By Emily Wong

I travelled to Budapest, Hungary through AIESEC Baruch in the summer of 2011 to teach kindergarten kids English.  This experience has been challenging and life-changing for me in so many ways.  Before going on this internship, I thought I knew everything about travelling before this internship, but I’ve learned a lot from it.  I was really nervous going to Budapest by myself, but the reception was so welcoming that I felt comfortable during the 7 weeks I stayed there.  Although it was a huge culture shock in the beginning, there were people from AIESEC there to help me settle down, translate, and to take me to local places.  I explored the city as much as I could and did many things that I would’ve never done in New York, like spelunking, cooking over an open fire, and meeting people from around the world.  Hungary is certainly a hidden gem in Eastern Europe and I’m certain I’ll be back there soon!

What year are you? What’s your major?

I’m currently a sophomore at Baruch College majoring in marketing.

 Why did you choose this destination?

Initially, I wanted to go somewhere in Western Europe or South America, but I decided to choose a place that was completely new as an experience.

 What were your primary responsibilities?

My responsibilities included planning and teaching English lessons/songs, help the other teachers dress and feed the kids when they needed help, and just interact with them as much as I could.

 What was most challenging about working in a foreign country or in that specific role? What did you enjoy most about working in a foreign country?

I think one of the most challenging aspects of my experience was the language barrier.  I was in a country that was fresh out of communism and with one of the most complicated languages there is.  My kids were very young (ages 2-6) and were very confused with the English songs and phrases at first.  One of the things I enjoyed the most about my internship was the chance to meet a lot of people from various countries around the world.  Because I went on an internship through AIESEC, members from this organization would constantly check up on how I was doing and take me out to visit local and tourist places around the city.

What were some of the cultural differences between the U.S. and Hungary?

One of the biggest cultural differences I noticed while in Hungary was the fact that everything wasn’t as fast paced as it is in New York.  In the city, it wasn’t crowded and people weren’t always rushing off to somewhere else.  Stores and restaurants would close around 6pm and 2pm on Sundays.  This was something that was really strange to me because I was used to having places open late or even 24 hours.  Another cultural difference I noticed was that people in that society were trusted easier than in ours.  For the train and bus tickets, passengers would board and once in a while, there would be a conductor that checks for the ticket.  It’s completely random and there is a fine if you are caught without a ticket.

What are some tips for students who are thinking of working abroad?

I think one of the most important tips you can get is to step outside of your comfort zone.  Go somewhere you’ve never been before.  Do something you’ve never done before.  Eat foods that you’ve never eaten before. My first week in Hungary was such a culture shock, that I wasted it staying at home after work and not exploring the city as I should have.  So take advantage of the opportunity that is offered to you!