Reviews of Central European University Budapest (CEU) | Hungary

Useful | 1

Nigora S

Russian-Tajik Slavonic University, Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Sociology, Graduate, Open Society Institute-Soros Foundation

Academic

Course recommendations

I am in the department of sociology and social anthropology. So, of course it depends on one's academic field of study and research topic. I would definitely reccomend the following courses: Modernity: Institutions, Power and Agency; Religion and Modernity; Key issues in sociological theory

My academic experiences

Quality of courses

Variety of courses

Access to resources

Interaction with teachers

Interaction with international students

Interaction with local students

Personal comments

the only problem is that the program is rather short, and students have a very heavy workloand for a very shor timespan

My opinion of the university assessment

Exams at end of course

Exams throughout the course

Essays and/or projects at the end of course

Essays and/or projects throughout the course

Overall

Useful | 0

Nigora S

Russian-Tajik Slavonic University, Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Sociology, Graduate, Open Society Institute-Soros Foundation

Languages

Language of instruction: English

Local language was: Different than language of instruction

Was learning English a key decision factor?

Yes, I wanted to improve my English

Was learning the local language a key decision factor?

Yes, I wanted to improve my the local language

How much did you improve your English?

My level before: No problems in any areas (including slang)
My level after: No problems in any areas (including slang)

How much did you improve your the local language?

My level before: Did not speak it
My level after: Everyday knowledge (shopping, directions, etc.)

Language difficulties

Social

Educational

Administrative / Institutional

Overall

Personal comments

The language did not pose any barriers. I have studied previoiusly in the US, so I am very fluent in English: my TOEFL is 647. However, it is a bit difficult without the knowledge of Hungarian, particularly in social, public situations.

Useful | 1

Nigora S

Russian-Tajik Slavonic University, Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Sociology, Graduate, Open Society Institute-Soros Foundation

Overall

I wish I had known...

not really

In my opinion:

I loved it but I'm not sure everybody would.

Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important

Academic reasons

4

Culture

2

Costs

1

Activities

1

Campus life

1

Party / people

2

Weather / location

2

Personal recommendation

it is agood university. Although, if you do decide to apply here, be ready to study hard. The workload, no jokes is heavy, and semesters are short. The program is short by itself, yet it is a good university overall

During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot

Became familiar with another culture

3

Traveled

2

Improved language skills

3

Met people from other countries

4

Became more independent

3

Partied a lot

3

Experienced a change in life

3

Advanced my studies & career

4

Final comments

for travel tips , e.g. metro transit, you'd better buy a monthly special pass, which will give you unlimited access to all types of public transportation. Helpful advice: may be if you are short of money, do shopping at CBA and Tesco, or eat at Chenese buffets. Food is good and relatively cheep

Useful | 2

Nigora S

Russian-Tajik Slavonic University, Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Sociology, Graduate, Open Society Institute-Soros Foundation

Expenses

Main source of funding:

Other

Other sources of funding:

Other

Work opportunities:

I didn't want/need to work

Personal spending habits

Simply, my home country Tajikistan is located in central Asia, a post-soviet country. Hungary, by contrast, is a new member of EU, and the prices have risen visbly over recent time. Services cost more, and in general standard of living is higher in Hangary than in Tajikistan

Overall, Travel, Food, Telephone, Housing:

was more expensive than at home.

Nightlife:

was the same price as at home.

Accessibility of student needs

Second-hand text books

Second-hand household items

Computers / Internet

Administrative

Money from home

Personal comments

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.

Useful | 0

Nigora S

Russian-Tajik Slavonic University, Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Sociology, Graduate, Open Society Institute-Soros Foundation

Housing

Type of housing: Apartment/House

Arranged by: Independently - My choice

If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House

Why?

I am accustomed to living independently.Also,dormitories are located very far from the main university building, and it takes a lot of time to get to the university. I value my time; therefore prefer to live close to the university in a seperate apartment.

Personal assessment

Cost

Facilities

Location

Cleanliness

Space

Personal comments

My housing is rather good I would say in terms of its location. Since it is located in the very centre of Budapest, and only 2 minutes from the university (Deak Ter), it is quite costly. It is a small studio for one person. I like it very much, although the rentpay is quite costly.

Useful | 1

Nigora S

Russian-Tajik Slavonic University, Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Sociology, Graduate, Open Society Institute-Soros Foundation

Student life

Describe host city:

Students interact with the local community without much university involvement

Activities, Nightlife, Travel: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment

Personal social experience

Activities

Nightlife

Travel

Overall

Personal comments

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.

Central European University Budapest (CEU)

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