AFS aims to provide 30% of our students with scholarships or grants
Find out about our range of scholarships, grants and fundraising
Eligibility Requirements
- Age: You must be between 15.6 and 18.6 years old
14.6 and 18 for the trimester programme - School Enrolment Status: Enrolled students and graduates are eligible
- Language Requirement: Committed to learning Hungarian, intro to Hungarian recommended
Notes
- The September-November programme includes the Peace camp in Brussels!
Read more below
What's included in your experience
- Airfare
- Airport Pick-up
- Host Family Placement
- Housing
- Meals
- School Placement
- Individual Contact Person
- Medical Insurance
- 24/7 Emergency Support
- School Transport
- Assistance with Application Process
- Visa Application Assistance
- Pre-Departure Orientation
- Orientations during your time abroad
- Continuous Support
- Worldwide Presence
- 70 Years Experience
What you are responsible for
- Vaccinations
- Cultural Tours
- Visa and Passport Fees
- Stipend
- School Uniform
Host Family & Community
You will probably live in urban areas near Budapest or other large cities, however some host families live in the countryside. Hungarian families tend to be traditional, but everyone shares in the housework and spends time together on weekends.
School
Most AFS students attend a public school called a gimnázium, but you could also be placed in a szakközépiskola (vocational) school. You’ll likely choose from a variety of classes, 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 to Friday from 8 am to 3 pm.
Food
One of the most popular and well-known Hungarian dishes is goulash, a stew made with meat, potatoes, and paprika. Dishes are typically served with potatoes or noodles and there are lots of delicious breads and pastries to try! Typical Hungarian dishes tend to be hearty, but culinary habits are changing, so the food is lighter than in the past but without losing its great flavours. Paprika and other spices and sauces are used in many dishes.
Language
Magyar, also known as Hungarian, is the official language of Hungary, and it’s related to Finnish and Estonian. English and German are widely spoken foreign languages, while there are several recognized minority languages in Hungary. Hungarian language lessons will be offered during the early months of your stay. You do not need to speak Hungarian to be accepted into the programme, but you are encouraged to begin learning as much as you can before you arrive.
Ready to Start your Hungarian Adventure?
Let AFS guide your intercultural adventure
With over 75 years of experience in student exchanges, we know what we’re doing when it comes to support and education! AFS provides comprehensive orientation for all students and families before, during and after your exchange – AFS volunteers and staff will be there to support and guide you the whole way through. In-person orientation camps in New Zealand and your host country are supplemented by our world-leading online Student Learning Journey, an interactive course that brings AFSers from around the world together to develop essential global skills, learn intercultural communication techniques, and practice social impact.
Peace Camp Info
The PEACE Programme or Peace through Exchange and Active Citizenship Education is a secondary school trimester programme which aims at empowering and enabling young people to become active citizens. The participants stay with host-families and go to high school in a European country. At the end of the programme, all participants of the PEACE programme come to Belgium for a five-day camp with a focus on Active Global Citizenship in Europe.