Central European University Budapest (CEU)

not really; although make sure you follow all the rules in subway stations (buy new tickets when changing the lines). I did not know that and was fined when I first arrived in Budapest.

Language of instruction was English, so no problems at all. Hungarian was only needed in the street, I did some language courses to learn a bit more than the basics, to get around etc. and that was a very good experience. Just adds a lot to you understanding of life and culture if you speak the local language (a bit). However, Hungarian is amongst the most difficult languages and nobody else except Hungarians speak it, so lots of dedication is in order!

Learning Hungarian was a challenge to me especially because I was surrounded by international students rather than Hungarians which made it hard to practice and develop my Hungarian. However, that international environment helped to develop my English. My language of instruction in Turkey was English too, but in Hungary, speaking all the time English with my friends, I guess I improved my speaking skills.

I know from some other colleagues that it offers great assistance for finding accommodation. However, I preferred to find a flat in my own in advance, rather than wait until the beginning of the academic year for finding a place to stay.

The university provided out-of-dorm students temporary accomodation until we found an apartment to rent, but it was an awful plave and we really hurried to move out of that place. They could have provided a better temporary accomodation so that students could have better searched for an appropriate apartment for themselves.

I do not generally have very favourite night spots, as do not go out to pubs often. The reason is a very heavy workload at the university. Yet, I would suggest others go to Godor club, Szimpla pub, there are also very good cafes and restaurants on ships on the Danube embankment. I like walking along the embankment at night. It is very beautiful, particularly the old Buda side of the city.