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High School in Hungary

During your time in Hungary you’ll have the opportunity to gain an intimate knowledge of this ancient and proud Eastern European nation.

Study abroad in in Hungary and have the opportunity to gain an intimate knowledge of this ancient and proud Eastern European nation. By living with a host family and attending a local school, you’ll be completely immersed in the Hungarian language and culture. You’ll get to explore Hungary not as a tourist but as a true member of the community – an experience not many American teenagers can claim!

Things to know

Old World is the way of life here: families take pride in their roots and honor tradition. Hungary is like no other country: the language, the culture, the history – it is truly unique unto itself. The Hungarian language is not related to any other European language so you might find it challenging to learn, but don’t worry, you’ll have help from local volunteers and your host school.

What's included in your experience

  • 70 Years Experience

Eligibility

Graduates Eligible? Yes, high school graduates are eligible to participate.
Minimum GPA 2.5
Age Range
15yrs, 6 months to
18yrs, 6 months at start of program
Language Skills No language requirement
COVID-19 Vaccine Not Required

Based on differences in culture, strict government regulation of medications, and other local customs, it has been our experience that not all of our international AFS partners are able to support students with certain diagnoses, including but not limited to, severe allergies, strict dietary restrictions, ADD/ADHD, and those currently taking or who have taken psychotropic medications and/or received counseling for mental/psychological issues within the past year. If this applies to you, please get in touch with an AFS Study Abroad Specialist early so that we can determine the right experience for you.

Your Journey to Hungary

In the months before your departure, AFSers have the opportunity to participate in various preparatory activities, including an online Student Learning Journey, which is an interactive course that brings AFSers from around the world together to learn how to develop essential global skills, intercultural communication techniques, and practice social impact, maximizing the outcomes of the AFS learning experience. 

AFS-USA will coordinate and share your international travel with you. You will need to coordinate your own travel to the point of international departure. From there, your journey in Hungary will begin when you land, where you’ll be met by staff, volunteers and meet your fellow AFSers from around the world. Shortly after arrival, you will attend an arrival orientation and get a crash course on Hungarian culture, living with a host family, safety, and support structures.

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Meeting Your Hungarian Host Family

AFSers have lived in communities all throughout Hungary. Most host families live in urban environments near Budapest or other large cities, but it’s also possible that you’ll live in a rural area.

Most Hungarian parents have one or two children, but larger families are more common in rural areas. You might find that you have older host siblings living at home, as children often wait to move out until they’re financially independent. During your time with your host family you can expect to be treated like a member of the family, joining in activities and helping around the house like you might do in the US.

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Settling into daily life in Hungary

Teenage Life

As a student in Hungary most of your time will probably be spent at school, hanging out with friends, or getting to know your host family. Like young people everywhere, most Hungarian teenagers enjoy playing sports, especially soccer, basketball, and volleyball. You might also go to the movies or to a party at someone’s house. To explore the culture a little further, be sure to check out some of Hungary’s folk traditions, including artisan embroidery, pottery, and carvings. Hungary’s musical contributions are just as rich, and range from rhapsodies to operas to Gypsy and folk music.

Foods You’ll Encounter

One of the most popular and well-known Hungarian dishes is goulash, a stew made with meat, potatoes, and paprika. Paprika is used in many Hungarian dishes and has a warm, piquant flavor. Dishes are typically served with potatoes or noodles and there are lots of delicious breads and pastries to try!

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Your Host School

During your time in Hungary you’ll attend a public school called a gimnázium, but you could also be placed in a szakközépiskola (vocational) school.  You’ll likely be able to pick from a variety of classes that your school offers, 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 from 8 am to 3 pm. Schools often provide some extra activities such as school trips, sports and games, choir, arts, or theater.

Scholarships and Aid

We believe that studying abroad should not be contingent on personal finances. When you apply, we work with you to understand your family’s needs and match you with available scholarships and aid. 100% of accepted applicants with demonstrated need receive funds.

Learn More

What's Included

  • 75+ years of experience delivering high-quality programs through a worldwide network of 32,000 dedicated volunteers
  • Accommodations with a vetted host family
  • Round-trip international airfare for the designated program dates
  • School enrollment fees
  • Worldwide, 24-hour emergency assistance
  • Access to an in-country support team and network, as well as our Participant Support Department based here in the U.S.
  • Orientations and intercultural education before and during your program
  • International secondary medical travel coverage
  • Visa support and guidance
  • Inclusion in a worldwide returnee and alumni network of over 1,000,000 people

Visa Info

Do I need a visa/residence permit for Hungary? YES. Residence Permit
How do I apply for the visa? (By mail, In-person, In host country) In host country
Visa/Residence Permit Process Difficulty Level (Easy, Average, Complex) Easy
Estimated Visa/Residence Permit Expenses
($ – $$$)		 $
Frequently Asked Visa Questions Visit our general visa FAQ page for more information.
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Returning Home

“Life-changing” is hard to describe, yet it’s nearly always the first thing that AFSers say when asked about their experience abroad. “Transformed” is another one.
When you return home from your study abroad in Hungary, you’ll bring with you a sense of accomplishment unlike any other. You’ll have gained maturity and independence, discovered new passions, and developed the confidence and resilience to accomplish anything you set out to do.
That transformation isn’t only visible to you, though – others see it as well. AFSers gain critical skills for college and careers. Second language fluency, intercultural competence, creativity, and critical reasoning will help you succeed, whatever path you take. “Life-changing” means it’s only the beginning.
It’s not just an adventure abroad; it’s a whole new reality. The perspectives and personal connections you gained will stay with you and likely draw you back to the second home you found in Hungary.

In fact, our alumni reviews have made AFS one of the top-rated organizations in the study abroad industry.