Discovering the architectural heritage of Budapest – Erasmus+ group mobility

I expected the Budapest – La Sedia Erasmus to be exciting and surprising, as it was my first time participating in one, but this Erasmus proved to be even more unpredictable than my expectations, and it also helped me grow as a person. As a host, I needed to keep my room tidy and plan my time extra well, as missing a bus would cause not just one, but two people to be late. The expectations I needed to put on myself as a host were challenging, but by the end I became more conscious, and I already feel like my life is more in my control now. It was a bit challenging to communicate with our guests, but we were able to surpass the language barrier with unconventional use of our vocabulary, over the top gesturing and common sense. Showing the beautiful architecture of Budapest such as the Buda castle, the Millennium, the Jewish district and the City park to people who haven’t seen it before helped me appreciate the beauty that I haven’t been able to see before from the mundaneness of living my whole life there. The way the events played out helped this new perspective: instead of teachers telling the information, it was the students who had to prepare and tell the information to our guests, which besides making the atmosphere friendlier, it also made us motivated to understand the material, as we were the one teaching it. During the visit, we followed a set of quests connected to the places, which consisted of taking creative and unique pictures, videos, finding hidden statues and many more. The bond between the students got even stronger in the events that we did in our free time, it was heartwarming to see our guests play in the snow for the first time in their life and it was intriguing to see hear the music our guests liked to such a degree that they were willing to sing it in a karaoke bar. Overall, the Budapest – La Senia Erasmus was an amazing experience, and I can’t wait to continue it in La Senia. 

 Pápai Gáspár Dániel 

This was my first Erasmus and it was very busy. I was a bit nervous and quiet on the first few days but later on I was able to open up a bit. The programme was well planned, although the weather was freezing, sometimes rainy. Despite this, I think our Spanish guests learned a lot about Budapest throughout the project and above all they enjoyed it as well. There were two days when we got split into four teams and each team took a different route – the routes were Buda Castle, Millenium, Jewish Quarter and City Park. I really enjoyed walking through the city because in the every-day-life sometimes I forget how beautiful Budapest can be. We took our guests to St. Lukács thermal bath and a few days later we went to the City Park ice rink. Our guests were fond of it even though it was the first time ice skating for many of them. My English has improved a lot thanks to my host who was very kind and patient with me. 

Kelemen Léna 

About hosting. My guest was really nice and polite and it was a big relief for me because before the Erasmus I was afraid of he is going to be rude or quiet. My only problem was partying but he is not an outgoing person.  It was good to see my brother also got a nice guest. Didn’t learn so much new information about Budapest but I learned a lot about the people. First, I didn’t like the students from Spain because they were unsatisfied with everything but I think we organized pretty good events for them. Then I tried to talk with them and few people were kind and l got a lot of new friends. I was really satisfied with the fact that in the end they started like this Erasmus.

Krizbai Dávid

This week I was in a Spanish Erasmus. This was the first time that I participated in an Erasmus project. And I had a lot of fun. 

On the first day when the Spanish people came we took them to a café where we talked a lot. Soon we noticed that the whole groups dynamic was that they spoke in Catalan and we spoke Hungarian to each other and didn’t really started a conversation together. They didn’t really speak English and only a few people from our group spoke Spanish, and throughout the whole project the language barrier was a really big thing. After the coffee house we went to a Christmas market where we started to really get to know each other.  

On Monday we started at school with games to learn each others’ name and to start getting to know each other. Then a few of us went to a shop and then the whole group went to a boat trip on the Danube. And after the programs ended we went to a place where we had a lot of fun and we started to really get to know each other.  

On the third and the fourth day we started the goose chase in smaller groups. In the two days we visited a lot of places in Hungary including the famous building and other gems in the city. But I think throughout the two days the fact that they were speaking Catalan and didn’t really started conversations with the Hungarians was a big problem because we didn’t get to know each other as much as I imagined we would have.  

On Thursday we went to a market and walked around the city and then we had lunch and had some free time where we got to hang out with the Hungarians and when that ended we went skating. 

And on the last day we also went to school and then later we cooked them dinner which was very fun.  

I think altogether the whole Erasmus was a big success and I had a really fun time with my host and all the Spanish folks. 

Gintl Boróka 

Throughout the last week we’ve participated in the Erasmus project where the Spanish guests have explored Budapest with our guidance. 

On the day of the arrival we’ve showed them the Christmas markets and they’ve really enjoyed the city in lights and the Budapest Eye. On Monday we’ve played with them in the school. In this activity we’ve had the opportunity to get to know the members of the other group.  On Tuesday we’ve showed them the millenial parts of Budapest, like the Parliament, the Bazilika and the M1 underground. We also showed them Buda Castle and Turkish memorials. In the night we went to the Lukács thermal spa, which all of us really enjoyed. The next day we’ve seen the Városliget, and the Jewish district of the city.  We’ve been up on Normafa, where they’ve had the chance to see snow. This was their first time for many of them and made them really happy. We’ve also been in a karaoke bar, which was a lot of fun. We’ve lost our voices by the next morning for the most part. Thursday we’ve been on Gellérthegy, in the rock chapel. We’ve also taken them ice skating and lots of us, especially the Spanish we’re complete beginners and have fallen a lot.  

All in all, I think it was both very enjoyable and educative. The guests had lots of opportunities to experience things that they would have no chance for in Spain, like the snow. We’ve tried to take them to the most important historical and cultural places, so they could also learn about Hungary. And at the same time, it also was a really enjoyable experience, and one which I hope they will cherish for life. 

Mester Ádám

It was a new and extraordinary experience for me. Although I haven’t hosted anyone, just the participation took a lot of energy. I admire the ones who had to travel, live and look after a foreign peer. Besides all of these for me it was also hard to take part in the activities, because I had to continue my everyday life for the afternoons. So, this switch between the separate mindsets was hard.  Otherwise the programs went well eventually, I think it was a useful and interesting experience for all. Goosechasing and go all over the city with our small groups helped everyone to get to know each other better. I think I did my best and eventually I say I enjoyed the most of it (definitely not the weather). I still looking forward to our opportunity to visit their place, I think there, I’ll have more chance to get on well, not only with my Poli mates but the Spanish group too.  

Kovács-Papp Flóra

This week I’ve hosted a Spanish boy named Cesar. During this project we went through all of Budapest’s important monument. I really enjoyed it although I’ve gotten really tired by the end of the week. On Monday we went to Poli and get to know each other. It was great I really enjoyed it. On Tuesday and Wednesday, we went to Budapest’s most important historical buildings and I thought I knew everything about Budapest but surprisingly I’ve learned some new things. On Thursday we went to Gellért mountain which was beautiful but I have a fear of heights so it wasn’t really comfortable for me. After it we went to skating which was perfect I enjoyed it so much. All things considered I really liked this Erasmus the programs were great and I got to know a lot of new people! 

Kalmár Péter

Even though I’ve already been to one Erasmus, I can’t compare it to any other experience. It’s always hard to concentrate all the time and always pay attention to another person. Besides all this I had great fun, I always love to meet new people and the Spanish group was so nice and welcoming.        

We showed them The City park and saw Vajdahunyad Castle as well as the Zoo and Heroes Square, walked around the Jewish quarter and the Buda Castle. Walking on the snowy path of Normafa was so exciting for them because it’s very rare that they see snow.  They also saw The Parlament, The Bazilika, The Chain Bridge, The Opera etc. so it’s safe to say we showed them everything.  

I would say the program that I enjoyed the most was the ice skating at the City Park. It was very fun to teach the Spanish group how to skate and we laughed a lot during it. I think we were such a great and hardworking team and it was very easy to cooperate with everyone. My communication skills in English improved a lot during this week. Over all I had such a good time and I would do it all again! 

Roberti Maja

The Budapest-La Sénia Erasmus project was my second Erasmus and third school exchange in overall, so I had some experience. One thing was different though, I’ve never hosted anybody before. My brother also participated in the project so we ended up with two different kids in our house. We just finished moving into our new house by the time they came here, so living there was a new experience for all of us. I think that I put a lot of effort and energy into the project and I spent nearly all the free time that I had by showing the two guests the city. I also thought my guest how to ice skate. Even though I lived here all my life there were still some new things I found out about Budapest through the Erasmus. I really enjoyed presenting the castle of Buda to the Spanish students. Since I have lived there for two years I know many things about it. Another thing I really enjoyed was the football match we played on their last day here, we played well as a team (2 Hungarians and 6 Spaniards). I am excited for the La Sénia trip.  

Krizbai András Samu

This week of hosting was really eventful for me. First everything went great, she met my family and we started to get to know each other better. I thought that we do not have a lot in common but it turned out that we have. We both love big dogs and prefer to be in the city.  

The programs were great even though it was really cold and rainy. I learned a lot about Budapest and I think that the Spanish students learned a lot too. We visited different parts of the city each day. The categories were Millenial, Jewish quarter, City Park, Buda castle. I loved exploring all of them because I have not visited these places in a very long time.  

We also went skating to the City Park ice rink and it was the first time for a lot of Spanish students. I tried to teach them but I think I failed miserably. They should hire a professional teacher because I’m not the best. 

Overall, I got really tired during the week and a bit sick too. But I can’t wait to travel to La Sénia. 

Szaniszló Ágnes

I saw the Erasmus description and I knew that this would be a great first Erasmus. Spanish is my second foreign language and I know English quite well so I figured this would be the perfect one for me. I was anxious about the hosting part so I started preparing for the guest a few weeks before. The programs, sleeping arrangements, meals served for the girl had to be discussed and thought out. I was having second thoughts waiting at the airport about my capabilities to meet and get to know a stranger but I couldn’t even imagine the anticipation the Catalan students must have felt. The most unknown feeling was the speediness of getting comfortable with someone you just met and it’s even harder if both of the students are afraid. This fear of mine was quickly disappearing as we learned things about each other. I always made sure she would be able to spend enough time with her classmates because I realised that it was easier for us to open up when it was not just the two of us.  

The plan we created together beforehand included everything that could have been shown in a week in Budapest. Of course, there will always be more places for foreigners to explore. Speaking English comes very easy for me and I frankly love it. Even though I lived in Budapest ever since, I found out so many intriguing facts about it. I loved the fact that all of the Catalan were excited for this trip. I wanted to continue the day even though I was feeling tired because I knew it would only last a few more days longer. Every time I thought about all the projects and test I will have to make up for, I reminded myself that the Erasmus doesn’t finish at the end of the week but we will pick up where we left off in March. 

Nagypál Kíra Kitti

At first I was really afraid of this project because I have never done anything like this before. In the first two days this feeling didn’t go away because it was weird that a stranger was beside me all the time. But after spending so much time together it became the new normal and I know already that I’m going to miss her. But the best part was to get to know people from my school that I wouldn’t normally. This one week was a rollercoaster I had some bad moments but I made a lot of really good memories too. I never in my life drank so much coffee in one week but it was so worth it and with this group I would do it again in anytime. The programs were really great everyone learned new things about Budapest. We walked a lot but it was totally worth it and lot better than just being in a class with them were they can’t even understand a word. I think everyone’s favourite part was the ice skating because most of our guests never done it before and it a memorable experience that we shared together. 

Deák Lola

Last week, I’ve participated in the Budapest – La Senia Erasmus. My acceptance to the program was a bit late and unexpected but I was able to catch the pace and do what was asked. During the week we discovered the city in smaller groups. We got to know about the history and architecture of the city. We visited multiple sites around the city from the Buda castle to the Heroes square. We participated in a „race” that was centered around these sites and my group (group 3) ended up winning. Even though I consider myself a very well-educated person when it comes to Budapest and its history even I got to know new things about the city. At the start I was a bit hesitant about the people, especially the Hungarian group, but I can confidently say that since then that perspective of mine had changed to the better. The Spanish group was really nice, and even though I didn’t really talk to all of them I got to know some really cool people. I’ve got to hang out with them after school programs, we did a lot of different activities like pool karaoke and many others. I also was a host in the program, I hosted a person named Sohaib, he was really nice and respectful, we got off good. He was talkative which was a blessing in disquise because even though I consider myself a social person 1 on 1 conversations go fairly hard on me. His English wasn’t the best but it was well enough for us to understand each other, this goes for the others too. My personal favourite time during the program is undoubtably the ice skating where I got to teach the guys the basics, and while I’m not the best coach by any means I feel like I got to teach them to a certain level, especially Ferran. All in all, I really enjoyed the program despite the many different challenges like the element of nature. Can’t wait for the second part.

Dobó Vince

For this project, we undertook the task of showcasing Budapest’s architectural heritage. To plan the program, we started with brainstorming sessions involving the selected students. During our first introductory project meeting, we chose name-learning and icebreaker games, with many creative suggestions from the Poli students. Volunteers stepped forward to create a short film introducing our school, accompanied by a Kahoot quiz. For a brief presentation on Hungary, participants prepared PowerPoint slides.

Next, we discussed which places and buildings should be shown to the students arriving from La Sénia. The team agreed that a traditional city tour could become monotonous after half a day. As a result, we grouped the selected attractions into four thematic categories:

• Millennium Budapest
• Jewish Quarter
• Ottoman Heritage and Buda Castle
• City Park

We designed tasks for these thematic tours using the GooseChase mobile application, ensuring the activities were both engaging and informative. The Poli students prepared in four groups, each focusing on a specific theme. They familiarized themselves with the routes, transportation, and historical details for the tours. During preparatory sessions, we practiced the selected games to improve presentation skills and to refine instructions in English. We also allocated time for the thematic group leaders to discuss and coordinate the information they would share.

While the preparations required significant effort, most students approached the project with enthusiasm from the beginning.

On December 8, we met our guests at the airport. After everyone paired up with their hosts, we accompanied the visiting teachers to their accommodation and gave them a brief tour of Poli so they could easily navigate it on Monday.

The first part of Monday was dedicated to getting acquainted. After lunch, we explored the city shrouded in fog on a boat trip. Unfortunately, the weather was not on our side, and Budapest revealed its melancholic face. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the small groups embarked on their shared adventures, solving amusing tasks at various landmarks. At departure and arrival times, we met with two teams each, and during the afternoon debriefing sessions, the students evaluated the day’s activities.

On Thursday, we visited the Central Market Hall, followed by a walk on Gellért Hill, which included a stop at the Rock Chapel. Finally, the panorama trail offered us a sunny view of Budapest. After a group lunch and a short free time, the evening saw the Poli students turn into skating instructors at the City Park Ice Rink, teaching our guests how to skate.

On Friday, we started the day at school by preparing project presentations. To everyone’s delight, the students created excellent short films and reports. We ceremoniously awarded Certificates to the Spanish students, and everyone filled out a form to evaluate the project. For the farewell evening, the Poli students prepared a delicious dinner, complemented by homemade desserts. Afterward, we enjoyed a dance lesson and a spontaneous concert performed by a band of Poli and Spanish musicians.

We all had a wonderful time with our friendly and cooperative students and guest teachers. We look forward to the March meeting and hope for similarly enriching and enjoyable programs in La Sénia.

Szabó Tünde

We prepared a lot for the reception week and organized numerous exciting activities for the Spanish team. As a first-time Erasmus participant, I was excited to see how such a program would unfold, how I would feel, and how they would react to the planned activities. To our great joy, an incredibly open and friendly team arrived, with whom it was very easy to cooperate. They received all our programs with incredible enthusiasm, even though the weather wasn’t very kind to us during the reception week. I’m not experienced in this, so it was quite exhausting to communicate in English for a whole week. At the same time, it was rewarding to experience that, although it was sometimes a bit tricky, there was actually no topic we couldn’t talk about—or even joke about—together. The biggest positive outcome, however, was seeing how many of our students, who are usually more anxious or shy, were able to open up and connect not only with their Spanish partners, but also how real new friendships blossomed within the Polis team. It was heartwarming to read most of the feedback, and we can confidently say that everyone should be prescribed an Erasmus experience like this during their time at Polis! We can’t wait for the spring when the team will reunite in Spain in April. To be continued! 

Bényi Kati