Aquincum Institute of Technology provides a unique English language study abroad experience for North American undergraduates majoring in computer science, software engineering, and related disciplines.
Hungary has a proud tradition of creativity in computing: John von Neumann, who developed the principles of stored-program digital computers, Andy Grove, longtime leader of Intel, and Charles Simonyi, father of Microsoft Office, all got their start in the schools of Budapest.
This program would be suitable for students that are ready to be abroad, but would still like some of the academic services that a U.S. college provides. It is a good choice for someone that is a world traveler OR has never left their hometown.
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To be eligible to participate in this program, students must meet the following requirements:
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Budapest, Hungary To learn more about the visa process for this country, please visit the Embassy of Hungary Website. |
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AIT brings together globally-acclaimed scholars, designers, and entrepreneurs to provide an inspiring academic program with small classes (5 to 15 students in a typical class) that emphasize interactivity and creativity. AIT was established in 2007 by the successful Hungarian software entrepreneur, Gábor Bojár, to provide an exceptional study abroad experience to North American undergraduates in IT fields. AIT’s curriculum integrates design, entrepreneurship, and foundational courses in computer science with advanced applications in computational biology and computer vision applications for digital cinema as well as humanities courses related to Hungary’s rich cultural heritage. AIT’s distinguished faculty includes Ernő Rubik (inventor of Rubik’s Cube), András Falus (Professor of Genetics and Immunology and a member of the Hungarian Academy of Science), and software entrepreneur Gábor Bojár (founder of Graphisoft, the most successful global software company from Central Europe). Tailored to the needs of North American computer science and software engineering undergraduates in their sophomore through senior years, AIT offers semester-long programs to bridge the gap between the world of academia and business. Classes are taught in English by eminent Hungarian professors, most of whom have had teaching experience in North American universities. Teachers closely monitor each individual student’s progress. Considerable time is devoted to problem-solving and encouraging student creativity. Emphasis is on the 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. The program is made up by four-course groups, each containing several different course offerings:
You can learn more about the courses offered here.
FALL and SPRING full-time students are expected to select academic courses with an average load of 16-20 contact hours a week (approximately 4-5 classes). Academic courses will meet twice a week, for two hours per occasion. Therefore, 14-week courses typically correspond to 4 credits at most North American colleges and universities. Full-time student status at AIT requires 12 credits. To Earn 4 Lake Forest credits, students must take 16 credits at AIT. To Earn 3 Lake Forest credits, students must take 12 credits at AIT. The number of credits listed here is estimated, and GEO will work with you, your advisor, and the registrar to ensure you are earning enough credits to keep you on track for graduation.
Academic Environment and Teaching Style Please understand that the academic system is quite different. Classes are usually lecture-based, instead of discussion or group work. Classes are often much larger than those found at Lake Forest College. Grades are based heavily, at times almost entirely, on one end-of-term exam, though some courses will also offer a midterm. Professors are often more formal than those in the United States. All courses/modules may have prerequisites. Some departments may have limitations on numbers of courses that can be taken within or outside it. Be aware of these limitations. |
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Extracurricular activities are generally scheduled for late afternoons and weekends and will be organized so as not to overlap each other. Some of these activities (like the Budapest City Rally and Movie Club) are offered as a courtesy of AIT, while some others (like cultural and sports programs, and excursions within Hungary) will be provided for additional fees. AIT organizes a wide range of cultural events and excursions for its students. All of them are optional, except for the orientation and closing events. Some of the activities are organized and orchestrated by AIT staff (like guided city tours with professional tour guides) while others are just proposed and coordinated by AIT (like visiting baths, or opera and concert tickets), where students are free to finalize the details. In addition to the AIT organized events, US students are encouraged to enjoy the advantages of studying together with Hungarian students. They are happy to take US students to local events and to introduce them to student organizations. Due to the shortness of the Summer Term, some of the following activities may not be offered. The list of planned extracurricular activities in each semester includes:
- Budapest City Rally
- Guided Budapest tours
- Opera and concert visits
- Hiking
- Excursions to the Hungarian countryside
- Thermal bath visits
- Movie club
- Cooking |
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In years past, AIT students have participated in summer internships at top Hungarian software companies, such as Prezi and LogMeIn. These internships proved to be a great opportunity for students to increase their practical software development knowledge, in addition to experiencing a fun team environment at a successful company.
There is no single streamlined application process for students seeking a summer internship in Budapest. Spring semester students who are interested in an internship are encouraged to speak to AIT staff once they arrive in Budapest, so AIT can facilitate talks between the student and software companies that fit the students’ interests. AIT also arranges a networking event during the spring semester that brings students in contact with representatives from Hungarian software companies so students can learn about various companies, and the companies themselves can get to know AIT students. AIT cannot guarantee that a student wanting an internship will be placed, but many AIT students in the past who sought internships found a placement they were very pleased with. Most software companies in Hungary have expressed that they do not typically know their needs for the summer until early spring, and this is why it is very difficult to arrange for a summer internship before the students arrive in AIT. Those students who are very serious about staying in Budapest for the summer are encouraged to book a flight that has a flexible return date. If a student decides to stay in Budapest for a summer internship, their status as an AIT student terminates at the end of the academic semester. Students are responsible for extending their residence permit and arranging their own housing for the summer. AIT staff is happy to assist but is not responsible for these services. |
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AIT helps students find a reasonable accommodation for their stay. Following acceptance to AIT, students should complete the Room Match Form electronically on the website. We try to find the most suitable accommodations for the semester in Budapest. After collecting all housing requests, apartments will be assigned randomly by ballot. Generally, two or three students will share a two-three bedroom apartment. Housing options will be specified on the Room Match Form. Apartments are equipped with internet connection, linens, sheets, washing machine (clothes dryers are rarely used in Hungary), and a fully equipped kitchen. A cleaning service is brought in once a month. Students often like to take advantage of Budapest’s spectacular cultural offering and vibrant night life, so AIT offers accommodation in the city center. Living downtown is more convenient for evening programs and on weekends, but this will entail a 40-50-minute commute every day to the AIT Campus. Students will purchase a transportation card, which costs about $20 per month for unlimited use. In most cases, they will have access to transportation 24/7. Students pay utilities while in Budapest. Most landlords ask for a security deposit for incidental damages which should be provided together with the initial rental fee and will be returned upon moving out. |
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| Financial Information | ||||||||||||||||||
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For all approved programs for guaranteed financial aid transferability, students pay their Lake Forest College tuition plus a program fee. The program fee for the AIT Budapest program includes orientation, on-site director, airport pickup, and university fees. Housing and meal costs are paid on-site. Here is an estimated budget for the Fall 2019/Spring 2020 programs:
Tuition rates and program fees are subject to change each year, but this information was up-to-date as of February 2019. We will notify applicants, and update this page if the program fee or other estimates change. You can discuss with Financial Aid your specific aid package and your expected family contribution. Deposits to other programs, if required, are paid by the student to the host program, and will appear as a credit on your study abroad term bill from the College. Keep in mind that you may spend more or less in certain areas like personal expenses, travel, meals, or airfare, depending on exchange rates and your own spending habits. Classroom or lab fees are not included in this estimate and will depend on your course registration choices. Don’t forget to apply for scholarships! A great listing can be found here.
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