Location:

Budapest, Hungary

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

High School

Term:

Academic Year, Fall Semester

Program Overview

Program Description:

AFS (formerly the American Field Service) is a leader in intercultural learning and offers international exchange programs in more than 40 countries around the world. We've been exchanging students throughout the world for 60 years. That is six decades of history and experience in international education with an exemplary record of safety, security, and service to students, parents, and educators.

AFS Mission: AFS-USA works toward a more just and peaceful world by providing international and intercultural learning experiences to individuals, families, schools, and communities through a global volunteer partnership.

AFS offers year, semester, and summer programs to destinations throughout Hungary. AFS is currently offering hundreds of scholarships for students flexible with their country choice and ready for an adventure.

Hungary boasts small hamlets, rustic churches, soaring castles, and cafes. 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... Hungary offers a range of different extra curricular activities. These are the activities typically offered in Hungarian schools sports, theater, choir, games, art, and often school outings or trips. The grading system in Hungary is slightly different to the letter grading system which is typically used in the U.S. take a look below for how the Hungarian students are graded. Outstanding: 5 Good: 4 Average: 3 Poor: 2 Failing: 1

Colleges recommend high school study abroad experiences - as these programs provide the opportunity to develop confidence and self-reliance before pursuing higher education. In addition, after exploring the world you may have a clearer vision of what you'd like to study in college. As a result, you may spend less time switching majors, which means you'll save time and money. An exchange program also boosts college applications and gives you an immediate advantage when applying for scholarships.

Plus, the language skills you develop on an AFS program might exempt you from required language courses, thus enabling you to finish college sooner. Some students have received as much as 18 hours language credit-almost enough to provide a minor in language and a huge financial savings when you figure the cost of credits.

Setting Description:

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.