Hungary for the Unknown: Studying Abroad Without Expectations

Deciding to study abroad is always filled with a plethora of questions. Where do I go? When is the right time for my schedule? What’s the cross-listing for these classes? I had these questions myself, and surprisingly enough, everything fell into place rather quickly.  

In January, I decided I wanted to study abroad this summer and scrambled to see which programs were still accepting applicants. The program “Politics, Security and Society in Central and Eastern Europe” caught my eye, as I didn’t know anything about this region except that it was once under communist rule. I’d never visited a region like this before, so I applied.  

I used my little knowledge about Hungary to my advantage in my application, emphasizing that the best way to learn something is through lived experience, and this sentiment has remained true throughout my program.

As my program is coming to a close, I’d like to share my adventure in Hungary and how setting little to no expectations can lead to unforgettable memories.   

After 14 hours of travel, I was finally in Budapest. I distinctly remember the shuttle ride to the apartment, soaking in my new home for the next six weeks. I’d been to Europe before and had some familiarity with major cities like Budapest. After settling in and combating jet lag, I was enthusiastic to explore the city.  

Our first week of class allowed us time to wander around, and I stumbled into major sites like the Parliament Building or Heroes’ Square. I’ve enjoyed that Budapest isn’t as touristy as other European cities because I can take my time looking at important buildings, monuments and museums.  

I’m not going to places to check them off a list, but rather to have a deeper understanding of my surroundings. As I grew accustomed to the new environment, I was able to navigate the metro like a local and find my way around with ease. Although I can count on my hand how many Hungarian words I know, I never faced language barriers, and I’m thankful to have experienced limited barriers during this program.  

I also didn’t know what to expect regarding academics. I had some historical background on the region and heard positive sentiments about my professors, so I had an optimistic view of the program. I can easily say these are my favorite classes I’ve ever taken with The University of Texas at Austin. I am fully immersed in the subjects of democratization and Hungarian nationalism.  

A month ago, I couldn’t name the Prime Minister of Hungary, but now, I can ramble on about their government for hours. I find this knowledge especially useful as I explore my surroundings, making connections while cementing this information into my brain. Through this program, we have not only gone to traditional tourist areas, but we’ve also had many guest speakers to supplement our learning.  

My favorite speakers have been a synagogue tour guide, university professors, a European Union communications team member and a few employees from the U.S. Embassy in Hungary, which is located in Budapest. These individuals have given us insight into our course and also sparked my interest in future career choices.

Coming into the program, I wasn’t expecting to be exposed to resources for my eventual career, and I feel like many people don’t talk about this aspect of studying abroad.  

Throughout this program, we also had the opportunity to go to both Austria and Romania. I intentionally didn’t research these countries to embrace the unknown. Our trip to Vienna was culturally enriching, as I went to multiple museums to see popular art pieces like “The Kiss” and the “Quetzal Feathered Headdress” or the “Crown of Moctezuma.”  

I described Vienna as Budapest and Paris combined, giving me some sense of familiarity. Romania, on the other hand, was unlike anywhere I’d been to in Europe. After a 13-hour train ride, we walked around the city of Cluj-Napoca in Transylvania. I loved it, feeling more immersed in the local culture rather than seeing global artifacts. I was able to walk around and had the opportunity to talk to locals through our program. Each city had an important role in making connections within our program, and both hold special memories for me.  

Finally, I want to close with five tips I’ve learned throughout this study abroad experience. I hope this will help you as you embark on your next adventure and that it encourages you to embrace having no expectations.  

1. Be Surprised: Although it’s nice to know certain facts about your program’s location, going in with no concept of your new home allows you to avoid stereotypes and have an open mind.  
2. Go With the Flow: Don’t set a schedule for every day. You might stumble upon your favorite restaurant or study spot if you let yourself. Plans during the program might change, so embrace it. 
3. Ask Questions: You don’t need to know all of the information you’re consuming or be the smartest person in your class. But, if you ask questions, you can gain an additional layer of understanding that will be effective for your learning.  
4. Be Patient: It might take a few days for you to get accustomed to the metro, make friends or get into a routine. There’s no rush. Everyone runs on their own time, you will be just fine adjusting to a new lifestyle.  
5. Take Pictures: What I’ve enjoyed the most is taking pictures. Include yourself in the pictures, even if you’re camera-shy. I also recommend focusing on one aspect of the culture you’re interested in (food, architecture, music) to help you remember your favorite element of the trip.  

Studying abroad in Hungary without expectations has allowed me to keep an open mind and find the good in my daily interactions. From becoming a pro at the Budapest metro to taking weekend trips to Vienna and Cluj-Napoca, I’ve gained a deep understanding of Central and Eastern European culture.  

This study abroad program has helped me immerse myself fully in my classes, look at potential career paths and deepen my appreciation for travel. I highly encourage study abroad for every student, as the best experiences can come from letting go of biases to explore the world around you.  

This post was contributed by Annabelle Gibbs, a Global Ambassador for Summer 2024. Annabelle is a sophomore international relations and global studies major studying abroad in Budapest, Hungary.