Hungary

A rare blend of the old and new, this 1,000 year old country is quickly being discovered as one of Central Europe's hippest. From beach resorts and wine vineyards to vibrant cities, Hungary has much to offer the imagination.

One of the most cosmopolitan countries in Europe, Hungary is considered the heart and soul of Central Europe. Known as a cultural center for its musical heritage and vast art collections, Hungary is on the cutting edge. There are always concerts to attend or a traditional folk song to learn. Visit Student Island where, during the summer months, musicians are featured at musical festivals. Not only will you hear a blend of Hungarian artists, traditional folk songs, and musical styles ranging from classical to contemporary, but you might just see David Bowie or Lou Reed playing at this summer festival.

Best known for their hospitality, Hungarians love welcoming foreigners into their culture. Your host family may live in a larger or smaller town and will probably include one or two host siblings. Hungarian teenagers enjoy many of the same activities as Americans, including hanging out in cafés, dancing in discos, and going to concerts.

Academic Programs

Year students will have a four-day arrival orientation in Hungary, which includes an open discussion with departing YFU summer program students. You will attend a gimnàzium (academic secondary school). English is taught as the primary second language. German, French, Russian, and Italian are taught as well. Hungarian schools emphasize physical education, morality, and familiarity with the arts. Year students will also have a three-day mid year orientation and a three-day departure orientation at the end of the program. Included in the year program tuition is a distance Hungarian language program. Students will receive material at the arrival orientation and be sent follow up material every 4-6 weeks while on program.  It is possible to do a language exam at the end of the year.  Extra language lessons are offered through the YFU Hungary Office should students want it to prepare for the language exam. Mandatory health insurance is included in the program tuition for all programs to Hungary.  Academic Year and Music Program students are responsible for the costs of school books and materials, transportation to school (if applicable) and residence permit fees upon arrival.

Music Program
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.

YFU Hungary offers an option to study music in addition to regular academic study at a public school. In order to qualify for this special program, students must have studied music previously and be serious in working at a high level with instructors. An audition tape is required and should be sent in with the YFU application.  Students must be able to read music and have studied music for at least two years.  All students interested must fill out an information form provided by YFU Hungary to help in student placement. 

This is an excellent program for students who are serious about their musical studies. There are two options for music study offered to YFU students in Hungary. Students will get the same level of education at either school. Some of the music schools charge a nominal fee in addition to your program tuition.

At Morning Schools, students will study academic subjects and music at the same school. At Afternoon Schools, students will study academic subjects at a regular high school in the morning and study music in the afternoons at a public music school. After reviewing each application, YFU Hungary will decide which type of school each student will attend.  The cost of school books, materials and transportation to school are not included in the program tuition.

Additionally, it is possible to study art, theater, and dance. YFU Hungary can assure placement in this kind of school only on a case-by-case basis.  Call 1-800-TEENAGE to speak with an Admissions Counselor.

13th Year Abroad
The traditional Academic and Music Year programs are also available as 13th Year Abroad options. Learn more about other 13th Year Abroad Programs.

Summer Program

Discover Hungary
On this six-week summer program, you can explore the best of what Hungary has to offer - its culture, musical heritage, and people. After your one day orientation you will spend two weeks with your host family. Placement will be in large cities. You can then spend two adventurous days either sailing or at an optional horseback riding camp.

After your weekend excursion, you will take pleasure in a second homestay experience, most likely in a different city from the first. This allows you to appreciate more of what Hungary has to offer - its cosmopolitan cities and friendly people.  A day trip to Student Island Fest in Budapest, one of the biggest open-air music festivals in Europe, is included in the program tuition as well as a one day sightseeing tour of Vienna!  A one day departure orientation in Budapest will help you evaluate and reflect with other international students about your experiences in one of Europe's most vibrant countries. Mandatory health insurance is included in the program tuition.

To be eligible for a 2009 YFU program to Hungary students must have a birth date between February 1, 1991 and July  31, 1994.  However, they will consider accepting overage students born after September 1, 1990.

Programs, Departures, and Costs

Online Resources

To learn more about Hungary, we recommend:

• E-mail YFU Alumni from the Alumni Referral List with your questions
• Visit your local library to find reference books, travel guides and essays, Hungarian language dictionaries, and many more country resources 
• Use an internet search engine to find informative web sites
• Embassy of Hungary in Washington, DC web site

"You'll bask in the Hungarians' warm hospitality and... soon you'll feel right at home in this historic and magical country."

All YFU Programs are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.
Last Updated: 09/09/2008