Budapest Semesters in Mathematics Education

This was my favorite semester so far. I've always wanted to study abroad and want to teach math/work in education, so BSME is the perfect combination. The academic side is so interesting because I had never been exposed to Hungarian math education, but it really is something very unique, so cool to learn about, and to actually be able to see it happen. It's even more special because you're not just reading about it or studying it from afar but get to observe classes and hear about it from the students and teachers themselves. The discussion was always great and there were many "aha!" moments in classes when we found solutions or any sort of interesting discovery. The administration parts on both the Budapest and US sides were great and made everything easy. Everyone was very helpful and willing to answer any questions that I, or my school, had. Budapest itself is a beautiful city. I fell in love with it on my first day there and did so again and again throughout the semester. The food, the sights, the people, the culture, everything about it was new and wonderful and it was amazing to be able to actually experience an entirely different culture than my own. I cannot say enough good things about this program, thank you to everyone at BSME for an incredible semester!

This experience came at a very pivotal time in my life and it helped me grow in ways I could not have imagined. I found myself happy to be on a bus seeing the beautiful city or riding a train for the first time. I made friends who were locals or other students like me from all over the states. They challenge me in my specific content in a way I could not get in the states and allowed me the time to really focus in. I saw the world and felt like an outsider, something many of my students have to experience. Which help me learn things that set me above my peers in work, personal life, in relationship, and professionally. I hated the idea of leaving and all I want to do is go back!

Spending a semester in Budapest is the best decision I’ve ever made. The astounding BSME program has changed the way I think about math and education. The people I was able to meet have forever changed the way I think about myself and the world. More than anything, I am incredibly grateful for the friends I’ve made. And don’t think this is goodbye, I plan on returning to Hungary as soon as possible.