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Budapest Semester In Mathematics

Hungary has a long tradition of excellence in mathematics education. Mathematics and computer science majors in their junior/senior years may spend one semester in Budapest and study under the tutelage of esteemed Hungarian scholars. Program instructors are members of Eotvos University and the Mathematical Institute of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, the two institutions known for having educated more than half of Hungary's highly acclaimed mathematicians.

CLASSES
All classes are small and taught in English. Classes are held near the center of historic Budapest. Most instructors have had teaching experience in North America and are familiar with the cultural perspective of American students.

You may take up to 16 credits of electives for the mathematics major. In addition, courses are offered in:

  • Hungarian culture
  • History of science
  • Philosophy
  • Film analysis

All students are also encouraged, as apart of the program, to take advantage of the opportunity to study the Hungarian language.

The Budapest Semester in Mathematics courses comprise 14 weeksof teaching plus one week of exams. Each course usually meets three to four times per week for a total of 42 contact hours per semester. Normally, one Budapest Semester in Mathematics course transfers either as 3 or 4 semester hours depending on an evaluation of course material done by the home institution. Classes are taught in English by Hungarian professors. In keeping with Hungarian tradition, teachers closely monitor each individual student's progress. Considerable time is devoted to problem solving and encouraging student creativity. Emphasis is on depth of understanding rather than on the quantity of material. Courses may be taken Audit, Pass/No Credit, or Graded.

Global Understanding core credit can be fulfilled by this semester program when students participate in the pre- and post-departure New Perspectives course. Lab fees apply as of Fall 2013. Visit the GEO for details or go to the GEO Global Understanding webpage.

APPLICATION PROCESS
All Gordon students applying to the Budapest Semester in Mathematics program must first submit an online seat application (link available to Gordon students only) to participate in a Global Education program. Only after you have been approved by the Global Education Office for study abroad, may you proceed with the Budapest Semester in Mathematics' online application. 

  • Seat applications for the fall semester must be submitted online by March 15. Interviews with the Global Education Office must be conducted by the same date.
  • Seat applications for spring semester must be submitted online by September 30. Interviews with the Global Education Office must be conducted by by the same date.

Apply to participate in Global Education Programs with the Online Seat Application (link available to Gordon students only). After you have been approved by the Global Education Office proceed with the Budapest Semester in Mathematics application. Deadlines are:

  • April 30: Fall semester applications
  • November 1: Spring semester applications

COSTS
You will be charged the basic term expenses as indicated in the academic catalog, and you may apply your internal scholarships to the cost of the program. Please consult with Student Financial Services to review your situation.

For students paying regular Gordon costs and maintaining scholarships, the program costs include

  • All tuition and direct program costs
  • A stipend for housing and meals (which you maintain directly)
  • Round trip airfare from the nearest international airport to your home (limit: $1200)

CONTACT
For further information please contact:

The Global Education Office
p: 978.867.4399

See the Budapest Semester in Mathematics homepage for further details