Hungary is predominantly Roman Catholic and Calvinist, with religious freedom protected, though secularism is growing among younger populations.
  • Race & Ethnicity: Hungary is ethnically homogeneous, with Roma being the largest minority group, who often face social and economic discrimination.
  • Gender: Gender equality is improving, with women increasingly participating in education and the workforce, but traditional gender roles and a gender pay gap remain persistent challenges.

Visa Requirements

What is a Visa?

A visa is a permission granted by a country that allows foreign nationals to enter and reside there temporarily. Applicants typically need to provide documentation such as an acceptance letter from the educational institution, proof of financial means, and health insurance. Student visas come with specific regulations regarding work rights, travel restrictions, and duration of stay, varying by country.

Below is a brief overview of the current visa requirements for your program. Note that countries may amend visa requirements at any time, so it will be important to follow all instructions given by CEA CAPA.

U.S. passport holders are required to apply for an entry permit prior to departure and a residence permit once in Hungary. (Non-U.S. citizens should consult their respective consulates). Further details about the entry permit process can be found at: https://losangeles.mfa.gov.hu/eng/page/entry-for-long-stay-exceeding-90-days. CEA CAPA will offer additional information and guidance before departure and on-site; however, the decision to grant admission into the country is not in CEA CAPA’s nor Seattle University's control. Keep in mind that entry requirements are specific to the length of your stay, citizenship, and the type of activities you will be engaged in. It is your responsibility to determine specific entry requirements and stipulations prior to the start of your program.


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