Life in Budapest, Hungary
“Why Budapest?”
I have heard that question maybe a thousand times since landing in Budapest, Hungary. Those asking are mostly Hungarians as they cannot believe that an American would want to study here. That being stated, I am happy to be here. I am currently enrolled at Corvinus University of Budapest as a second term, second-year guest student. I landed on February 13th and have made great memories in the past months. I have met great people, Americans and Hungarians, alike. I came here alone and would not have wanted it any other way. Sure, the first week was challenging living alone in my accommodation but it did not take long to meet some great people. Everyone here is welcoming and friendly which has made the transition that much easier. Budapest is a great city with breathtaking views, amazing food, and electric nightlife. I have also positioned myself nicely in Europe that I have been able to travel frequently. These travels include Eger, Hungary which is considered a wine country. I have also been able to visit Barcelona, Spain, Florence, Italy, and Vienna, Austria. I have been able to travel with friends here and meet friends from home in different countries which was amazing. I do love Salve Regina University but a change of scenery in a different country was too good of an opportunity to pass up.
I am an accounting major at Salve but am taking classes that are mandatory for graduation here. I opted against taking classes for my major because I knew that I would be busy with travel and other things to study countless hours. Corvinus is a much bigger school than Salve and Budaest is a much bigger city than Newport. That being said, I feel very much at home here thus far. I am in regular contact with friends and family which has made the transition that much easier. Luckily, the cost of living here is much less expensive than that at home in the States. An average meal out to eat here is $6. As I said before, the food here is excellent and there are a ton of different cuisines. I do have a particular obsession with Hungarian food though. The goulash soup and all different meats have become a fixture in my daily meal schedule. I also love the Greek food in Budapest. I was able to have tapas in Spain and great pasta and pizza in Italy. In Vienna, it was mostly cabasa sausage. I have never been a picky eater and love to expand my palate.
I am a member of the soccer team at Salve Regina as well. In Europe, football is their culture. I have been able to go to a couple matches in Hungary and they have been phenomenal. The atmosphere is unlike anything I have ever seen at a sporting event in the United States. The passion the fans, or ultras, have for their club is admirable. I have also been able to play weekly with friends as there are football pitches all throughout the city. Unfortunately, I am not playing on a team due to travel commitments. A team would have been nice, however, playing on the open pitches has allowed me to play full matches due to the crowd that forms when a football is present.
This past month has been nothing short of excellent. I have made so many great new friends and have seen extraordinary views. I have had great nights and I have had chill ones. It is all part of the experience I tell myself. Budapest, Hungary is a wonderful city with so much to offer. From the thermal baths to the Fisherman Bastille, there is so much to do and I am looking forward to the next two months in a place I now call home.
Author: Ethan David
Accounting Major
Class Of 2025
Member of Salve Regina Varsity Soccer team
Any questions, please contact me at [email protected]
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