Aquincum Institute of Technology (AIT) provides a unique English language study abroad experience for North American undergraduates majoring in computer science, software engineering, and related disciplines.
Hungary has a proud tradition of creativity in computing: John von Neumann, who developed the principles of stored-program digital computers, Andy Grove, longtime leader of Intel, and Charles Simonyi, father of Microsoft Office, all got their start in the schools of Budapest.
Tailored to the needs of North American computer science and software engineering undergraduates in their sophomore through senior years, AIT offers semester-long programs to bridge the gap between the world of academia and business. Classes are taught in English by eminent Hungarian professors, many of whom have had teaching experience in North American universities. Teachers closely monitor each individual student's progress. Considerable time is devoted to problem solving and encouraging student creativity. Emphasis is on depth of understanding rather than on the quantity of material. The academic program is based on a philosophy of small and intimate classes, close collaboration of students and faculty, and hands-on work through group projects.
The program is made up by four course groups, each containing several different course offerings:
- Foundational Courses in Computer Science
- Advanced Applications
- Creative Design and Entrepreneurship
- Humanities Courses Related Hungary's rich cultural heritage
Students can select any combination of classes from the four main course groups. While the four groups contain classes in different areas of science, entrepreneurship and culture, the examples below illustrate how these are integrated within the AIT curriculum.