POLISH – HUNGARIAN EXCHANGE PROGRAMME

We dream of a world where peace abounds, where diversity is celebrated, and despite the varied geographical boundaries and cultural differences, we think as one. The platform of International Student Cultural Exchange has helped us in realizing our dream of inspiring students to be global citizens.

The Hungarian – Polish Exchange programme between Svetits Katolikus Óvoda, Általános Iskola, Gimnázium és Kollégium in Debrecen and the Catholic Schools of the Kielce Diocese in Kielce, initiated in 2015 by the Principal of the Catholic Schools Rev. Jacek Kopeć and the Hungarian consul general Prof. Adrienne Körmendy provides the opportunity to their students to bridge the gap between geographical regions and break cultural barriers. For three years already have the Polish and Hungarian students visited their foreign partners, been hosted by the families, had classes together, visited famous sights in both countries (including Budapest and Cracow) and made bonds between one another.

Leaving the familiar behind and plunging into the unknown shows a commitment to understanding other people and cultures; and a commitment to learning about the world in a way that books, school assignments, and a professional career can never reveal. Living with a host family enables the visiting students to become aware of the inner concerns, hopes, and dreams of a family, a neighbourhood or city, a nation, and global community. With this realization comes the corresponding knowledge of what it means to belong to your own country and culture. The participants develop leadership skills, self-confidence and a greater understanding of the complexities of the world around them.

The five-day international exchange offered twice a year by each school gives the students the taste of global diversity and collaboration, and initiates the students into a leadership role in the 21st century.