Pictures in the Gallery!
“After long preparations and excited anticipation, the 8th-grade students from the Mohács and Kaposvár community houses, along with the most successful participants of the German language competition, were able to travel to Augsburg for a one-week language and cultural program.
The journey itself was already a special experience. For most of the children, this was their first time on an airplane, so a bit of excitement was palpable in the air before takeoff; in fact, some were even a little afraid of the unknown. However, the initial fear was quickly replaced by curiosity and enthusiasm, which was slightly aided by the chocolate consumed up in the clouds. It was wonderful to see how the experiences were already shaping the team into a community during the first hours of the journey.
Upon arriving in Augsburg, we received a warm welcome. The families were already excitedly waiting for the children who would stay with them during the week. The atmosphere quickly warmed up: after a few kind words, smiles, and introductions, everyone headed to their new, temporary homes, which over the next few days would become not just accommodation, but a real language and cultural experience for them.
During our adventure in Germany, we will visit the Fuggerei in Augsburg, which is a social housing complex founded in the 16th century. In addition, we are preparing colorful programs: we will try bowling and go boating by the Oblatterwall, also referred to as ‘Little Italy’. On Wednesday, we will explore the Allianz Arena, which is one of Europe’s most famous football stadiums. Over the weekend, we will travel to Legoland, where attractions and sights built from more than 60 million LEGO bricks await visitors. The campers will spend their mornings at the language school, developing their German skills through diverse, themed sessions.
An exciting week is beginning, during which the children will surely be enriched with many experiences, new friendships, and plenty of language practice.”
Teréz Balog, Corvinus University of Budapest Business Information Technology BSc, Panna Beke, KRE GESZK Recreation and Lifestyle major – Mohács 1
Day 1:
“We got up at around 7:30, and after a quick breakfast, we were already heading out for our first day. Many went by bus or tram, but there were some who were driven in by a member of their host family. We arrived by bus; it was exciting to be alone in such a big city. We met our German teacher and introduced ourselves to each other in a few words. He was very kind, funny, and smart. During the class, we wrote a test and solved exercises, getting to know the teacher better in the process. The funniest part was that we taught Hungarian words and tongue twisters to the teacher, who does not speak any Hungarian at all.
Even the intense heat did not dampen our spirits; after lunch, we walked to the main square, where junior mentor Lali Nyári showed us one or two famous buildings in the city. For example, we saw the huge Augustus Fountain, which looked really cool. Then we also went to the Fuggerei! This is a very interesting place because it is the world’s oldest social housing estate. We learned from Lali that the rent there is still only about one euro for an entire year! In return, however, the residents have to pray three times a day for the founding family.
Afterward, we went to get ice cream, and then we had to go home to our host families. Later in the afternoon, however, even with the host families’ permission, we met up in the city and went shopping together.”
Junior Perjési, Krisztián Torma – Mohács 1
Day 2:
Today was also spent in a very good atmosphere! In one half of the class, we played German Taboo, and in the other half, we received a really cool task that we had to solve out in the city. The mission was to present 5 famous landmarks or places and talk about them on video. After making these videos, we went back to the school and showed them to the teacher. After school, we went bowling. The game was also played in a wonderful atmosphere; we laughed an awful lot! In my team, Dorka and I ended up in a tie, both of us finishing with 85 points. After bowling, we went back to Augsburg, and everyone could go home to their host families. We rested a bit at home, and then went out to the city with my siblings. We did some shopping, but in the meantime, it started to rain a little. Finally, we made it home by 21:30. We closed today in a super mood and with plenty of great experiences as well.
Nikolett Cseke – Mohács 1
Day 3:
We started Wednesday with the usual plans. From 9 in the morning until noon, we had classes, which we attended with a new teacher starting from today. After the classes, we had a quick döner, and then we set off by bus to the Allianz Arena in Munich. After a journey of an hour and a half, we arrived in the Bavarian capital, where we unfortunately got caught in the rain, but the things we experienced afterward made up for it. At first, I couldn’t even grasp that we were at the football club of world-class players, where they have been and still are week after week. The sight was unbelievable, but the realization that we were in the stadium of a club playing in the Bundesliga was amazing. Emotions were racing all around; I even got a little emotional, but out of joy. Perhaps what I liked best was when we could sit on the team’s substitute bench and I could already picture a match situation in front of me. I was completely transfigured, as if I were in another world. And the other highlight was when we stood by the walk-out tunnel and the Champions League anthem started playing. Then we went to the part of the museum where the trophies were, and next to it, there was a mini artificial turf football pitch where we could play football. In the shop, expensive but highly interesting souvenir products awaited us. For example: jerseys, balls, pens, etc. Then, unfortunately, we had to say goodbye to the Arena, but the memories experienced inside will stay with us forever.
Szilveszter Cseke – Mohács 1
Day 4:
We started today at school, just like the other days. In the language classes this time, we solved simpler, more relaxing tasks. After school, we had lunch, and then we were given some free time in the historical main square of Augsburg. From here, we moved on to the former city wall, where we got into rowing boats in groups of four to sail around the former moat. We explored the beautiful area for an hour, where nature and historical beauty were present at the same time. After boating, we enjoyed the waterfront in each other’s company, and then we returned to the center together. From here, everyone decided for themselves whether to hurry home to their family or spend a little more time in the city. Despite today’s more relaxed program, the day was very meaningful, from which everyone was able to learn or become enriched with new experiences.
Lajos Nyári – Pécs 2, Bánk Kohári- Szeged 3
Day 5:
Our last day of school has also arrived. We got to know some very cool teachers; it was highly interesting to study with native-speaking teachers. We received our diplomas, and a more relaxed program followed for the afternoon. First, Lali Nyári gave a short presentation at the Cathedral, and then we hit the mall as a free activity. There were some who surprised those back home, and there were also those who treated themselves. The short day was no coincidence, as tomorrow we will spend a whole day at Legoland.
Krisztián Torma – Mohács 1
Day 6:
Today we visited LEGOLAND in Günzburg. We had been looking forward to this trip very much, and we were not disappointed at all. We met at half past eight in the morning, and then we set off by train. The train ride lasted for an hour. The journey was spent in a good atmosphere; everyone was excitedly waiting to arrive at the amusement park.
When we arrived, lots of interesting sights and exciting rides awaited us. We tried several roller coasters and other amusement park attractions. We liked one of the roller coasters so much that we rode it multiple times. We really enjoyed the speed and the exciting turns. We particularly liked the giant buildings constructed from LEGO bricks, which were very spectacular and reflected reality well. We took many photos to preserve the memories.
During the day, we had lunch together at one of LEGOLAND’s pizzerias. The lunch went by in a great atmosphere, and meanwhile, we discussed our morning experiences. After this, we continued exploring the park and tried out more rides.
The weather was also on our side, so we were able to enjoy ourselves comfortably all day. We had a great time, were enriched with many experiences, and we are glad that we could visit here, as for many of us, this was our first amusement park memory. This day will surely remain memorable for us for a long time. We would like to thank the Foundation for this experience, as without them, most of us would not have been able to make it here.
Boróka Eszter Süle – Szentes 2