Comments from Students on the McDaniel Budapest Program

 “Study abroad . . . is an interesting paradox in which your world gets smaller and larger simultaneously. It becomes smaller in that you realize you have access to people from all over the world and can see that their lives, dreams, desires, & aspirations are not unlike your own. You are able to look beyond your national borders and find those things that can bond everlasting friendships with other human beings. At the same time you realize how small your own part of the world actually is, and how many different people there are in the world.
--Corey P. Graybill (’08) at McDaniel College Budapest

I would wholeheartedly try to persuade all college students to study abroad. Not only did I learn how to be completely independent and self-sufficient in a strange city (that soon became home) but I met people from all over the world who taught me so much about myself and my country. I feel more well-rounded and globally conscious after this semester, like I can tackle anything I put my mind to, even Hungarian!
--Rachel Pyles  '09

Living outside your home country allows you to see the world in a whole new perspective. It changes the way you think about everything: the world, politics, culture, yourself…  
--Mollie Van Lieu ’08

Studying abroad was one of the greatest things I have ever done. I went from being a sheltered “townie” to an experienced world traveler. I met people from all around the world and I learned about their cultures. I also had the invaluable opportunity to live in a European city, right there with everyone else, immersed in the culture. I had the option to go to some other European city, almost at a whim. All that, and I got a grade!”
--Stephen Hohne ‘07

Budapest, Hungary offered me the time of my life. I met people from around the world (Germany, Amsterdam, New Zealand, Australia, etc.). It was a growing experience and a learning experience. I’ve gained a new mindset of how big and diverse the world really is and adapting to a new society helped me learn things about myself. I will forever cherish the friendships and memories that I made in my study abroad experience. Study abroad should not be optional; it should be mandatory. I’ll never regret my decision.
I recommend taking ‘Aerobics’ as a gym and I recommend ‘Hungarian Culture’. ‘Aerobics’ offered a nice break from the monotony of classes and ‘Hungarian Culture’ gave me a better insight to the city I was living in and the recent history that citizens have lived through.” 
--Erin McKeon ‘08

I almost feel like a different person. I feel more confident and more aware of the world around me.  I’m much more independent than I was before I went abroad. . . . Over all, I’d say everyone at McDaniel should be required to go to Budapest. 
--Allison Dower ‘07

This semester was the best four months of my life, and I don't know what my life would be like if I hadn't gone abroad. It taught me so much about myself and the world we live in. I saw more in those four months than some people have in a lifetime, and that knowledge is amazing.
--Kaelynn Miller '07, studied at McDaniel Budapest

Studying abroad is one of the more challenging but enjoyable experiences of your life. It is one of the few times where you can strip away everything that is really inconsequential in your life and get down to your real self. You learn more about yourself and the world than you could ever possibly imagine.
--Sean Maslin '08, studied at McDaniel Budapest

Studying abroad was a once in a lifetime experience that truly changed the way I look at and live my life. The four months I spent living in Budapest tested my limits, challenged me, and ultimately helped me grow up in ways I could not imagine. When I left the city, I was more confident and felt more connected to the world. My eyes have been forever opened. I'd do it all over again the first chance I get.
--Jenna Swartz '07, studied at McDaniel Budapest

My study abroad experience was definitely one of the best times of my life. I was able to meet new people from all over the world and interact with them each day. I got to see how these individuals responded to different topics, which was really interesting to me, and see how they differed from my own views. I also got a very strong sense for how Europe feels about America and those who reside here. . . . There are amazing places to see in Europe, and not many people can say they have seen many by the age of 21, but I can. I feel that I am very lucky for the experience I had. I can't wait until I am able to travel again!
--Charlotte Kelly Stewart '06, studied at McDaniel Budapest

I was disoriented when I first arrived in Budapest, but adjusted quickly. The return home was much worse because I, myself, was different, but nothing at home was. This was disconcerning. Advice: Pack light, take along strong shoes, keep money safe, travel freely and as much as possible. Don't sweat the little things.
--Laurel Kenney '07, studied at McDaniel Budapest

First, not everyone studies abroad and not many Americans travel outside of the United States. Studying abroad gives you a chance to see why you shouldn't take anything for granted. For example, my respect for the United States and many of the freedoms I have there aren't easily obtainable to a typical Hungarian. So, I would have to say that I commend each and every student taking this opportunity. You may have ups and downs, but the experience is worth it. You'll learn a lot about yourself.
--Jamie Janowich '07,  at McDaniel College Budapest

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Comments from Students on Other Study Abroad Programs

The decision to study abroad is usually made because you have a desire to travel and get away from your home university.? What you don't always plan for is the shot of adrenaline that your life takes from the experience.? The lessons, adventures, and friends gained from your journey are forever infused into your life.
--Adam Fisher '09, AustraLearn: U. of Canterbury, New Zealand; Fall 2007

University of Laval hosts a Summer Language Program on its campus in Quebec City each summer. The Department of Foreign Languages organizes outings and events for the summer that highlight Quebecois culture and the French language.  Living in the city was a great way to learn French outside of the classroom. With sidewalk cafes, stone castles, and a rich culture, Quebec City has all of the flair of Europe but closer to home.
--Jonathan Teter '08 - French Language Program at the University of Laval, Quebec (Summer 2007)

If possible, take the chance and immerse yourself in a different culture; you’ll see that your personal growth is one of the greatest gifts that you can give yourself. When I returned to the states, I felt like I had less freedom, and life seemed so fast paced compared to Spain.
--Timothy Neeson’08, API: University of Granada, Spain

Living in the city was a great way to learn French outside of the classroom. With sidewalk cafes, stone castles, and a rich culture, Quebec City has all of the flair of Europe but closer to home.
--Jonathan Teter’08, Université Laval, Quebec City

Practicing the language [while abroad] is less threatening than in a classroom setting . . . more casual.
--Alison Hayes’09, IES-Paris, France

If you’re an outdoors enthusiast, New Zealand is the place for you. Within an hour of town, one could go skiing and surfing (in the same day if you want), rock climbing, tramping, skydiving (do it!), bungie jumping – just about anything you can imagine.
--Daniel Faulkner-Bond’10, IFSA/Butler-University of Canterbury, New Zealand

You will need three times as much money as you think you will—England is EXPENSIVE!
--Jamie Leese’10, ISA-University of Reading, England

Studying abroad is the scariest thing I have yet to do in college, but it was also by far the most fun, educational, and rewarding experience. Learning to make mistakes and conquer the fear of offending people by butchering their language was a challenge that, once overcome, made life in a foreign country exciting and liberating.
--Laura Descher’09, API-Université Stendhal, Grenoble, France

Inside the classroom, I was able to improve my knowledge of the Spanish language and learn more about Spanish culture. The real learning was outside of the classroom. Interacting with locals, traveling, enjoying the Spanish hospitality, meeting new people, confronting new challenges--this was the most enriching part of the experience and what made me appreciate it all the more. 
Advice:  Make sure to pack at least two changes of clothes in your carry-on.
--Matthew Emery ’10, API: Universitat de Barcelona, Spain

My study abroad experience surpassed all my expectations. The classes were challenging and eye-opening. I met so many wonderful friends and traveled the east coast of Australia. I got involved with a local church and a grade-A field hockey team where I learned so much. I am making plans to go back and visit my lifetime friends and finish my travels.     
--Jamie Nash ’07, IFSA/Butler–Lismore, Australia

Studying abroad showed me how important it is to travel and learn about other people’s cultures and societies. Seeing how people in other countries live allowed me to better understand their culture and way of life. It also allowed me to better appreciate all of the things Americans take for granted.
--Heather Danhouses ’07, Australearn–Newcastle, Australia

Living with a host family was a great way to enforce the language and allow me to practice it.  I was often pushed outside my comfort zone which allowed me to have new experiences.
--Allison Moss’08), ISA- Costa Rica (ULACIT)

Homestays were awesome! They were also challenging at times. The hardest but really awesome part was being immersed in the culture. Besides that, excursion camping was great as we could hear the lions and hippos at night. You would need to live camping and not always have luxuries like showers. . . . [Study abroad in Botswana] was a complete learning experience; not only did I learn about the facts of ecology and conservation but I also learnt about another culture. I also learned a lot about myself. It was an amazing experience that was hard, and rewarding at the same time. I would not have missed it for anything!
--Elisabeth Mering ’06,  SIT- Gaborone, Bostwana

“The SIT program [on Natural and Cultural Ecology] in Cairns [Australia] was an incredible life experience. In the heart of backpacker paradise I experienced true freedom in being myself and discovered the ineffable value of friendship. … My independent study research project [involving freshwater turtles] taught me independence and self-reliance in a foreign place where I had no personal contacts. I used my networking skills and learnt about a new field of science with which I had no experience. If I had to describe Australia’s people (Aboriginal and white), its environment and spirit, I would . . . sum it up in one word . . . ‘magic’. 
--Rachel Dickey (’07) at SIT – Australia: Natural and Cultural Ecology

I learned more from studying abroad than I ever would have imagined. I went into it with practically no expectations and I came back with some of the best experiences of my life. It’s a terrible cliché repeated by almost everyone who studies abroad, but it bears repeating – “It’s the chance of a lifetime and you’ll certainly come back changed”. Going to France opened my eyes to how different people are and yet, at the same time, how incredibly alike. I will always cherish the friends and memories made during my four months in Toulouse.                        --Erin Wilson  (’07) at SIT – Toulouse, France

"I was apprehensive about living in a country where everyone speaks Spanish, and I have never taken a Spanish class before. The first few days were difficult. But once I was aware of my surroundings, how to get to school, and when meals are served, I fell in love with Argentina! The intensive, month-long Spanish course was really helpful. I learned phrases for getting around and communicating with locals. I feel as though I learned more Spanish than some people who have taken three years worth of classes. I loved Argentina—the people were so friendly and the food was delicious. I would recommend that everyone give studying abroad a chance!"
-- Kimberly Via '07, studying with ISA - Buenos Aires

Advice given by a student on the ISA-Costa Rica (ULACIT) program:
Gender issues—Be aware of this hugh cultural difference: women and men normally have more defined roles and expectations.
Safety—Never walk alone at night time, especially single women, it’s simply not safe; never walk around with expensive items or large amounts of cash; have the number of your bank in a safe place in the event that you may have to call immediately to cancel a stolen credit card.
Overall—Use common sense and enter with a completely open mind; don’t judge and don’t go in with too many expectations; be willing and eager to learn and try new things. . .that’s the only way you’re guaranteed to get the most out of your experience.

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Some advice from past Budapesters

• Recommended spending money-- $3000 (if not doing a lot of personal traveling) or $4000 (if doing a lot of weekend traveling). Budget traveling before you go.
• Pack light. Leave space in your suitcase for presents and souvenirs, or bring one empty suitcase.
• The fall is a nice time to go (warm at the beginning for acclimation purposes).
• Pack appropriate toiletries, if a girl.
• Have a back-up plan if your luggage is lost.
• Don’t take traveler’s checks. Take cash and a credit card.
• Use EURRAIL only if you plan to take the train a lot.
• The city is pretty safe, but be aware of your surroundings.
• Pack for hot and cold weather if arriving in the fall.
• Keep track of every penny you spend.  You can keep track of your money online.
• Take any medicine you may need.
• Plan out where you want to travel ahead of time, early in the semester.
• If you want to go to Oktoberfest, make reservations for your stay early summer – otherwise everything will be booked.
• Don’t travel alone at night, and never at the beginning.
• Be aware of what you say in public.
• Take to Budapest: cough syrup and measuring cups/spoons for cooking. 
• Pack more shoes than you think necessary.
• Bring your laptop; it’s a great connection to the outside world.
• Don’t spend over 4000 ft. a week on groceries per person.
• Even if you are feeling anti-social, do everything that is planned. You’ll regret missing out.
• Plan, plan, plan. Research before you go to another country.  Know what and what not to do.
• Understand that Americans are not always seen in a positive manner, so act accordingly.
• Always lock your apartment door.
• Eat vegetables.
• Try not to make too much eye contact with lots of men, if a girl.
• Don’t be too loud!
• Know the night bus schedule, which you can find online—it is different from the day schedule. (The Budapest staff should explain this to you during orientation to the city.)
• Don’t make flight plans too far in advance. BE FLEXIBLE.
• Take books to read, a warm coat and walking shoes.
• Don’t change money if possible—use ATMs.
• Know the climate – understand that most countries measure the temperature in Celsius.
• Have more than 1 credit card and have them in 2 different locations, just in case anything gets lost or stolen
• When traveling around the country have your passport but guard it carefully
• Bring smaller luggage for weekend traveling
• Use wizzair.com and ryanair.com for flights in Europe
• If you plan on staying in hostels when you travel to other countries, take along a heavy bike lock or padlock for storing your valuables since you will be sharing your room with other people.
• If you love peanut butter, take some with you because it’s hard to find ins Budapest!
• Save plastic bags if you can! You'll need them to carry groceries home with. Some grocery stores charge you for bags—rather than provide them for you.
• Bring a tourist's guide to Budapest. It might sound lame, but on a day when you're looking to have an adventure it’s easy and helpful to look up different sites, restaurants, accommodations, etc. in a guidebook.
• Warn your parents that it might be difficult to have regular conversations via phone for the first few weeks while you get settled, and be prepared to write long emails!
• Bring a variety of clothing to go with all kinds of weather, as well as at least one nice outfit for formal occasions.
• Don't forget an umbrella!
• Bring tiny bottles to transport little bits of shampoo with you when you go on trips, so you don't have to carry a big bottle.  When you fly, all liquids in your carry-on bags must be no larger than 3 oz.—and stored together in a 1-quart plastic bag
• Not a lot of people speak English, so be prepared for a big language barrier!
• Many people will try to rip you off when buying things or dealing with money, so be smart! Know what currency is worth; learn numbers and basic Hungarian survival vocabulary.
• Do not wear shirts with Che Guevara or any communist sayings on them.  Because of their past history, Hungarians do not appreciate any display of communist slogans or pictures. Leave behind any clothing that displays "America/USA/etc" - you will stand out as an American anyway, but don't make it obvious!
• Beware of absinthe—drink alcohol in moderation!
• Don’t draw a lot of attention to yourself in public, especially when drinking. This makes you a big target for pickpockets, especially on public transportation.
• You’ll notice that in public Hungarians tend not to smile as much as Americans.
• You may have to light the pilot light in your gas oven with a match.  During your On-Site Orientation in Budapest, ask the person who takes you to your apartment to show you how to do this.
• Bring a laptop with wireless capabilities—communication is very important.  (Though the flats don’t have internet connection, sometimes you can pick up a wireless signal if you’re lucky!) Computer labs on campus are always busy, and the printer breaks down often. The computer lab at school is open only Monday – Friday, 8am-6pm (roughly).
• A $40 pre-paid phone card, purchased at Walgreen’s in the U.S. worked well for me.
• Business majors should be aware that Accounting I & II in Budapest focus on international accounting.
• The international students are BIG part of your environment at MCB! Make an effort to meet some international student, socialize and travel with them.
• Study abroad students from Westminster don’t realize--until it’s pointed out to them--that everything is made easy for them by the Budapest staff because they’re dealing with you as a group.  So when you’re left on your own to deal with daily life (apartment issues,  food shopping, or commuting to school, etc.), don’t always expect special treatment because you are Americans or are students from the main campus.
• Email students who lived in your flat the semester before you.  They can give you some helpful tips on specific details of your apartment situation.
• Bring your own towel(s). The flat I live in has towels, but not really what I would consider quality. Or you can just wait and buy your own after you arrive in Budapest. You may also want to bring your own pillow and blanket, if you have room in your suitcase.
• Bring more than one converter/adapter.
• Make sure you bring DVDs, cards (UNO), Hungarian phrase book, iPod and speakers, and more than one book to read.
• Learn to play chess - you can buy chess boards anywhere here. It's a fun game and maybe you can challenge a Hungarian to a game.
• They sell hairdryers, straighteners, curling irons at Tesco (like Walmart). I got a hairdryer at Tesco for $5.00.
• Bring running/walking shoes and workout apparel. I ran everyday, give or take, and it was tough getting laundry done without a dryer in the flat.
• Buy the DK Eyewitness Travel Guide for Budapest. I have one for Budapest and Europe. Most travel guides only have descriptions of places; this particular book has pictures and descriptions. They sell them in Budapest on Vaci utca at the Libri which sells English books.
• Bring a bathing suit and GO TO THE THERMAL BATHS!!!
• Everyone should have a cell phone. Buy a pre-paid international phone card before you come - it works on your cell phone. Make sure you read the instructions on the card before you leave for Hungary.
• Bring a rain coat and/or umbrella.
• Bring a calculator and Hungarian dictionary.
• Bring batteries—they’re really expensive in Hungary.
• Keep track of what you’re spending, and know the exchange rate and how to convert forints into dollars.
• Push the green button on the inside or outside of tram (above doors) to open doors to exit/enter.

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Favorite classes in Budapest

• America since 1945 -- good class taught by American professor.
• Art History -- great class to learn about Europe and its history while you are in it.
• Politics of W. Europe -- engaging and friendly professor. Great class with quality content and discussions. Reasonable workload that teaches even more, not only assessing. Knowledgeable professor who kept students interested and thinking.
• Tapestry -- we attended field trips.
• Hungarian Culture -- Helps you adjust to the new culture. Great activities planned for the class, like trips to museums and the opera.
• European film -- very interesting and I felt more cultured after taking it.
• Salsa -- helps you adjust to a different society. Fun and interesting material to study.
• Understanding Europe -- a good class to take if you know nothing about Europe. The professor is very nice, helpful, and the classes are great!
• European History -- very respectable Hungarian woman who is a respected historian. She was so intelligent and kind.
• World Music -- excellent course. Well-taught and informative.
• Digital Photography