Reception Booklet - Budapest University

ReceptionBookletof Budapest University 2012/13

for GCDP trainees1

2— Reception Booklet of Budapest University for GCDP Trainees —

Content3) About LC Budapest University7) About Hungary9) Budapest12) Countryside

13) Balaton14) Győr15) Eger16) Pécs17) Sopron18) Szentendre19) Szeged

20) Public transportation21) Food and gastronomy24) Weather25) Money26) ISIC card27) Telefon service28) Visa

— Reception Booklet of Budapest University for GCDP Trainees —

As the first Local Committee in Hungary, Budapest University is delivering enthusiastic and successful work since 1972. In this past 40 years we have grown and developed. Throughout this journey of continuous learning, we have not forgotten our past and managed to keep many traditions and customs which ensure the cultural unity of the Local Committee and bound us to our long past. We always strive for excellence and aim to provide quality and value to our stakeholders by working effectively.

About LC Budapest University

3


About the projectsWe currently have 4 iGCDP projects:

• Magellan Project – dealing with schools• GlobeKids Project – dealing with kindergartens and nursery homes• AMUSEUM Project – dealing with cultural institutions• Be an Impact Project – dealing with social institutions

4


Magellan ProjectThe aim of our project is to contribute to the competitiveness of the Hungarian educational system, with the value of the internationalism. Our programmes provide a unique opportunity for students to get acquainted with different cultures, to learn foreign languages in a special way and to embrace a life-long experience. Interns should teach languages, hold workshops and organize events in cultural and social issues.We believe that cultural diversity and international atmosphere can help to establish the cultural understanding of young people in Hungary and to develop their global mindset.

AMUSEUMThe goal of AMUSEUM project is to provide opportunity at cultural institutions located in Budapest for those ambitious and enthusiastic foreign students who are interested in completing volunteering programs in Hungary. During the program, the participants help the work of the organisation in the area of marketing, graphic design, foreign relations or they help in promotion and service activities to reach and satisfy a wider range of audience. The project ensures the suitable foreign candidates for the program, while they benefit from gaining relevant experience and learning about Hungarian culture.

GlobeKids ProjectGlobeKids Project aims to enable young people to directly impact tomorrow's society. Working in kindergartens and childcare institutions, trainees can strengthen cultural understanding while improving their own abilities. Volunteers of this project help develop the global mindset of the youngest ones by teaching English, demonstrating their culture and encouraging team work between the children. We hope to contribute to their becoming tolerant, respectful and responsible adults who are not embarrassed when it comes to speaking English and are open to diversity.

Be an Impact ProjectThe most important issue of Be an Impact Project is ensuring equal chances for those who need it the most. Volunteers of the project work at social institutions to make a meaningful impact on the society. Our partners are refugee camps, different associations and foundations dealing with disadvantaged children and disabled people. Our trainees can contribute to the food-supply of those in need, women equality and cultural understanding.

5


ReceptionWe consider our reception to be outstanding. Our trainees not only have the accommodation and food ensured, but we consciously build a trainee community with different platforms for communication and by organizing programs such as Integration Weekends, welcome and farewell parties. All of our interns have a trainee buddy, who helps them from matched status until farewell.

6

https://maps.google.com/maps%3Fq%3DCorvinus%2BEgyetem%2C%2BBudapest%2C%2BF%25C5%2591v%25C3%25A1m%2Bt%25C3%25A9r%2C%2BMagyarorsz%25C3%25A1g%26hl%3Dhu%26ie%3DUTF8%26ll%3D47.486614%2C19.057438%26spn%3D0.007279%2C0.021136%26sll%3D47.486048%2C19.058318%26sspn%3D0.007279%2C0.021136%26oq%3Dbudapest%2Bcorvi%26hq%3DCorvinus%2BEgyetem%2C%26hnear%3DBudapest%2C%2BF%25C5%2591v%25C3%25A1m%2Bt%25C3%25A9r%2C%2BMagyarorsz%25C3%25A1g%26t%3Dm%26z%3D16



http://bce.aiesec.hu/

http://facebook.com/aiesecbce


About HungaryHungary is a small country situated in Central Europe, in the Carpathian Basin. It’s capital is Budapest. Its neighbouring countries are:

• Austria• Serbia• Croatia• Slovenia• Romania• Ukraine• Slovakia

7

Hungarians speak a language and form a culture unlike any other in the region: this distinctiveness has been both a source of pride and an obstacle for more than 1100 years.This is the country which boasts one of the world's most beautiful cities: Budapest, the "Pearl of the Danube"where 2000 year old Roman ruins and 400 year old Turkish monuments can be found side by sidewhere Central Europe's largest fresh water lake - Balaton - is located, providing natural paradise for its visitorswhere hundreds of therapeutic mineral springs gush up from the depthsThe major rivers are in the country are the Danube and the Tisza which divide Hungary into 3 parts.And there is something else that keeps bringing visitors back to us - the legendary Hungarian hospitality.

8


About BudapestOften described as the “Little Paris of Middle Europe”, Budapest is famous not only for the monuments reflecting its own 1,000-year-old culture, but also for the relics of others who settled here. Remains from both Roman occupation and much later ruled by the Turks can still be seen in the city. After the Ottoman Empire the union with Austria has a particular influence on the city's form and style.

9


The capital has two sides, Buda and Pest, stretching along the banks of the Danube, representing two different characters of the city. Suburban Buda and its historic castle district offer medieval streets and houses, museums, caves and Roman ruins. The dynamic Pest side boasts the largest parliament building in Europe, riverside promenades, flea markets, bookstores, antique stores and café houses.

Budapest has a lot to offer. Museums and galleries, churches and synagogues, palaces and historic buildings, baths and pools... There is an unmistakable feeling that something out of the ordinary is just around the corner, but what it will be is up to you to find out.

10


Castle hill: On Castle hill you can see a fascinating mix of architectural styles. The showpieces are the spectacular Matthias Church, the Buda Royal Palace and the Fishermen's Bastion. Parliament: The second largest parliament building of the world which guard the Hungarian crown and regalia. Heroes' Square: The statues on Heros' Square (Hősök tere) are very much a who's who of Hungarian history and its scale and grandeur is an indication of the pride Hungarians have for their country.The Great Synagogue: The second largest synagogue of the world.Opera House: One of the leading opera houses in Europ.

11

Sights to see


Adventure outside of Budapest and you'll find that the countryside in Hungary is just as impressive as its capital city. While it may not have the excitement and lure of the bustling downtown, Hungary's countryside holds many scenic destinations filled with outdoor attractions and natural beauty.

Its diversity offers you former landowners' palaces, hot springs where you soak full-body in hot mineral water, pretty villages on undulating hills, vineyards, lovely roadside restaurants.

Countryside

12


BalatonA favorite tourist destination, Lake Balaton is the largest freshwater lake in Europe. Millions of people come here every summer to enjoy the "Hungarian Sea". The silky-green, shallow waters are warm enough to swim in from May to October. Other attractions include windsurfing, sailing, fishing, water sports, as well as wineries on the north coast, and nightlife on the south shore. The region holds countless unique recreational facilities, secrets and experiences for the visitors.

13


GyőrGyőr is located halfway between Budapest and Vienna at the confluence of three rivers: the Danube, the Rába and the Rábca. The city has an enchanting center with beautiful Baroque mansions and churches. Győr also makes an excellent base for excursions to the thousand-year-old Pannonhalma Monastery, one of the oldest historical monuments in Hungary and a famous World Heritage Site.

14


EgerEger, a historical town in Northern Hungary, is famous for its castle, cathedral, Baroque churches and Turkish remains. Eger also has a wine region, best known for the red wine called ‘Bull’s Blood of Eger’. Only one and a half hours drive from Budapest, Eger is an excellent destination for a day trip.

15


PécsMysterious crypts from the Roman Age, Turkish djamis with cupolas, a slim minaret, exquisite Zsolnay ceramics, grandiose Csontváry paintings, decorative Vasarely patterns, almond trees blooming early in spring, cobble stone streets, outdoor cafés and red-tiled rooftops: this is Pécs. This beautiful and diverse city - which was selected to be the European capital of culture in 2010 - is located in Transdanubia, at the slopes of the Mecsek Mountain. The hilly area south of the city, including the Villány wine region, lures many visitors, particularly wine lovers.

16


Sopron The city which is one of the most abundant ones in historical sights in whole Hungary is Sopron. It is a small town, wreathed by the Lővér Hills covered in pine forests and vineyards produc-ing excellent wine. It is situated by the Austrian-Hungarian border, 220 kms from Budapest and 60 kms from Vienna.

17


SzentendreSzentendre is just outside of Budapest. Churches, museums, galleries and cafés in baroque settings symbolize this lovely town. Serbians fleeing from the Turkish occupation settled here in the 17th century in large numbers, giving the city its Mediterranean character, which was preserved to this day.

18


Szeged, the city on the river Tisza, is the regional centre of South-Eastern Hungary. The city has beautiful buildings and wide avenues. This is mainly due to the great flood of 1879, which literally wiped away the whole town and a new, modern city emerged from the ruins. Szeged is also known as the home of paprika and the world famous Pick Salami.

Szeged

19


Public transportationin BudapestBudapest has a well-developed public transportation system. The service includes buses, trolleybuses, trams, underground trains (Metro) and above-ground suburban trains (HÉV). Buses, trams and trolleybuses run daily from 4.30 a.m. until 11.0 p.m. The three Metro lines interconnect at Deák tér Station, and service frequencies range from 15 minutes late in the evening to every two minutes at peak times. Tickets or passes must be bought before boarding. They are available at Metro stations, tobacconists and newsagents, and from vending machines at many bus and tram stops in the city centre. We would recommend you to buy a monthly pass. If you are a citizen of the European Union, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, you can buy a student pass for 3 850 HUF (about 13 euros). Otherwise, you need the ful

22

http://www.bkv.hu/en/

Suburban railwayThese trains go from Budapest to the surrounding towns. You can use these trains to the border of Budapest with your season ticket, but when you pass the border of Budapest you need to buy an additional ticket from the controller.

MetroBudapest currently has three metro lines - M1 (Yellow), M2 (Red) and M3 (Blue). The Yellow line is the oldest underground transportation line in continental Europe and retains much of its old-fashioned charm. All lines meet at Deák tér in central Pest. First metros run everyday from 04:30 to 23:30.

TramBudapest has an extensive system of above-ground trams. The most useful lines for tourists are the 4 or 6, which circulates all night, tram 47 or 49, which runs trough central Pest and across the river; the 2, which follows the Danube River on the Pest side; and the 19, which follows the Danube River on the Buda Side.

Bus or Trolley-busBy bus or trolley-bus you can get everywhere since there are more than 200 bus lines in Budapest. You can recognise buses about their blue and trolley buses about their red colour.

— Reception Booklet of Budapest University for GCDP Trainees —23


The traditional Hungarian dishes abound in piquant flavors and aromas. Dishes are spicy and often rather heavy. Hungarian cuisine frequently uses paprika (and paprika powder, hot or 'sweet'), black pepper and onions. The best paprika comes from Kalocsa, or Szeged. Potatoes are also commonly used in many dishes. Hungarians are passionate about their soups, desserts and stuffed pancakes, with fierce rivalries between regional variations of the same dish.

Food and Gastronomy

20


Some of our most famous dishes are:

Goulash soupPörkölt: delicious, juicy meat-dish usually prepared of beef, pork or chickenDobos cake: sponge cake layered with chocolate paste and glazed with caramel and nutsLángos: fried bread dough

21


WeatherOur climate is temperate continental, so you can find every kind of weather and temperature, you have to be prepared for every case! In general, winters in Hungary are cold, cloudy and damp or windy, and summers are warm - sometimes very hot. July and August are the hottest months (average temperature 26°C) and January the coldest (-4°C).

27

http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/Budapest%2BHungary%2BHUXX0002


MoneyThe Hungarian currency is Forint (Ft or HUF) and today there are coins of 5 Ft, 10 Ft, 20 Ft, 50 Ft, 100 Ft and 200 Ft. Notes come in seven denominations: 500 Ft, 1000 Ft, 2000 Ft, 5000 Ft, 10,000 Ft and 20,000 Ft.

26


ISIC cardThis is the international student card. If you have this card you can have several benefits in restaurants, museums, hotels and shops. You can check the details at the website. (http://www.isic.hu/) Be careful though: the ISIC card does not authorize you to travel with a student pass.

25


Telephone Servicein HungaryThe country code for Hungary is + 36, so to reach a number, dial 00 36 then the area code and the local number. In Hungary the standard lengths for area codes is two, except for Budapest (the capital), which has the area code 1. Subscribers' numbers are six digits long in general, numbers in Budapest and cell phone numbers are seven digits long.To make an international call first dial 00 then the country code, the area code and the local number. We expect you to have a Hungarian phone number during your stay so that you can reach us and the other trainees, and we can reach you easily anytime. Right after your arrival, your trainee buddy will help you buy a SIM card at Vodafone shop, one of the Hungarian telephone companies.

24


VisaIn case you are a citizen of the European Union (EU) you are entitled to enter the territory of the Hungary in possession of a valid identity card or passport and might stay here without any special authorization.

If you are a citizen of the countries listed, you do not need a visa to stay in Hungary for less than 90 days.

If you are not a citizen of the countries listed, you need a visa, no matter for how long you stay. In case you are staying for less than 90 days in Hungary you should apply for a short-term visa.

28


You can ask for more information at the Hungarian embassy or consulate in your country. You can get the application forms there. Please call the consulate or embassy when you are matched as soon as possible! Ask them if you need original copies of the documents, or a scanned copy of them is enough!

29


AndorraAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaAustraliaBahama islandsBarbadosBoliviaBotswanaBrazilBritish-Virgin islandsBruneiCanadaChileCosta RicaEl SalvadorGuatemala

HondurasHong KongIsraelJapanMacaoMacedoniaMauritiusMalaysiaMexicoMonacoMontenegroNew Zealand NicaraguaPanamaParaguaySaint Kitts and Nevis

30

SalvadorSan MarinoSerbiaSeychelle islands SingaporeSouth KoreaTaiwanUnited States of America UruguayVatikanVenezuela

Only with biometric passport:AlbaniaBosnia-Herzegovina

Documents

Reception Booklet - Budapest University