Budapest Semester in Cognitive Science

  Hungary

Budapest

Term: Fall 
Dates: Late Aug 2009 - End Jan 2010

Description:
Call for Students for the Fall 2010. Deadline: 15th April 2010.

WHAT IS COGNITIVE SCIENCE?
Cognitive Science is the interdisciplinary study of the mind. It is a combination of neuroscience, psyschology, modeling / artificial intelligence, philosophy and linguistics.

WHY BSCS?
The Budapest Semester in Cognitive Science (BSCS) is a study abroad program established in 2003, possessing a solid combination of rich traditions and academic excellence.

Budapest is an hub of a wide range of interdisciplinary studies and research; and is a vibrant city that boasts a bustling Central European experience with a growing, English-speaking academic community centered around the city's numerous prestigious Universities and Institutes. The capital of Hungary therefore is not only an economic, cultural end educational center of the region, but has also successfully adapted herself to the new global realities of the 21st century.

Lecturers headlining the program between 2004-2009 included the following distinguished Professors:

Colin Allen (Indiana U, Bloomington), Carl Craver (Washington U, St.Louis), John Bickle (Mississippi State U), John Kihlstrom (UC Berkeley); Péter Érdi (Kalamazoo College), Lilia Gurova (NBU Sofia), George Kampis (ELTE Budapest), Olga Markic (U Ljubljana), Ichiro Tsuda (U Sapporo), Ron Chrisley (Sussex U, Brighton), Adam Miklósi (ELTE Budapest)

BSCS Alumni include students from the following Colleges and Universities:

USA: Carleton Coll., Northwestern U., Kalamazoo Coll., U. Cincinnati, Binghamton U., Birmingham Southern Coll., U. Southern Connecticut, Dartmouth College, Vassar College, Franklin and Marshall College, UC Berkeley, Middlebury College, Bates College;

Europe: Uni Osnabrueck, Eötvös University, U. Ljubljana, U. Vienna, Comenius University, New Bulgarian University, Krakow University

OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE
The Budapest Semester in Cognitive Science (in short BSCS) is a non-degree undergraduate study abroad program for students from the US and other countries aimed at broadening their understanding of cognitive science from an interdisciplinary perspective. Lecturers of the Program are distinguished experts with noteworthy international research and teaching experience.

Highlights:
-Accommodation
The accommodation is in a student dormitory (simple rooms in new condition, 30+ minutes travel from Campus) for the 2009 Semester for 700, 1400 or 2100 USD in 3, 2, or 1 bed rooms respectively.

-Teaching and Resources
Students are not required to buy textbooks (with the exception of language courses). All courses are based on lectures. Teaching material is developed (or, in the case of readings, collected) by the faculty and distributed to the students. Classroom teaching is supplemented by readings and by further assignments (such as Internet or library-based student research) outside of class hours.

Resources available to students include a library with a number of select professional books and reviews in the English language, as well as a limited number of PC-s will permanent Internet access. Internet is available in the classroom and free WiFi in various University areas.

Credits Transfer and Transcript
Transcript: Every BSCS student who attends at least 90% of the classes and meets the requirements of every examination receives a Certificate from Eötvös University which shows the duration and other specifics of the courses attended as well as the grades obtained. US compatible official transcripts are also provided for all completed courses.

Credits: Recognition of the credits by the students home university must be negotiated in the application phase in the case of doubt. BSCSs credit system is fully compatible with the credit system of Eotvos University, which strictly follows the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System).

In the ECTS framework, a one-semester course with 20 contact hours typically earns 2 ECTU (European Credit Transfer Units). Accordingly, the whole BSCS semester earns altogether 24-30 ECTU. The 20 contact hours are equivalent to 1,4 US semester hours (for 14 week US semesters) and this allows a clear conversion of transcripts to US credit units.

Examinations
Typically, there will be an oral examination at the end of each course. Students receive a grade for each examination as well as a summary grade (the average of the grades obtained) in the Certificate.

Oral examinations are a common means in the European higher education system. An oral examination is conducted in the form of a dialogue between the teacher and a student. As a rule, the student may take time to prepare for the answers. Oral examinations at Hungarian universities are open to the public (practically: fellow students) to ensure transparency. Dates and places are announced in the courses.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: 5000 for basic tuition, 1200 for indep. res. module, T.B.A. for intensive language course

The tuition fee does not include:
- accommodation
- visas, passports, photographs, necessary health insurance
- travel from home to Budapest and back
- travel within Europe
- health insurance and other insurances
- local transportation costs
- telephone bills, medical costs, damage reparations, etc.
- Further organised excursions planned to neighbouring countries
   (e.g. Austria, Romania, Slovakia, Croatia), to be specified later
- Intensive 2 weeks Hungarian language course for early birds arriving
   not later than mid August.

Based on individual agreement with selected sending unirversities and colleges special packages of service can be ensured to students. This option is open for every universities and colleges.

Experience Required: yes

Undergraduates of all disciplines with a sufficient personal maturity to function in a different society. Any university undergraduate in good standing who by the time of the Budapest Semester has completed the first two semesters is eligible. Students from all disciplines are acceptable, although priority areas are given as: computer science and mathematics, natural sciences, philosophy, or psychology. Students from other disciplines should contact the BSCS Program Chair before application time, to discuss their personal backgrounds and expected benefits. Selection of students takes place on a competitive basis, with previous student records being a sole criterion. On a US scale, the normally required grade at application time is GPA 3.0, unless special agreement.

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Hungary Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 20-25

Scholarships are Available. Beside National, home College and individual scholarship the BSCS program considers stipends. For students whose social conditions do not permit them to pay a full tuition fee, and for students from eligible countries, a stipend (from the practical point of view: a partial waiver) is available upon request. Stipends are distributed by the Board of Directors on a case-by-case basis. Together with the request for a stipend, we will require proof of parental income and other financial aids obtained. Students should inquire at their local universities and grant-giving organizations for additional support.

Application Process Involves:

• Disciplinary Clearance Form
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Year Founded: 1994