Features
Where in the World is Charles Dunst '18
By Charles Dunst ’18
February 23, 2017
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The plan was to take part in the Spring 2017 Washington, D.C. program. However, even before President Trump’s election, my plans had shifted.
The D.C. program seemed like a safe choice for a few reasons. D.C, although not my native New York, is a city—and an American one at that. The culture, language and public transportation would all come naturally. Although Budapest is far from a comfortable Northeastern city, the culture and public transportation have all been relatively easy to acclimate to. The language is another thing.
My rationale for choosing Budapest was relatively simple.
First, Hamilton, unlike most other schools, has a strict language requirement for studying abroad. For those who are unaware, Hamilton requires a certain level of language knowledge, if the language is taught at Hamilton. Hamilton teaches Spanish, French, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, Hebrew, Italian, Swahili and Hindi. In requiring a certain level of language knowledge, Hamilton severely limits the options for studying abroad. Although I am ecstatic to have chosen Budapest—and may have done so anyway— there are options which I would have liked to explore.
Second, Budapest is in the center of Europe, making travel easy. As you quickly learn, Hungarians refute the designation of their nation as “Eastern European”— instead preferring “Central European.” This “central” term isn’t wrong.
Vienna is a mere three-hour bus ride from Budapest. Prague is about six, while Krakow is a seven-hour ride. Flying is equally easy—and often as cheap. London is about a three-hour flight, costing only about $90. Berlin, an hour and a half in the air, is a $45 round trip, if booked right. Far-off exotic destinations, like Tel Aviv or Athens, are $120 and $150, respectively. Tel Aviv takes three hours. Athens only takes about two hours and a half. In my first month, I have traveled to Slovakia, Italy and the Netherlands, all with ease. Although I’ve belabored the point, Budapest’s centrality is a main reason for my choice.
Third, the program I’ve chosen has enabled me to receive two major credits, as well as a minor credit. The two major credits have allowed me to study Hungary’s political history, as well as the European Union’s refugee crisis, economic struggles and potential downfall. I have also secured a minor credit through a contemporary art and literature class.
Since arriving, Budapest has continued to surprise me. The city is oft-portrayed as a grey, frigid, former-communist relic. The reality is starkly different. The weather is undoubtedly cold, but the transportation and culture are easily accessible.
Armed with an array of subways, trams and buses, getting around Budapest is arguably simpler than in my hometown of New York—not to mention cleaner. Upon gaining the lay of the land, Budapest’s museums, tourist attractions and bars seem to be within 20 minutes of the university.
Budapest has a unique pre - and post-communist history, resulting in a proliferation of both historical and contemporary monuments. Museums are similarly easy to come across, ranging from the national museum, to the museum of fine arts, to the museum of applied arts, and more. Hamilton students reading this are likely thinking, “So what? Every city has monuments and museums, why is Budapest special?”
Outside of its unique political history, Budapest is in the E.U., but not on the Euro. Unlike expensive E.U. states, the cost of living in Budapest is dirt cheap. For a college student, this cheapness cannot be understated. A domestic beer is $5 in London. In Budapest, a domestic beer is no more than $1.50.
Costs for food and services are similarly low. I’ve heard stories about running out of money from friends in London, Paris and other cities. A similar story is easily avoidable in Budapest. Saving money on food and alcohol allows for the better budgeting of travel and other excursions.
There are, however, certain cultural differences. Polling of Hungary’s public reveals troubling opinions on Judaism, LGBT people, Muslims, and numerous other groups. Unlike the U.S., Hungary is and always has been an ethnically homogenous state—at least in terms of how we define it.
In the U.S., diversity is defined by different racial groups. White, Black, Latino, Asian and Native American are often the sole identifiers. In Hungary—and much of Eastern Europe—there is a level of diversity within whiteness. In 2011, Hungary’s population was 98 percent ethnic Hungarians; Magyars, as they refer to themselves. The other listed ethnic groups are German, Slovakian, Croatian, Romanian and other. Although this ethnic homogeneity often manifests itself in racism or ethnic troubles, I have yet to see it manifest publicly.
Hungary’s political arena is similarly toxic to that of the contemporary U.S. Led by Viktor Orban—a right-wing nationalist —the country has repeatedly refused to accept Syrian refugees, despite E.U. stipulations. Furthermore, in spite of Hungary’s current difficulties, as an American, I am expected to answer for President Trump’s election.
Every European, especially students, expect an explanation for how America, the so-called “city on the hill,” could elect a buffoon. The first European I encountered on my semester—a customs agent at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport— asked me how I felt about Trump’s inauguration. Corvinus University, where I am studying, is home not only to Americans, but also to countless visiting European students. Among these students, politics are a similarly popular topic of discussion. Students from currently progressive/ not nationalistic countries, like the Netherlands or Germany, are quick to assert their claims of governmental superiority—seemingly forgetting the world’s overwhelming reliance on the U.S. Defending the U.S. is at times a struggle, but one which I struggle to shy away from.
For students studying abroad, Budapest is a seemingly-forgotten city. Students flock to Spain, Italy, London, and even Australia and New Zealand. Although Budapest is a less traditional nation, it is quickly growing and one which American students should not shy away from. Armed with cheap food, alcohol, a vibrant culture and an ideal location, Budapest is a city where Americans should look to explore, especially as visiting students.