First Week at CEU

I am pleased to report that I have survived my first week at CEU (Central European University). Naah, it wasn't that bad. We actually have two full weeks of "orientation" prior to the start of classes, so I really should say that I survived my first week of orientation at CEU. It's been an amazingly productive week; in the past four days time I have received my CEU identification card and temporary Hungarian student ID, received my CEU-issued medical insurance card, set up my CEU email account, taken the required computer proficiency courses and registered my address with the approriate Hungarian authorities.

A little about CEU: CEU is a U.S.-style graduate institution located in downtown Budapest. The university has only been around for the past 15 years or so, and the public policy program is two years old. The physical university is comprised of four connected buildings, one of which is more than 200 years old. There are dark, narrow, spiral staircases, underground passageways, terraces and gardens, and likely a few more surprises yet to be discovered. There are 29 students in the public policy program, the majority coming from the U.S. (1/4) and Romania (40% or so). There are a handful of students from Pakistan (1), Latvia (1), Bulgaria (1) and Georgia (1), and two students are Hungarian. It is a very interesting mix and undoubtedly will make for an interesting year.

Next week, after each professor from the public policy department presents his/her course (overview of the material, etc.) we will actually register for classes. Students are expected to take 17 credits in fall and winter semesters and complete their 6-credit thesis during the spring term. It seems to be an intense curriculum for such a short-time period (fall semester runs from end of September to mid-December, winter from 2nd week of January to end of March, and spring during April and May).

More news and photos this weekend!

K