Students to Live, Learn at New Campus in Budapest
When USF students return from study abroad programs in such places as Manila and Tijuana, they often say the experience changed their lives. The College of Arts and Sciences is building upon the power of these experiences with a new program for students to live, learn, and share in Budapest, while taking classes toward the European Studies Certificate.
In the fall, 22 undergraduates from USF and other U.S. universities will begin the first “USF in Budapest” program, a joint venture with Peter Pazmany Catholic University (PPKE).
Students can study for one or two semesters, the latter option allowing them to fulfill the requirements of the European Studies Certificate. In addition to learning about Europe in classes taught in English by USF faculty and distinguished Hungarian professors, students will also experience the rise of the “new Europe”, or the rebirth of countries of the central sector after the fall of communism.
“We’ve received a lot of support from the Hungarian government and strong collaboration from Peter Pazmany Catholic University,” said Gerardo Marin, senior associate dean for arts and sciences. “The program fits our mission to train leaders to work in a multicultural society and make a difference.”
An integral part of the program is the work students will do with nonprofit organizations, primarily related to environmental issues, and with Habitat for Humanity. Each semester, students will also visit neighboring countries to explore the changing Europe.
The cost of the program is the same as tuition and housing costs at the main campus in San Francisco. Students will live in new furnished apartments within walking distance of public transportation. The campus is located within the historic downtown area in a 250-year-old building that also offers programs by PPKE. The largest Hungarian university is located in the area as are the famous Vaci Utca pedestrian street and many cafes, shops, and restaurants.
The city of Budapest provides a unique learning experience for students, said Marin. Hungary is one of the leading success stories, economically and politically, in post-communist Europe. The country has made strides in creating a lively market economy and a genuine civic culture. Hungary is already a member of NATO, and is in the first tier of states slated to join the European Union in the coming years.
“This fits with Fr. Privett’s goal of providing opportunities for our students to experience diversity by living, learning, listening, and sharing the process,” Marin said. “The program also fits with the suggestions from the Jesuit Congregation of Jesuit universities working with universities in developing societies.”
PPKE officials said the partnership with USF is a perfect match because both schools are similar in size and mission. PPKE was founded by the Jesuit Peter Pazmany in 1635 as a school of theology and the first Hungarian university, and later evolved into a non-denominational royal university sponsored by the government. In 1992, the Hungarian Conference of Catholic Bishops founded what is now PPKE; one year later the university was recognized as an institution of higher education by the Hungarian government.
USF will also offer its master of science in environmental management (MSEM) in Budapest in the fall. The program, designed to train local practicing environmental specialists to become environmental managers, is an extension of the MSEM program that has been offered at the San Francisco campus for more than 20 years.
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