How do I finance the semester abroad?
Financial support during the stay in Szeged is possible through Erasmus .
Do not forget: During this time you have to cancel BAföG, just ask the coordinator to fill out a certificate.
How do I get an accommodation?
Finding an apartment is not a hurdle either. Just contact Mr. Endre Hárs, he will book apartments in the student dormitory.
And what is included in the accommodation?
In consultation with Mr. Hárs, you can be so lucky with the accommodation that everything from internet, bed linen, kitchen utensils to washing machine is on site. Even a cleaner takes care of the apartment.
Do I have to be able to speak Hungarian?
In principle no! German is spoken at the German Institute of the University of Szeged. Even so, there are many German students in Szeged and if necessary you can get by with English. But Mrs. Ágel prepares you well in a Hungarian course in the second semester, so that you can communicate a little bit in Hungarian.
What is the best way to get over to Szeged?
Either you book a flight from e.g. Frankfurt (Lufthansa) or Berlin (Easyjet) to Budapest and then take the train to Szeged or you book a ticket at the DBahn from Kassel to Szeged. From Kassel to Budapest you have to change trains only once, in Munich or in Linz. From Budapest you then continue directly to Szeged.
Please note: If you book early enough, you can get cheap flights/tickets! Plan enough time buffer in Budapest, you have to change the station in the city to get to Szeged.
Will I get credit for all my exams in Szeged in Kassel?
Yes, as a German-Hungarian Master student you do not register your exams per Hispos. There are extra certificates for the individual examinations.
What are the main subjects of the German Studies Institute in Szeged?
There are three main chairs at the Institute of German Studies in Szeged: German Literature, German Linguistics, which provides a completely different approach to the German language, and as a special feature the Chair of Austrian Literature and Culture.
Can I spend another semester in Szeged?
Yes, for example to write your Master's thesis there. The contact person in charge can tell you more about this .
How do I deal with the different currencies?
With a German EC card you can easily pay everywhere without cash. Fee currently: 0.77 €. Cash - whether with EC or credit card - can be withdrawn at any ATM just like in all other EU countries. However, you will have to pay a higher fee of around €4.5 to €5.0, just as you would within Germany if you were not withdrawing money from your own bank.
There are two other possibilities: You open a free Hungarian checking account locally, or you get a credit card in Germany (some banks offer these for free), which you can then use to withdraw cash for free in the EU.
What do I have to take with me?
Clothes for every season! In Szeged it is still summery warm in September and October. From the end of November it can snow.
When you start your trip, you should have a small amount of Hungarian currency (Forint) with you, just in case. In general, it is a good idea to exchange money in Hungary first, as there are fewer exchange fees. Of course you should have a Hungarian dictionary with you.
Will my cell phone (contract) work in Szeged?
Of course, the cell phone works normally as in any EU country. Also, the fees were reduced and unified in the EU on July 1, 2013. To note for smartphone owners: Turn off your data roaming, otherwise it can be expensive! It is best to surf via WLAN, which is called WIFI in Hungary, and use the Internet to communicate, e.g. free phone calls via Skype, e-mail or other chat services.
