Students around the Globe – Summer Programmes to Keep You Busy
Summer has finally arrived, and the exam period is coming to an end, so many of you are probably wondering what to do this summer. It’d be great to relax, but at the same time, grow mentally. It’d be great to embark on a journey, but at a low cost. Well, in this article, we’ve come up with some ideas to help you travel for a reasonable price, relax, earn money, and even become a better version of yourself.
A traineeship on the other side of the world? Try the Erasmus+ programme! Many of you have surely heard of Erasmus+ long-term mobility, but perhaps it’s less known that you can also apply for a traineeship. If you choose this option, instead of studying at a university, you’ll do an internship at a company while receiving a grant. These programmes last at least two months, can easily fit into your summer schedule, are perfect for travel, gaining experience, learning languages, and, of course, professional development. The most popular travel destinations are usually Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, or Spain, but you can explore many other countries by checking the Erasmus+ website. You can also search for positions where various companies and research centres advertise traineeships. Planning to study outside of Hungary this summer? Then summer schools await you! Summer schools offer several weeks of intensive courses organised by universities abroad. This could be perfect if you want to see the world while also improving your skills. Therefore, we’d like to share a couple of options: CEEPUS offers mobility within Central Europe and usually provides full board and lodging, while DAAD offers spots in German universities, often accompanied by a scholarship. Another tip is that many universities advertise their own summer schools, so if you’ve a specific institution in mind, you might want to check their website. Considering volunteering? Let’s take it abroad! Volunteering is not only helpful for the community, it’s also beneficial for you: it contributes to developing language skills, independence, confidence, and, last but not least, it even helps you build relationships. If you’re interested in volunteering, you may want to check the websites of organisations abroad, as some opportunities allow you to stay for a few weeks or even longer. The ESC organises numerous such programmes, such as an environmental camp in Latvia or a youth centre in Portugal. They usually provide full board, some pocket money, and cover travel expenses. Workaway, Worldpackers, and WWOOF also offer similar opportunities, for example, providing meals and accommodation in exchange for housework, helping out at a guesthouse in Iceland, or volunteering at an organic farm in Italy. Combining seasonal jobs and travel? It’s certainly possible! If you’d rather work, you don’t necessarily have to stay within Hungary’s borders. You can apply for many seasonal jobs abroad, for example, the Camp Leaders programme in the United States offers summer student jobs in theme parks, restaurants, or national parks. And if you’re looking for somewhere closer to Hungary, there are plenty of summer jobs in Europe, such as working in a hotel in Austria or on a farm in the Netherlands – the sky’s the limit! Keeping it domestic? Staying in Hungary for the summer might not be so boring Some of you are probably looking for domestic opportunities, and there’s nothing wrong with that, as you can still spend the warm season in a meaningful way right here. For example, many free online courses are being offered this summer. You can also volunteer with organisations like the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta and Greenpeace Hungary, both of which offer numerous positions for young people. Don’t forget about summer internship programmes, as many Hungarian companies, including MOL, Bosch, OTP, and Telekom, are looking for students during this period. And last but not least, many festivals need volunteers, so if you want to combine work with partying, this is a great choice! In conclusion, we’d simply like to remark: as many students, as many customs. There are those who harvest on a Mediterranean farm, those who experiment in a German laboratory, and those who paint with children at a camp on Lake Balaton. Organise activities, see the world, and above all, have fun! Translated by: Tímea Hajtmann
The key is not just to survive the summer, but to make the most of it!
