Budapest Semester In Mathematics

VISION

Hungary has a long tradition of excellence in mathematics education. Budapest Semester in Mathematics (BSM) provides a unique opportunity for North American undergraduates. Through this program mathematics and computer science majors in their junior/senior years may spend the fall, spring or summer semester in Budapest and study under the tutelage of eminent Hungarian scholar-teachers. The instructors of BSM are members of Eötvös University, the Mathematical Institute of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Budapest University of Technology and Economics, three institutions known for having educated more than half of Hungary's highly acclaimed mathematicians. Most instructors have had teaching experience in North America and are familiar with the cultural differences.

QUALIFICATIONS

Budapest Semester is a creative mathematics program. Interested mathematics and computer science majors should:

• Have sophomore standing (required)
• Have completed at least one semester of Abstract Algebra or Advanced Calculus (A First Course in Analysis)
• Discuss this semester option with their advisors
• Have a GPA of at least 2.75

CREDITS

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. Classes are taught in English by Hungarian professors. In addition, courses are offered in:

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

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

BSM courses comprise 14 weeks of 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 BSM course transfers either as 3 or 4 semester hours.

COSTS

Program costs include the following:

• Tuition: 16–20 semester hours
• Airport pickup
• Orientation

Items not covered (please see note regarding starred items):

• Flights
• Housing (apartment and homestay options available)*
• Meals*
• Personal expenses
• Independent travel and local transportation
• Residence permit fee*
• Mandatory Hungarian health insurance
• Books

*Students will pay room and board directly on the ground. Other expenses students should be prepared to pay: utilities, mandatory Hungarian health insurance and the residence permit fee.

Student Financial Services will reassess each applicant's financial aid package for their off-campus semester and provide a breakdown of costs after acceptance from the Global Education Office. Federal and private aid will not be affected. Please contact Student Financial Services for specific financial questions. 

APPLICATION PROCEDURE & DEADLINES

All Gordon students applying to this program must first submit an online seat application to the Global Education Office before applying directly to your program. Seat applications must be submitted by March 1.

After the Global Education Office has notified you of your approval, you may then proceed with the program application. Fall applications are accepted until April 1. Spring applications are accepted until October 15.

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