Károli Gáspár University

Did you experience culture shock on your exchange?

Yes

How did you overcome your culture shock?

Understanding that things won't all be the same as at home, and adapting to changes will help me enjoy my experience to the fullest. It also really helped being in the Hungarian language course, because at the beginning of every class the professor would let us ask any cultural or language questions we had. He was very good at explaining cultural differences to us and teaching us words and phrases for everyday life.

What were the biggest cultural differences you experienced?

Courtesy rules on public transport were something I had to learn, but they were easy to pick up on. I knew you have to pay for the bathroom at lots of places, but it was still a surprise every time. Also, some retail or customer service workers make it very apparent that they are having a bad day or are very open about complaining. You have to understand that it is their attitude towards everyone, even local Hungarians, and you did nothing wrong. There are still workers that are incredibly kind and friendly too! Downtown, almost everyone will speak English, but in the more local areas you may have to get by using Google translate and the basic Hungarian and English words you and the other person know. Unfortunately, Budapest has a very large homeless population, but it is not unsafe. Also, drinking culture is a lot more prevalent in Europe and it was common for my classmates to stay at clubs until 4-6 am or play flunkyball multiple days a week. I found everyone was very respectful if you don't want to partake though, and I never felt peer pressure to drink heavily or go out as much as Europeans do.

What is the best form of transportation within the city?

I was amazed by how efficient the transportation system was. A transportation ticket for all of Budapest was only about $3/month for students, and all of Hungary was about $9/month. The ticket was good for the metro lines, trams, and buses, which are more than enough to get anywhere in the city at any hour day and night. I would download the BudapestGo app before you leave for your exchange. You can purchase a pass right in there. When you arrive, I would purchase the regular priced monthly pass for the first month, since it takes a long time to get your Hungarian student ID that lets you purchase the student pass.

What was your favourite place to visit within the city?

My favourite place to study was the Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library. It is a gorgeous palace converted into a library that was right across the street from the building most of my classes were in. And it only cost about $1.50 for a year membership for students! I don't think I can choose my favourite places to visit in my free time because Budapest has so many beautiful and fun places to visit. I loved walking along the Danube, visiting the typical tourist places with beautiful architecture like the Chain Bridge, parliament, city park, Mathias Church, Fisherman's Bastion, Buda Castle, the Opera House, etc. The Christmas markets that start in November also have such a magical and festive feel. There are a lot of large parks and green spaces too to find some more tranquility and nature among the busy city. I also loved walking along the many historic streets like Andrassy Avenue or walking along side streets in the downtown Pest area because they are all so beautiful. The city has endless things to offer. I still have a list of places to visit for the next time I go back, because 4 months simply wasn't enough to explore it all.

Were there any special events, festivals, or holidays in the city you would recommend others attend? Or anywhere you travelled to that you loved?

On March 15 and October 23 a lot of museums have free entry, so they are good days to explore some of the history more. Closer to Christmas, I travelled to Germany and the Czech Republic to visit Christmas markets. Those trips were completely worth it and they were some of my favourite memories. Also, Vienna is about a 2.5 hour train ride away. The tickets are really affordable and the city is so beautiful, you can't miss going there. There are so many different countries you can fly to on budget airlines from the Budapest airport. Think of any country in Europe you want to visit and you can probably find a flight there.

On average, what was the weather like?

When I first arrived it was hot. I think the weather was in the 20s until the end of September and in the teens until the beginning of November. Mid-November winter started to hit and it was about 0-10 degrees until the time I left in December. It snowed maybe twice when I was there but it was melted by the end of the day. It was sunny most days and there wasn't much rain, although I might have been lucky. I brought a light winter jacket and wore lots of layers on colder days, but it probably would've been nicer to have something a bit warmer if you can fit it in your suitcase or find something at one of the many thrift stores.

Additional comments about the city?

As I said before, it has endless opportunities and you will never be bored. The city will always have a special place in my heart and I think anyone that chooses to study there will find out just how amazing it is to live in. Having the Danube splitting the city into two (Buda and Pest) gives it a really unique feel, as each side has its own characteristics. There is a huge international community there including exchange students at KRE, other universities, and expats, so there are lots of opportunities to connect with other foreigners. And of course, there and Hungarian students who are eager to make friends and share their culture with foreigners. There is an organization called Erasmus Life Budapest that organizes lots of events, activities, parties, and weekend trips for foreign students. It is a great way to make friends off the bat when you don't know anybody.

Did you have a favourite course you would recommend to future students?

Hungarian Art History with Erzsébet Stróbl was amazing! She is incredibly knowledgeable about Budapest and Hungary's history and the class will help you understand the place you are living in much more. It also has a few trips around the city outside of the classroom. Urban Sociology (6 walks) is also great if you want to explore the city more, as the entire class is based on walking tours. And Hungarian Language and Culture for Absolute Beginners was extremely helpful for daily life. László Joachim was a really nice professor and made learning the language so much easier.

Some of my classmates took Medieval Hungarian History and said the class was totally unique. The professor would bring props to class to demonstrate and enhance his lectures and even invited classes to his house a couple times for group dinners where they cooked food over an outdoor medieval stove.

What is the best way for students to travel to the university upon arrival?

I asked my Hungarian buddy to pick me up and take me to the dorm and she was happy to do so. Just make arrangements beforehand! If you are arriving to the dorm late, just make sure you can check in when you get there. It shouldn't be an issue with Bethlen but I would double check for Obudai.

If you have to go on your own, I would take the bus 100E to the city centre and then take the bus/metro/tram to your dorm. Or if you don't want to bother dragging your luggage around on public transit, order an Uber or Bolt taxi from the airport. When I did smaller trips during the semester where I didn't have lots of luggage and had extra time, I took the bus 200E and the M3 to and from the airport because it's included in your monthly pass. You have to pay about $10 each way I believe for the 100E, but it is a lot faster and more convenient for transfers.

Did the university have a buddy program available?

Yes

Additional comments about your host university?

I am so glad I chose KRE as my host university. My professors were so kind and tried to make our exchange the best experience they could. The one week of orientation at the beginning can be overwhelming, but it really is important to take full advantage of the activities and talk to anyone and everyone because it is the best chance to make friends. I appreciated how much effort the staff at KRE put into helping us establish connections during orientation. I was also a bit nervous before applying because I didn't know what to expect from a Christian university. If you are Christian there is a strong community for you, and if you are not there is no need to be nervous. KRE has a really diverse group of students from so many ethnic and religious backgrounds and everyone is extremely respectful of others' beliefs. It's really an awesome place to study for anyone and everyone!

Were the following provided in your student dorm?

• Bedding - yes, but I bought my own cheap sheet set
• Shared kitchen - yes
• Pots, pans, utensils, etc. - yes

Please list the furniture that was provided in your room.

Shelf, desk, chair, lamp, closet space, coat rack, bed with storage space underneath.

How long did it take to travel from your accommodation to classes?

It depended on the classes since KRE doesn't have an actual campus, but has buildings spread throughout the city. From the Bethlen dorm to the buildings at Kalvin Ter (R4 and R6), it was about 25 minutes. From Bethlen to the English Department (D25) it was about 40-50 minutes. To the Psychology and Law buildings it would be longer. The commutes honestly didn't feel that long to me.

Do you have suggestions for future students who are looking for accommodation?

Stay in the Bethlen dorm. You will get to choose between Obudai and Bethlen. KRE might place you in Bethlen anyways because that's where "overseas" (non-European) students usually go. I stayed in both because of renovations going on and the state, cleanliness, and management of the Bethlen dorm is much better. There are 4 people to a room, which made me nervous, but it was not bad at all once I adjusted. The dorms are really cheap, so the living standard is basic, almost like a hostel, but for a few months it is totally doable. There were a group of Americans living in the dorm when I was there, which was really comforting because I was the only Canadian at KRE. It was nice to see and talk to people that felt close to home every day. Some of my European friends chose not to stay in the dorms and found their own accommodation in the city. That's a good option too if you want a room to yourself. Personally, I'm happy I stayed in the dorms because it helped me meet so many more friends and I got to save money on rent to put towards travelling.

How much cash would you recommend students bring when arriving?

Maybe $100-200 in Hungarian Forint. After that, you can use your Wise card or other debit card to withdraw at an ATM. OTP bank doesn't charge fees at their ATMs and they're all over the city.

If you are travelling to Austria or Germany you should definitely take euros out of an ATM since there are lots of places that only accept cash still. OTP in Budapest doesn't charge fees to withdraw Euros either. There are some places that only accept cash in Budapest too. You especially need cash for Christmas markets in Europe.

Which company would you recommend students purchase a sim card/e-sim through?

I had an e-sim from Airalo that expired after a week and set up a sim card with Telekom as soon as I got there. Telekom worked perfectly and Vodafone is also a good option. Yettel is the cheapest in Hungary but my friends who used them had lots of problems with their connection when travelling.

Do you have advice for how students should handle banking in your host country?

Get a Wise card. The fees are low and it made everything seamless. Order it before you leave so you can have the physical card. Lots of students had trouble figuring out how to pay the dorm fees, but I was able to do a transfer in Wise with zero fees that sent to the university instantly.

Please provide any additional suggestions regarding costs.

Always have your Hungarian student ID with you on the transit once you can get your student pass. If the controllers ask you for it you can get a fine if you don't have it. Also if you do get a fine, don't pay it on the spot. If you just forgot your ID, you can get it reduced if you pay it at a BKK office. Don't let your pass expire, but if you do, renew it the day you get your ticket and you can get your ticket reduced at the office as well. I didn't know this and got stuck with a huge fine I paid on the spot for an expired pass. Controllers can be very unfriendly and unforgiving.

If you want to save money on food, eat street food. There are lots of affordable street food places to get pasta (PASTA, Nokedlish), kebab, burgers (Smashy Burger), Asian food (Don Doko Don), langos etc. for about $10 or less, and they provide a pretty good portion of food. Lidl and Aldi are the cheapest grocery stores to shop at.

If you need to buy cheap basics, Kik, Pepco, or the Asian discount stores that are all over the city have affordable things. I got a desk mirror and some basic kitchen supplies, since I didn't love using the shared kitchen things. DM has affordable hygiene and cosmetic basics.

What would you suggest students pack before leaving Canada if they are studying at your host university?

Slides for the dorm, European outlet adapter, power bank, meds you use frequently because they might not be available in Hungary (I got so many coughs/colds), a towel. Also, some Canadian snacks and sweets you can share.

I bought a duvet cover/pillow case right when I arrived for about $10 at Lidl (grocery store). The pillows are larger so normal Canadian pillow cases won't fit.

Please feel free to add additional comments that you would like to share with future exchange students going to your host institution.

Budapest has so much to offer. It is also one of the safest capital cities in Europe. I lived far away from most of my friends, so I was constantly travelling back to my dorm alone at night and I never felt unsafe as a female. Just keep your guard up and be aware of your surroundings like you normally would. Keep yourself busy and go to as many places as you can to make the most of your exchange. Make sure you go to lots of the more local places, they really help you immerse yourself in the culture more than the typical tourist spots. And travel to as many other European countries as you can. Also, there are so many opportunities to make friends with students from so many different countries, so try and spend time with as many of them as possible, because you will meet truly incredible people! I know Budapest isn't usually anyone's top choice for an exchange city, but it should be everyone's.

What is the best form of transportation within the city?

The public transportation is amazing. Students get a discounted pass for travel around the whole city and even within the country. I was mind blown by how efficient it was.

What was your favourite place to visit within the city?

I found a spot by the river that was quiet and peaceful so I went there a lot. I also really enjoyed walking down the streets in different neighborhoods on both sides of the city (especially the buda side). By the mid point of my exchange I found myself avoiding the city centre area because it was very busy and stressful for me.

Were there any special events, festivals, or holidays you would recommend others attend?

I honestly did not go to many events or festivals, but there was always something going on. One day the Liberty Bridge was closed off from traffic and people were allowed to walk along it and have picnics there, and I wish I could have seen that but I didn’t know it was happening!

On average, what was the weather like?

Compared to the weather in Lethbridge, the weather in Hungary was mild. It never got below zero. Some days the wind was so strong that it reminded me of home, but not often. It never snowed but it rained a lot. In May it got extremely hot which I did not expect.

Any additional comments about Budapest?

Budapest is absolutely amazing! It is so beautiful and the people are generally very friendly and polite. In the city centre most people speak English. There was never a single moment when I felt genuinely unsafe in the city, and I spent many nights exploring it alone!

Did you have a favourite course you would recommend to future students?

I really enjoyed Dialogue Between Ancient Greek Philosophy and Christian Theology. The professor was passionate, engaging, and entertaining.

Did KRE provide the following?

• Airport pick up upon arrival - yes
• Buddy program - yes

Any additional comments about KRE?

As soon as I arrived I could tell that the host university cared about their exchange students! I always felt like I could reach out if I had a problem and they helped us with everything. The buddy program was very helpful as well.

Were the following provided in KRE's dormitory?

• Bedding - yes
• Kitchen facilities - yes
• Pots, pans, etc. - yes

What furniture was provided in your dorm?

We each got a bed and a desk with a chair, a lamp, and a small cabinet under the desk. There were a few closets for us to share and a coat rack. There was also a mini fridge with a cabinet above it for storage. Also the beds lifted up so you could store stuff underneath.

How long did it take to travel from your accommodation to classes?

It took about 30 minutes at most. A two minute walk to the tram stop, and then a five minute wait at most for the tram, and a two minute walk from the tram stop to the school.

Do you have suggestions for future students who are looking for accommodation?

I recommend staying at the dorm. The location is perfect and during orientation week you get to meet basically everyone who will be staying there so there’s always familiar faces and opportunities to make friends. It is also inexpensive.

Do you have advice for how students should handle banking in your host country?

I would recommend getting the Wise app. It’s free and you can convert money into any currency easily and quickly. I would recommend getting it a couple months before going so that you can have a physical card mailed to you so you can withdraw money at the atm.

What would you suggest students pack before leaving Canada if they are studying at KRE?

I would suggest bringing a portable charger, a small desk mirror, some of your favourite snacks (the snacks are very different there), and maybe some pictures of your family/friends/pets to decorate your walls with, also bring shower sandals if you are staying in the dorm (and don’t forget a towel)

Hungary is one of the 15 most popular tourist destinations in the world. Its capital city, Budapest, is divided by the Danube River and boasts beautiful landmarks such as the Hungarian Parliament Building and Buda Castle. Hungary's cuisine is famous for dishes like goulash and chimney cake, while its wines, including Tokaji and Bull's Blood, have gained international recognition. The country is also home to the breathtaking Lake Balaton, the largest freshwater lake in Central Europe, and the charming town of Eger, known for its Baroque architecture and thermal baths.

Hungary is in the temperate zone, and has a relatively dry, continental climate. Average temperatures range from -1 °C in January to 28 °C in July. Hungary is protected from extreme weather conditions by the surrounding mountain ranges, the Alps and the Carpathians.

Budapest is cited as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, ranked as "the world's second best city" by Condé Nast Traveler, and "Europe's 7th most idyllic place to live" by Forbes. The city is a captivating blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture. Many iconic landmarks can be found along the Danube River that runs throughout the city, such as the Hungarian Parliament, Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion, Gresham Palace, Chain Bridge, Matthias Church, and the Liberty Statue. The city boasts numerous thermal baths, including the famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath, providing a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. Budapest's vibrant culinary scene offers a mix of traditional Hungarian dishes, trendy cafes, and Michelin-starred restaurants. Among Budapest's important museums and cultural institutions is the Museum of Fine Arts. Further famous cultural institutions are the Hungarian National Museum, House of Terror, Franz Liszt Academy of Music, Hungarian State Opera House and National Széchényi Library. With its grand boulevards, lively nightlife, and rich cultural heritage, Budapest is a dynamic and enchanting travel destination.

Károli Gáspár University was founded by the Reformed Church in Hungary. The university was named after Károli Gáspár, the Calvinist pastor, who prepared the first complete Hungarian translation of the Bible in 1590. The university was established in its present form in 1993, but its history roots back to 1839. Its education and research activities are carried out by 15 institutes and 52 departments belonging to the five faculties. There are approximately 9 000 students enrolled at the university.

Course registration occurs during KRE's Orientation Week.

Courses in English

View course catalogue for exchange students.

Language Courses

KRE also offers foreign language courses in twelve languages, including French and Spanish.

Exchange students take courses from the faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, which offers courses in:

• Art, History, and Culture
• English Studies (including Canadian Studies!)
• Asian Studies
• Philosophy, Theology, and Religious Studies
• Sociology, Communication, and Psychology

The European academic structure varies from the North American system. Courses completed at a European exchange partner will not be transferred back to the U of L on a course-for-course basis. Rather, students will be required to successfully complete a certain number of ECTS (European Transfer Credit System) credits to earn U of L credit equivalency. Typically, a full course load is 30 ECTS, and 6 ECTS = 3 U of L credits.

You are eligible for this exchange if you are:

• A full-time U of L student
• In at least the 2nd year of your program
• In good academic standing, with a GPA of 2.5 or higher

Canadian citizens may enter Hungary visa-free and apply for a residence permit upon arrival in Budapest.

More information about applying for a residence permit can be found on the Embassy of Hungary in Ottawa website or KRE's website.

For detailed information about vaccination recommendations when visiting Hungary, please visit the Government of Canada's website.

Student Residences

• KRE has partnerships with two student residences located close to campus
• Cost: approx. €100/month (2023)
• Application Deadline: Fall - June 15, Spring - December 15

Private Housing

• Exchange students will receive an email from KRE's international office with a promo code for 30% off accommodations booked through Spotahome
• KRE provides a list of other platforms to assist in searching for private housing on their accommodations page
• If you rent an apartment, costs are approximately: 90,000 - 120,000 HUF (€280 - €400)
• If you rent a room, costs are approximately: 60,000-90,000 HUF (€180 - €280)

For more information about accommodation options, visit KRE's accommodations page.

In Budapest

KRE recommends students purchase a monthly public transit pass after receiving their student ID. The student pass is only valid with a student ID, so it is important to carry the ID with you at all times. A student pass can be purchased from BKK. The cost is 3 450 HUF, or approx. €10 (2023).

For more information about transportation in Budapest click here.

In Europe

For those planning a lot of travel throughout Europe, it is recommended to buy a Eurail pass. The pass must be purchased before going to Hungary.

Students going on an exchange pay regular U of L tuition and fees. For up-to-date tuition information, visit the U of L's Financial Services website.

It is mandatory for all exchange students to have valid travel health insurance for their entire period of stay.

The ULSU Health & Dental plan includes travel insurance coverage, or contact your own insurance company to see if you have or can purchase travel coverage.

Cost of Living in Hungary

Applicants who can demonstrate that they have Hungarian roots and maintain a Hungarian identity may be eligible for the Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship through the Hungarian government. The scholarship includes medical insurance, and upon request a monthly stipend, accommodation contribution and travel allowance. Applications are due in January of each year. As of 2024, only students who do an exchange in the BA Psychology program are eligible for the Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship.

To learn more about the scholarship and eligibility requirements, click here.