Program Details
Eligibility
Visa and Travel
Orientations and Activities
Program Details
The Hungarian countryside is a storybook landscape of small hamlets, rustic churches, soaring castles, and small cafés. Budapest, the country’s capitol, is often called the “Paris of Eastern Europe” because of its broad avenues, graceful architecture, parks, and bounty culture. The country has one of the finest folk traditions in Europe, producing excellent embroidery, pottery, carvings and a variety of music.
Host Families
As with most AFS programs, you will be placed with a volunteer host family who will invite you into their home and provide room, board, and guidance during your time abroad.
Hungarian host families, like families around the world, come in all shapes and sizes. It is possible that you will have two host-parents and host siblings, but we cannot guarantee that will be the case. You may be placed with a single parent family or with a family that doesn’t have children. What we can guarantee, though, is that your host family will be excited to learn about you and your culture and that they want you to become a part of their family.
Students are placed with host families throughout Hungary. Public transportation is good in Hungary, and a monthly transit pass will be provided to you.
Host Schools
AFS students attend public schools with classmates their own age. Hungarian students take their studies seriously and work hard toward their fourth-year final exams, which are important for college admissions. You will be able to take the courses your school offers to you, but Hungarian and foreign language courses are required.
The school year runs from the beginning of September to early June and is divided into two semesters. Classes are held Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Schools can provide some extra activities such as school trips, sport and games, choir, arts or theater. Uniforms are usually not worn.
Although some High School Program participants obtain academic credit for the coursework they successfully complete while abroad, AFS cannot guarantee academic credit for courses. Please discuss your plans with your school before you go abroad.
Language
Magyar, aka Hungarian, is the official language of Hungary and is the language that your hostfamily will likely speak and that in which your classes will be taught.
You do not need to speak Hungarian in order to be accepted into the program yet we suggest that you prepare yourself by learning as much as possible prior to departure. Language learning materials are available through the AFS Hungary Website. Also, you’ll be offered formal language lessons during the first 3 months of the stay.
Learn more about families and schools in Hungary.
Eligibility
To be eligible you must:
- Be between 15 years 6 months and 18 years 6 months old at the start of the program
- Have a minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
- Be in mentally, physically, and emotionally healthy in accordance with the AFS Medical Evaluation Policy
- Have an open mind, willingness to be flexible, and the ability to adapt to new a culture, school, and environment
Visa and Travel
All international travel requires that you have a passport that is valid for six months longer than your intended stay.
Visa
With your passport, you will be allowed to enter Hungary and begin your program. However, while abroad you will need to apply for a a residence permit to stay for the full program length.
Fortunately, the visa application process for Hungary is relatively easy but in order to apply you will need to collect documents prior to your departure. Required documents include an application form, a notarized parental consent form, bank statements from your parents, and 11 passport-sized photos.
Also, you’ll be required to pay any visa/residence permit application fees. Currently, the Hungarian Residence Permit costs approx 120 Euros (about $180) but these fees are set by the consulate and are subject to change.
AFS will provide you with step-by-step instructions regarding the required documents and the application process in the months prior to departure.
Travel
You and your fellow AFSers will travel together between New York and Budapest, Hungary’s capital city. After you’ve collected your baggage and passed through customs you will be met by AFS staff and volunteers who will escort you to the arrival orientation site. After the orientation you’ll travel to your host community.
Orientations and Activities
In addition to the orientations that you will participate in domestically – the local Pre-Departure Orientation, Culture Trek, and the Gateway Orientation – you and your fellow AFSers will have multiple orientations while abroad.
Arrival Orientation
After your arrival into Budapest you will be met by AFS staff and volunteers and taken to an orientation site in the city where you will take part in a 2-3 day arrival orientation.
In addition to covering the rules and safety tips, there will be an emphasis on approaching your experience from an intercultural learning perspective. This is an international orientation so you’ll have the opportunity to meet other AFSers from around the world.
Week-long Homestay with a 2nd family
At the end of February or early March, AFS will arrange a one-week host family exchange where you will spend a week in a different town with another family. It will give you a chance to observe another community and a second family.
Mid-Stay Orientation
At the conclusion of your short-term exchange with the second family, you will get together with other AFSers for a brief mid-term orientation in a city called Héviz, which is near one of the biggest thermal lakes in Europe. This will give you a chance to reflect on the first half of your experience and look ahead to making the most of the second half.
End-of-Stay Activities
In the week before your return flight you will be invited back to Budapest for a 1-2 day evaluation camp. This is your chance to reflect on your experience and to share with other AFSers. You will also prepare for the cultural readjustment that is a part of returning home.
Optional Activities
In addition to the orientations, many local chapters organize activities for students and host families throughout the year. These will vary from chapter to chapter but may include parties or excursions to other cities or regions in Hungary. For example, around the Christmas holidays, a party called Santa Claus Evening lets AFSers get together for enjoyment and relaxation. Unlike the orientations, these activities are optional and are at the student’s expense.
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