My name is KD, and I’m currently studying at the Budapest Semesters in Mathematics (BSM) program in Hungary! I elected to take five classes while I am here: three math courses, Commutative Algebraic Geometry (CAG), Real Functions & Measures (RFM), and Advanced Abstract Algebra (AAL); and two elective courses, Intermediate Hungarian Language (HL2) and Hungarian Art & Culture (HUC). Being a math-centric program, there is a wide array of mathematics courses to choose from, but a very limited number of electives.

In math, I find myself preferring courses centered around algebra. That is why I decided to take CAG and AAL. I took Abstract Algebra and Topics in Abstract while at Colby, so these courses felt like a natural continuation of my studies. I am able to count these courses as electives for my math major, as well. As for RFM, I wanted to fulfill the real analysis requirement while abroad as well. If things go well this semester, I will only have one required class left in the mathematics major! I’m excited for the flexibility that will come with that; it was one of my goals coming here to really hit the math major hard. I am finding the math courses quite difficult. The professors that I have are much less approachable than those at Colby, and the classes feel even more fast paced. Despite the fact that classes here meet for more time in a week, it feels like many of the professors are racing against the clock. This has made it difficult for me, but difficulty is part of the fun in a new experience. Midterms are coming up soon. We’ll see how it goes :P.

I really love the elective classes that I am taking. HL2 was a natural choice for me; part of the reason why I came to Hungary was for the language. I don’t think it is ideally structured, but you’ll never find me saying I don’t enjoy a language course. HUC is a fun class. The professor takes us on walks around the city, and she is so deeply knowledgeable. I swear, I could point at a rock on the side of the road, and she’d be able to tell me the history behind it. The walks are also a nice break from the regular lecture structure; she lets us all chat while walking, then she calls our attention whenever there’s something she wants to talk about. By far, my highlight of the semester has been this class. I primarily took this class to add a little padding into my schedule, in case I had to drop one of the math courses, but it has quickly become my favorite. I can take advanced mathematics courses anywhere, but it’s not common to see courses centered around Hungary.

Viszlát,

KD