Program Overview
The Budapest Semesters in Mathematics program is intended for junior and senior students majoring in mathematics and computer science. All BSM classes are held at College International, a Hungarian-based educational institution focusing on international students studying in Budapest. The instructors of BSM are members of Eötvös University, the Mathematical Institute of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, and Budapest University of Technology and Economics, the three institutions known for having educated more than half of Hungary’s highly acclaimed mathematicians. The North American Director, Kristina Garrett, of the St. Olaf Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science makes final decisions on acceptance to the program for all North American undergraduate applicants.
For information about the BSM Summer Program, click here.
Academics
The academic year course load consists of four mathematics courses each semester. The eight-week summer semester course load is two courses. For more information about academics in Budapest, click here. Students studying off-campus in the fall or spring can bring up to 4.5 credits back to campus.
Prior to the start of fall and spring semesters, a Bablion Language and Culture course is offered. The Babilon Language & Culture course is a two week course offered before the start of the semester. It is non-credit and optional, but is an opportunity to learn some language basics and orient yourself to Budapest and Hungary. St. Olaf will cover the additional cost given its importance in orienting you and facilitating your cultural transition to a new learning and living environment.
Student Life
Students can explore the historic and bustling city of Budapest, which has much to offer in terms of entertainment museums, restaurants, and historical sites to visit. Students who enjoy spending time outside can take advantage of the many city parks and the beautiful Danube river. A one-week break is provided in each semester.
Accommodations/Housing
Students live in apartments in the Budapest city center or suburbs. For more information, click here.
Babilon Survival Hungarian and Cultural Course (optional)
The Babilon Language School offers an optional Survival Hungarian and Cultural Course, a two-and-a-half week course in Hungarian culture and practical language skills, prior to the beginning of each semester. (See the BSM academic calendar for the exact dates of the course.) St. Olaf will cover the additional cost of this course given its importance in orienting you and facilitating your cultural transition to a new learning and living environment. It is possible you will receive a bill due to automated billing systems at universities; if you do, please contact ios@stolaf.edu.
