Budapest Semesters in Mathematics Education
- Location: Budapest, Hungary
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Language of Instruction: English
- Class Eligibility: Juniors and seniors
Introduction
Budapest, called “little Paris on the Danube,” is a city of two million, situated on both sides of the river Danube. The city retains a rich cultural heritage. Students can visit Roman ruins, mosques from the 16th century, the old castle district of Buda, historic synagogues and artifacts of Jewish life from the time prior to Nazi occupation, and the architectural remnants of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Budapest hosts eleven universities, two opera and ballet theatres, scores of theatres, museums, and art collections, plus many cinemas, discos, and sports arenas. The Budapest Semester in Mathematics Education program is designed for students who are not only passionate about mathematics, but also the teaching of mathematics. Students who are interested in teaching middle school or high school mathematics should apply.
- Visa:
Residency permit required.
Non-US Citizens should consult with BSME and the Office of International Student Support before applying to the program.
- Fees: Students pay Haverford tuition only to Haverford College. Haverford will then be responsible for submitting payments to the program.
Academic Overview
Requirements
This program is for students who are interested in teaching middle school or high school mathematics.
Students are required to enroll in an appropriate-level Hungarian language course. Hungarian language courses are offered through the Budapest Semester in Mathematics program or McDaniel College.
Academic Credit
Students must take a full course load. Students are required to enroll in an appropriate-level Hungarian language course. Major, minor, and concentration transfer credit will only be granted for courses in which students received a grade of a C or above.
Curriculum
Students must enroll in at least 4 courses, one of which must be an appropriate-level Hungarian language course.
Courses include
Discovery Learning: The Pósa Method
Problem Solving in Secondary School Mathematics
Concept Building through Games and Manipulatives*
Teaching Geometry through Problem-solving*
Gamification and Playfulness in Teaching Mathematics
Practicum
Practicum: During Practicum, participants will observe a wide range of Hungarian mathematics classrooms, and will also have the opportunity to teach a lesson themselves. Hence, they will obtain first-hand experience on how the methods learned in BSME are put into practice. Classrooms visited will range from ages 6-18, and will also include different profiles (e.g., mathematics immersion programs, alternative schools, students with disabilities). Participants will take part in pre- or post-lesson discussions with teachers and students. At the end of each day is a reflection session where participants share observations and connect their experiences to the theories learned in other BSME courses. Most of the classes observed will be in Hungarian, but translation will be provided. Practice teaching will take place in classes where students speak English.
Course Highlights
Education, Mathematics
Note: Changes occur frequently. Students are responsible for finding the classes they need and consulting the official site of the institution.
Non-Academic Overview
Orientation
BSME will cover all basic information regarding everyday and academic life in Budapest.
Number of Students
TBA
Housing/Meal Plans
Homestay or rented apartment.
Haverford students may not opt for independent off-campus housing- that is, housing not arranged by the program.
Notes
Additional Resources
- Support for LGTBQIA+ Students
- SIT Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Resources
- Mental Health & Self Care While Abroad
- Diversity Abroad
Options
- Semester
- Science/Math/Pre-Health/CompSci Approved
- Fulfills Language Requirement
Dates
- Semester I: Mid-August to mid/late December
- Semester II: Early February to late May
Application Deadlines
- Semester I: May 1
- Semester II: October 1