Summer at BSME

Summer at BSME

Location
  • Hungary
    • Budapest
Term
Summer

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Degree Level
Bachelors Masters
Housing
Apartment Dormitory
Language
English

Pricing

Price Details
Transportation and living costs are not included. See the website for estimated room and board costs.
What's Included
Some Activities Airport Transfers Classes
What's Included (Extra)

Course materials, student support services, and local health insurance. Students must provide their own international health insurance

What's Not Included
Accommodation Some Activities Airfare Domestic Airfare Meals SIM cards Transportation Travel Insurance Visa Wifi
What's Not Included (Extra)

BSME will arrange housing for students in local apartments with independent property owners. Students will pay the property owners directly in cash. Students are responsible for making/purchasing of their own meals. Students will pay separately for one week of room and board at the math camp.

Sep 05, 2025
Sep 02, 2025
3 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Come to Hungary to immerse yourself in mathematical exploration and experience first-hand learning in the Hungarian mathematics pedagogy, then investigate how you can bring this pedagogy into your future classroom.

In the spirit of Hungarian instruction, BSME faculty will challenge our participants to take part in creating, rather than just learning, the material. BSME courses are designed so that credits will be transferable to American and Canadian colleges and universities, with transcripts issued by St. Olaf College (undergrad credits) and Texas State University (graduate credits).

BSME welcomes participants who are:
1) Currently pursuing secondary mathematics teaching license at their home institutions
2) Planning to pursue other paths to mathematics licensure
3) In-service math teachers of all ages
4) Simply curious about learning and teaching of mathematics

Visit our website to view details including course details, dates, program costs and application.

Program Highlights

  • Live for five weeks in charming Budapest apartments and then one week at a math camp for kids.
  • Participate in a week long field experience, interacting with Hungarian children at a rural math camp.
  • Learn from Hungarian teacher scholars who have first had knowledge of the Hungarian approach to teaching.
  • The option to travel independently on weekends to surrounding European cities.
  • Discover the Hungarian pedagogy, based on problem solving, mathematical creativity and communication.

Application Deadline

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 4 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.5
  • Support 5
  • Fun 5
  • Housing 4.5
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Kaia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The most fun college classes ever!

I never expected to study abroad in Hungary, but I was so glad I chose this program! The classes were inspiring and extremely fun, the teachers were great, and the students got along super well. There were only 10 of us, but that did not diminish the quality of the academics. This program reminded me that learning math can and should be a joyful experience, centered in discovery.

One of the highlights for me was going to a math summer camp for a week. I learned cultural tidbits from the kids and was immersed in the Hungarian language (which I do not speak).

I can’t speak highly enough about this program. If you are interested in math education, get out of your comfort zone and do BSME!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I’m not much of a city person, but I loved Budapest with it’s old architecture, beautiful churches, and extensive public transportation system.
Pros
  • Inexpensive place to live
67 people found this review helpful.
Stephanie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Blew Away All Expectations

This was my first time studying abroad, and traveling out of the country on my own. A six-week program sounded so incredibly daunting, and I was nervous about knowing anyone. However, I stepped out of my comfort zone and went and it was honestly the best decision I've ever made. Leaving your country is such a profound experience, and I would recommend that (and this program in particular) to everyone. This is a Math Education program, so be prepared to complete some challenging math problems. Really amazing opportunity to be surrounded by creative mathematician students who are interested in teaching. Everyone involved in this program is expectional, 11/10 recommend!!!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Taught a group of Hungarian 9th and 10th graders how to convert from and to hexadecimals, and interpreting colors based on them.
Pros
  • Fun!
  • Educational
  • Growing Experience
Cons
  • Adjustment Period
115 people found this review helpful.
Lindsay
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Budapest Semesters

The BSME program was a fantastic program that’s unlike any other program I have come across. This program was geared towards my major (Secondary Education - Mathematics) more than even my classes in college were. I learned so much in these 6 weeks about mathematics education. I am now a teacher, and I have been using the skills that I learned abroad every day in my classroom. I also learned how to navigate the city, which is an empowering feeling by itself. The city is beautiful and you can easily get around by public transportation, which is extremely cheap. It is also easy to travel to surrounding areas such as Prague, Vienna, or even Italy. There are so many beautiful views and monuments to go see in Budapest. The food is amazing, I recommend a place called Al Dente close to Rákóczi tér. It is so cheap to live in Hungary. You can get a meal for a fraction of the cost it would be in the US. Most importantly, I made the most amazing friends over in Hungary. It is a unique experience to be surrounded by so many like-minded people, especially when mathematics education is such a small cohort of people. I still remain in contact with my friends from this trip nearly every day. I recommend this study abroad trip to every mathematics education major because it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.

204 people found this review helpful.
Bethany
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An Amazing First Abroad Experience!

I participated in the first Summer 2018 BSME program, and I couldn't have asked for a better first experience abroad. I am a mathematics major with interest in attending graduate school for secondary math education. The BSME program helped me to develop skills and acquire new ones for my future in teaching. I came back to the states with an abundance of knowledge of not only the Hungarian system of teaching mathematics, but also how we can add to the American system for the better. I am also very grateful for all of the relationships I made abroad. Everyone in the program was so welcoming, kind, and some of the best people I have ever met. I have made friendships that I will cherish forever. I would highly recommend this program for anyone interested in mathematics and learning more about a culture in the beautiful city of Budapest, Hungary!

205 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers