Hi, I made a post about how I have a chance to study for a semester in Budapest, Hungary and it sounds really cool, but there is one other option and thought I’d ask just so I don’t dismiss it immediately: Reykjavík, Iceland. I also know next to nothing about Iceland, whether it’s safe for students, if it’s welcoming, if it’s a good place for an American to study at, so might as well ask about it as well. It also sounds fascinating admittedly
Iceland is extremely safe and welcoming. Honestly, one of the coolest places I’ve been on the planet. Nothing else like it. The geography and ecology of that island is just cool as hell lol.
The people are all very kind and welcoming and it has a sort of communal vibe that is partly a mix of island and Scandinavian cultures. Awesome place and awesome people.
It is expensive. That is the only thing I would say is a drawback. For me, I think it is definitely worth it.
Yeah; seeing Iceland and Budapest as options, I think: “Budapest: relatively cheap, lots of culture. Iceland: trendy and cool, but only if you like waterfalls and darkness and windswept vistas with pretty much no trees. And REALLY expensive.” The people are great in both places. There’s LOTS of tourists everywhere in Iceland in the summer, and the entire population of the island would vanish in Budapest in the winter. So it depends on what you like and when you’re going/for how long.
Hmm I guess I want deep history and culture, not to be corny lol
Then Budapest is the obvious choice. Iceland does have an interesting history, but you won’t see it if you don’t actively look for it. Especially Reykjavik is a pretty modern city.
Budapest was one of the biggest cultural centers of of Southeastern Europe for centuries. You’ll find history and the cultures it was influenced by everywhere you go.
Edit: I don’t know if this also applies to non-EU students, but lots of universities are partnered with each other and allow you to take one semester abroad. Might be worth looking into
Wife took her whole education in Hungary (Budapest) graduated in 2016 Its nice, but shit got weird for her friend from the Maldives as she was not white. Don’t know if it has changed, but don’t think POC will have a good time.
And all of eastern Europe is dogshit for LGBTQ
Sad reality. People should be able to do as they please. I detest those that think they can control what people do in their private life, fuck all of them in the neck with a rusty pipe.
For your interest in cultural history, I think that Budapest would win, as it has been a crossroads for centuries. For environmental studies, Iceland would win hands down. They are global leaders in that field.
Something that has not been mentioned yet is that Budapest is rather large, with a metropolitan population of over 2 million. The entire country of Iceland has under 400K people. Iceland is remote and feels remote. To me, that’s perfect. Your results may vary.
I’m from Iceland, if you go study in Iceland you’re guaranteed Northern lights. If you buddy up with someone with a car you can see plenty of sights since Icelanders in Reykjavik don’t go out too much but are very often up to going out to the country. If you like camping Iceland has amazing camping grounds, mornings are cold but camp sites have often heated kitchens and hot showers. Requires a tent, sleeping bag and inflatable mattress and a car.
Easter uni break is a whole week, budget for renting a car with other students who are staying in Iceland to go to more distant places.
Downside is that is pretty expensive, especially compared to Hungary. Hungary has shit rail but Flixbus can get you anywhere you want with less money and comfort.
Both very good options.
If you want a more comfortable bourgeoise experience, perhaps. I’ve never been to either country, but from reading, Iceland would be more comfortable. Hungary may give more opportunity from getting working poor perspectives, particularly teachers. But reading is 2-D, IRL is 3-D. Perhaps a year in each is possible?
Might try to make that work
What are you studying? Are there good programs relevant to your field of study there?
Iceland is a very safe country and millions of tourists from all over (including the US) come to visit, so that shouldn’t be your main concern.
Environmental science and history actually
Iceland is an amazing place for both. I would consider Iceland to be more at the forefront of environmental science than Hungary, but I could be surprised.
Eastern Europe is a bit more wild and would be less my cup of tea, but if you’re mainly going for fun, that may be the better option.
