During your time in Hungary, you will live with a host family and attend a local high school.
| PROGRAM | DEPARTURE | RETURN | FULL TUITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Fall Year | Mid-August | Late June | $12,995 |
| 2025 Fall Year Music | Mid-August | Late June | $13,995 |
| 2025 Fall Year Sports | Mid-August | Late June | $13,995 |
| 2025 Fall Year Bilingual | Mid-August | Late June | $13,995 |
- Placement with a host family
- Enrollment in a local Hungarian high school (or music high school)
- Airport transfers
- Domestic and international travel
- All pre-departure and post-arrival orientations
- Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
- Support from a YFU Hungary Area Representative while on program
- Comprehensive insurance
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.
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.
*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place online dependent upon recommended guidelines at the time of the event. YFU will continue to assess the situation as it develops.
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.
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.
- 2025 Fall Departures: Students born January 1, 2008 – December 31, 2010
- Students who do not meet this age requirement will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.
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.
Host families may be in Hungary’s rural, suburban, or urban areas.
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.
