Students are invited to participate in AIT’s study abroad program by attending a unique semester in Budapest between February 1 – May 27, 2011. Students may take courses in design, entrepreneurship, foundations of computer science, and computational biology, as well as courses in the humanities. While all AIT courses are taught in English, students may also elect to take a Hungarian language course. Students will be immersed in Budapest’s cultural and city life through various extracurricular activities.
AIT is affiliated with BME, the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, an internationally acclaimed institution founded in 1782 and the first institute in Europe to train engineers at the university level.
The 2011 Spring Semester offers 20 courses organized in the following four areas:
- Design and entrepreneurship
- Foundations of computer science
- Advanced applications including computational biology
- Humanities courses related to Hungarian culture with an optional course in Hungarian language skills
All courses are taught in English. In addition, a diverse range of extracurricular activities are offered for exploring the historic heritage and contemporary cultural life of Budapest and the region.
ACADEMIC PROGRAM AND CREDITS
Classes are taught in English by eminent Hungarian professors, most of whom have had teaching experience in North American universities. In keeping with Hungarian tradition, teachers closely monitor each individual student's progress. Considerable time is devoted to problem solving and encouraging student creativity. Emphasis is on depth of understanding rather than on the quantity of material. The academic program is based on a philosophy of small and intimate classes, close collaboration of students and faculty, and hands-on work through group projects. In AIT’s 2011 Spring Semester the expected total number of students will be 25-35.
Academic courses will meet twice a week, for two hours each time. Hence the 7-week courses typically correspond to 2 credits, and the 14-week courses to 4 credits at most American colleges and universities. However, credits are subject to acceptance by the student’s home institution. Students are expected to select academic courses with an average load of 20-25 contact hours a week. AIT is providing credit transfer in the form of a transcript from the Budapest University of Technology and Economics. Students participate in AIT’s program while remaining enrolled at their home institution. Courses may be taken as
Audit, Pass/No Credit, or
Graded.
AIT offers academic humanities courses as well. These 2 credits courses will meet once a week for two hours throughout the 14 weeks period. Some of them (Hungarian history and architecture, Hungarian music, Hungarian film) are included in the cost of tuition, while optional language courses are offered for credit via a language school which charges a separate fee.
SCHEDULE
Spring semester starts in the first week of February. An optional intensive language course is offered about two weeks before regular classes begin. Early applications are encouraged.
Deadline for applications: October 15
Notification of acceptance: October 29
Arrival for participants of the optional language course: between January 15, Saturday and January 18, Tuesday
Optional language course begins: January 19, Wednesday
Optional language course ends: February 1, Tuesday
Regular arrival: between January 29, Saturday and February 1, Tuesday
Orientation period: between February 2, Wednesday and February 4, Friday
Classes of the spring term begin: February 7, Monday
First half-semester: between February 7, Monday and March 25, Friday (March 15, Tuesday, national holiday in Hungary – no classes)
Spring recess begins: March 26, Saturday
Last day of spring recess: April 3, Sunday
Second half-semester: between April 4, Monday and May 20, Friday (April 25, Easter Monday – no classes)
Classes of the spring term end: May 20, Friday
Exams begin: May 23, Monday
Program ends: May 27, Friday
TUITION
Tuition fee at AIT is $13,000 (U.S.) per semester of study. This fee does not include the optional language course, housing, meals and travel. (For these prices please see Estimated Direct Student Costs.)
HOW TO APPLY?
In order to apply for AIT consult with your instructor at your home institution first and then follow the instructions on the Application Form. (Application Form for Spring Semester 2011 will be available soon). If you have any questions, please contact AIT’s North American Program Directors or the Budapest office.
