Hi, I made a post about how I have a chance to study for a semester in Budapest, Hungary and it sounds really cool, but there is one other option and thought I’d ask just so I don’t dismiss it immediately: Reykjavík, Iceland. I also know next to nothing about Iceland, whether it’s safe for students, if it’s welcoming, if it’s a good place for an American to study at, so might as well ask about it as well. It also sounds fascinating admittedly

  • Frostbeard@lemmy.world
    1·
    49 minutes ago

    Wife took her whole education in Hungary (Budapest) graduated in 2016 Its nice, but shit got weird for her friend from the Maldives as she was not white. Don’t know if it has changed, but don’t think POC will have a good time.

    And all of eastern Europe is dogshit for LGBTQ

  • Caveman@lemmy.world
    3·
    10 hours ago

    I’m from Iceland, if you go study in Iceland you’re guaranteed Northern lights. If you buddy up with someone with a car you can see plenty of sights since Icelanders in Reykjavik don’t go out too much but are very often up to going out to the country. If you like camping Iceland has amazing camping grounds, mornings are cold but camp sites have often heated kitchens and hot showers. Requires a tent, sleeping bag and inflatable mattress and a car.

    Easter uni break is a whole week, budget for renting a car with other students who are staying in Iceland to go to more distant places.

    Downside is that is pretty expensive, especially compared to Hungary. Hungary has shit rail but Flixbus can get you anywhere you want with less money and comfort.

    Both very good options.

  • Dagobah@lemmy.world
    2·
    9 hours ago

    Having been to both I would say both are amazing but Budapest is your best bet for studying and enjoying a quintessential European atmosphere. Iceland is starkly beautiful but you aren’t going to able to see the whole country properly unless you do a week or two long road trip. It’s also considerably more expensive especially to eat out. People are kind but more reserved and distanced.

    Budapest is a central hub to an incredible array of European trips that you can do on a weekend with public transport. Being in the east it’s also relatively cheap. It’s a big city full of young people, nightlife and culture with a rich history that you can walk to and experience every day.

  • mrmorganiser@lemmy.world
    2·
    21 hours ago

    Yes Iceland is an incredibly beautiful country. The cost of living there is a little higher than Hungary and the people are a little more reserved at first but overall is a fantastic place. It’s slightly easier to visit the rest of Europe from Hungary than Iceland but both are great options and for the course you mentioned might be the better option. The water there takes a little while to get used to. If you don’t choose to study there you should definitely visit.