Focus on Hungary

  Hungary

Budapest

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Dates: inquire for the specific dates

Description: Hungary boasts small hamlets, rustic churches, soaring castles, and cafés. The countryside is out of a storybook, and its national heroes are poets and writers. However, its culture, lifestyle, and food are shaped by both Western and Eastern Europe. Budapest, the country's capital, is often called the Paris of Eastern Europe because of its broad avenues, graceful architecture, many parks, and bounty of fine and performing arts. The country has one of the finest folk traditions in Europe, producing excellent embroidery, pottery, and carvings. Its musical contributions are just as rich, and range from the rhapsodies of Franz Liszt and the operas of Ferenc Erkel to Gypsy, folk, and rock music. And it has hundreds of mineral springs that provide thermal water for spas and wellness centers. While Magyar (Hungarian) is challenging, you'll receive plenty of help as AFS Hungary provides language lessons for the first three months - and your host family will help as well, since Hungarians are known for their hospitality.

Highlights: Year and Semester Programs:
Upon your arrival, a short orientation will help you get acquainted with life, customs, and Magyar. Outside of your host family, your school will become the best place for you to meet people and make friends. Hungarian students take their studies seriously and while your school will help you choose classes, Hungarian and foreign languages are required. School runs from September through June. There are after-school activities such as school trips, sports, and art programs, and communities offer similar clubs (including community service) for you to participate in with your friends. AFS holds several get-togethers and organizes a one-week host family exchange in late winter that gives you a chance to experience life in a different community.

Summer Homestay Plus (Cultural Arts Program):
Inspired by the creative tradition of the countryside, Hungary's folk art is revered around the world. Spend a summer discovering what the fanfare is all about. You'll stay for two weeks in a Hungarian countryside art camp working alongside local artisans who will show you how to create traditional crafts such as woodcarving, fabric and basket weaving, leathercraft, woodworking, and bead jewelry making. Then you'll live with a host family for two weeks and learn about Hungarian daily life. There are also tours to cities and villages to learn about the history of the region. At the end of your stay, enjoy several days in Hungary's beautiful capital, Budapest, before you return home.

Cost in US$: $5,900 - $8,900

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview Required
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home
• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

AFS Intercultural Programs's Mission Statement: AFS Intercultural Programs is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world. AFS Intercultural Programs is a leader in intercultural learning and offers international exchange programs in over 50 countries around the world through independent, not-for-profit AFS organizations, each with a network of volunteers, a professionally staffed office, and headed up by a volunteer board.

Year Founded: 1947