Study Abroad in Hungary

Semester Programs

During your time in Hungary, you will live with a host family and attend a local high school.

School

You will attend a gimnàzium (academic secondary school). English is taught as the primary second language. Hungarian schools emphasize physical education, morality, and familiarity with the arts. All high schools teach history, Hungarian grammar, literature, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, geography, physical education, art, and music.

Orientations

All students applying for the semester program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation, which usually takes place in mid-July or early to mid December (Spring departures). This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas.

You will also have a four-day arrival orientation in Hungary, in addition to a three-day mid-year orientation in January and a three-day departure orientation at the end of the program. YFU Hungary offers a basic Hungarian language course during the post-arrival orientation. Students will receive advanced language and grammar materials throughout the program. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.

Optional Excursions

Semester program students may have the option of participating in a number of educational trips and excursions during their stay at an additional cost.

Parliament Tour: In the spring, students have the opportunity to visit the Hungarian Parliament in Budapest, known as one of the most beautiful works of architecture in the world. This is a half-day guided tour.

YFU Advent Party: An evening program in December at a special venue where the YFU community celebrates the festive season with performances and time spent together in an easy-going, fun-filled atmosphere. There is no additional cost, but registration is required.

YFU Tea Party: An afternoon program in the autumn where students gather with YFU volunteers for fun games and learn to prepare a simple yet delectable Hungarian cookie. There is no additional cost, but registration is required.

YFU Family Day: Spend a day with the YFU community and other exchange students and experience cooking a Hungarian dish together on an open fire! You’ll be guided by a Hungarian chef and enjoy the beautiful lunch you will create. There is no additional cost, but registration is required.

Afternoon Music School: Enjoy one-on-one music lessons to improve your music skills. Students can attend 30-45 minute sessions 4 times per week. Students may have the opportunity to play in the music school orchestra which includes taking part in competitions, concerts and fun festivals.

Language

Hungarian. Previous language study is not required. YFU Hungary offers a basic language course during post-arrival orientation and Hungarian language materials throughout the program.

Special Interest Programs

Sports Program: The sports program in Hungary allows students to continue practicing a high-level sport or to begin a new sport in an intensive atmosphere. The most common sports practiced in Hungary are horseback riding, water polo, dance, and soccer, but if a student wishes to gain experience in a different sport, that is definitely a possibility! Contact info@yfu.org to find out more information about opportunities to practice your preferred sport in Hungary!

Music Program: The Music program in Hungary allows students to continue studying music on a higher level in addition to regular academic studies at a public school. This is an excellent program for students who are serious about their musical studies. In order to qualify for this special program, students must have studied music previously and be serious about working at a high level with instructors. Contact info@yfu.org to find out more information about opportunities to practice your preferred instrument in Hungary!

Trimester Programs

During your time in Hungary, you will live with a host family and attend a local high school.

School

You will attend a gimnàzium (academic secondary school). English is taught as the primary second language. Hungarian schools emphasize physical education, morality, and familiarity with the arts. All high schools teach history, Hungarian grammar, literature, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, geography, physical education, art, and music.

Orientations

All students applying for the program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation, which usually takes place in mid-July or early-mid December (Spring departures). This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas.

You will also have a four-day arrival orientation in Hungary, in addition to a three-day mid-year orientation in January and a three-day departure orientation at the end of the program. YFU Hungary offers a basic Hungarian language course during the post-arrival orientation. Students will receive advanced language and grammar materials throughout the program. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.

Optional Excursions

Year program students will also usually have the option of participating in some educational trips and excursions during their stay, at an additional cost.

Parliament Tour: In the spring, students have the opportunity to visit the Hungarian Parliament in Budapest, known as one of the most beautiful works of architecture in the world. This is a half-day guided tour.

YFU Advent Party: An evening program in December at a special venue where the YFU community celebrates the festive season with performances and time spent together in an easy-going, fun-filled atmosphere. There is no additional cost, but registration is required.

YFU Tea Party: An afternoon program in the autumn where students gather with YFU volunteers for fun games and learn to prepare a simple yet delectable Hungarian cookie. There is no additional cost, but registration is required.

YFU Family Day: Spend a day with the YFU community and other exchange students and experience cooking a Hungarian dish together on an open fire! You’ll be guided by a Hungarian chef and enjoy the beautiful lunch you will create. There is no additional cost, but registration is required.

Afternoon Music School: Enjoy one-on-one music lessons to improve your music skills. Students can attend 30-45 minute sessions 4 times per week. Students may have the opportunity to play in the music school orchestra which includes taking part in competitions, concerts and fun festivals.

Language

Hungarian. Previous language study is not required. YFU Hungary offers a basic language course during post-arrival orientation and Hungarian language materials throughout the program.

Special Interest Programs

Music: Hungary has always been a country with a strong musical tradition. From Liszt and Bartok to the pulsating rhythm of the “czardas,” Hungarian composers and musicians have made this nation’s folk and classical music famous worldwide. Depending on your host family placement and musical ability level, you will attend one of two types of music schools. One involves taking academic classes at a public high school in the morning and music lessons in the afternoon. This type of school is recommended for students who play music as a hobby and are interested in developing their skills through a high-quality music program. Students receive one-on-one instrumental lessons twice a week, as well as compulsory solmization lessons twice a week. They may have the opportunity to play with the school’s orchestra at competitions, concerts, and festivals. The other involves the students attending a musical-arts high school and is recommended for students who are serious about developing their existing music skills. YFU Hungary reserves the right to decide which type of music school you can be enrolled in according to your audition materials. You should bring your instrument with you to Hungary. Students applying for the music program should have previous training and be serious about musical arts. Please contact info@yfu.org for more information about the experience requirements for this program!

Sports Program: The sports program in Hungary allows students to continue practicing a high-level sport or to begin a new sport in an intensive atmosphere. The most common sports practiced in Hungary are horseback riding, water polo, dance, and soccer, but if a student wishes to gain experience in a different sport, that is definitely a possibility! Contact info@yfu.org to find out more information about opportunities to practice your preferred sport in Hungary!

Bilingual Program: YFU Hungary offers an option for students to attend an international high school called Orchidea. Orchidea is a private school where students participate in bilingual English/Hungarian classes.