Details

• Hungary
• MACEMS-25
• Graduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months
• Contact: Login to see contact information

1. Preparation

Budapest is not only a breathtaking city with stunning architecture, but also a place known for its vibrant nightlife, excellent bar scene, established running community, and authentic Hungarian cuisine. Furthermore, the city serves as an ideal base for exploring Central and Eastern Europe. Thanks to cheap flights and direct bus connections, you can easily visit destinations that offer beautiful landscapes and in general outstanding value for money. Corvinus University with its prime location in the heart of Budapest is easily reachable, allowing you to seamlessly combine academic life with an active social life and everything the city has to offer. Another major advantage is the cost of living. Compared to many other CEMS destinations across Europe, rent expenses in Budapest are very affordable. This leaves considerably more room in your budget for traveling, dining out, and making the most of your exchange experience.

2. Accommodation

Finding accommodation in Budapest was comparatively easy. There is a wide range of centrally located apartments and shared flats, many of which are rented through specialized housing agencies. One important aspect to check before signing a contract is the minimum rental period. Many agencies require a minimum stay of six months, whereas the exchange semester is typically considerably shorter. I found my room through FUSE, which allowed me to arrange a flexible rental period matching the duration of my exchange. The apartment was ideally located in the city center - only a two-minute walk from the Danube and around a twelve-minute walk from Corvinus University Budapest.

3. Academic life at host university

Corvinus University Budapest is ideally located in the city center, directly on the banks of the Danube, making it easily accessible by public transport or on foot. Its central location also makes it easy to meet classmates after lectures. While the university does not have a traditional cafeteria, there are two cafés on campus offering a selection of hot and cold snacks and drinks at reasonable prices. Given the university's central location, there are also numerous bakeries, the food hall and supermarkets within just a few minutes' walk, providing plenty of options for lunch or a quick break between classes. Most courses at Corvinus University Budapest are taught inclasses of around 15 - 30 students, creating an interactive and engaging learning environment. The teaching methods and assessment formats were highly diverse and practice-oriented, making the courses enjoyable while fostering the development of a broad range of academic and professional skills. Assessment was typically based on a combination of different components rather than a single final exam. Active class participation often contributed to the final grade, and many courses included assignments such as learning diaries, reflection papers, group presentations, case studies, or project work. Overall, I found it very achievable to obtain excellent grades. Overall, I was highly satisfied with all of the courses I attended. In particular, the Global Leadership course stood out due to its exceptionally interactive teaching style and strong emphasis on practical application. Another academic highlight of my exchange was participating in the Model UNFCCC course, which brought together students from numerous CEMS partner universities for a climate negotiation simulation. The accompanying conference at another CEMS university (St. Gallen in our case) made this one of the most rewarding academic and personal experiences of the semester. I would highly recommend this course to future exchange students, especially those with an interest in climate policy, international negotiations, or sustainability. Regarding the CEMS Business Project, I can highly recommend working with McKinsey as your project partner. Although the workload is somewhat higher than for some other teams, it remains very manageable and is more than compensated by the quality of the learning experience.

5. Every day life in the host country

In the context of public transport, I highly recommend purchasing the Hungary Student Pass. To obtain it, you will need a printed enrollment certificate from Corvinus University, which is usually issued during the first days of the semester.The pass costs approximately €5 per month and offers exceptional value. In addition to unlimited access to Budapest's public transport network, it also covers regional trains throughout Hungary, making weekend trips to other cities and regions both convenient and very affordable. Budapest is a vibrant and lively city, making it an ideal destination for an exchange semester. While its nightlife is one of the city's main attractions, there is much more to experience. The historic city center on both sides of the Danube is stunning, with impressive architecture, beautiful riverside promenades, and countless cafés and restaurants. Another highlight is City Park, featuring a charming castle and a large outdoor ice-skating rink during the winter months. Although Budapest's famous thermal baths are among the city's most popular tourist attractions, I personally found them to be relatively expensive and less unique than expected. For anyone who enjoys running, Budapest is a fantastic city. There are dedicated running paths along many parts of the riverfront, and the routes along the Danube offer beautiful views of landmarks such as the Hungarian Parliament, Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge. Margaret Island is another favorite among runners, featuring a traffic-free running circuit in a peaceful green setting.

6. Testimonial

My exchange semester offered the perfect balance between valuable academic development, an active social life and lots of travels. The openness of the Hungarian CEMS students was truly remarkable - as an exchange student, you immediately become part of the community from day one. Beyond the official events organized by the CEMS Club, there are countless private gatherings, trips, and social activities, making it easy to build lasting friendships. The beauty of Budapest is something you appreciate every single day. With its vibrant nightlife, impressive historical landmarks, and peaceful parks, the city offers a diverse and well-balanced lifestyle that makes it an exceptional place to spend a semester abroad.