So I'm heading out in about 10 hours, guys. I can hardly believe it. Before we go though, let's go down the checklist. Do you have:
Your hungarian/english phrasebook?
Your teaching manual?
Your insurance info?
Several photocopies of your passport?
A credit card in case of emergencies?
Also, some handy emergency contact info:
For Parents In the event of an emergency, all parents should
contact Brian Conway (412-719-1621), who will be diligently waiting by the phone ALL summer, he swears to god.
For you -
Janelle Zara
Janellezara@gmail.com
001 240 593 7497
I'll be checking my email like a maniac and I JUST activated my International Phone Service. Let's keep in mind that it's $.99 a minute and limit our chats to dire emergencies, please? I'll be happy to talk about what you had for lunch via our friend, gmail chat.
Balazs Csemy
Csbazsika@yahoo.com
from hungary: 0630 485 6338
from outside of hungary: +36 30 485 6338
Your best friend and mine, Balazs insists you don't interrupt the flow of his summer game with senseless calls. Emergencies only, please.
Imre Andruskó
(Slovakia Country Coordinator)
Selye János Magyar Tannyelvű Gimnázium
Ulica biskupa Királya 5
94501 Komárno
Slovakia
jarnipot@gymhskn.edu.sk
kancelaria.andrusko@gmail.com
+421-035-7731313 (work – Selye János high school)
Out of the three of us, Imre is the MOST too cool to talk to you. He's a very busy member of Slovak Parliament, and he also does not speak English. However, if you get in a jam that Balazs or myself can absolutely not get you out of, he's willing to help any way he can.
European phone number for Zsofi should be available soon. She'll also be providing contact info for her father, who lives in Szeged, HU and loves to help out.
SEE YOU SO SOOON
When I wake up, I'll be in London.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Saturday, June 23, 2007
LE traditions (part 1): Orientation in Budapest
(posted by Zsofi Budai)
CEVP orientation starts in less than a week, and I know that all of you must be super excited to travel to Budapest and finally meet each other! Once you arrive there, you will get to experience much of what dozens of volunteers have experienced in years past; namely, the CEVP (or what used to be EEVP – Eastern Europe Village Project) traditions. To give you an idea of what orientation is all about (besides learning how to teach, of course!), here’s a short list of the top CEVP traditions:
Staying at Martos hostel
This is a given for all of you, since Balázs has already made reservations and you’re expected to show up (and sleep) there. Martos is very convenient, location-wise, and also quite safe (the little old ladies at the front desk can be very menacing – no joke!). But once you see it, you’ll definitely be grateful for the fact that you don’t attend the nearby university and hence don’t have to live there year-round. It is a little run down, and the bathrooms and showers aren’t always the cleanest. But the atmosphere is great, and there is even a bar downstairs, which gets really hopping on Friday and Saturday nights.
(Picture: Martos hostel entrance)
Sightseeing with Balázs and Zsofi
Your two amazing tour guides (both from the city of Komárno, the midpoint break location) have been involved with LE for something like six years. They know and love the program (they have taught in various LE countries) and are excited to meet the newest group of volunteers. They know Budapest better than pretty much any one else (Balázs lives there currently) and speak perfect Hungarian; they will be more than happy to take you to its most amazing sites – the castle, Heroes’ Square, Parliament, the spas and baths – and hippest night clubs. Make sure you buy them a drink or a meal when you get a chance!
(Picture: Heroes’ Square on an overcast day – I’m currently traveling and don’t have any pictures of Balázs and Zsófi with me to post!)
Eating dinner at Fatál
Budapest is full of amazing restaurants, and Fatál is only one of them. Nonetheless, it has become an LE favorite (or the LE favorite) because its food truly serves as the best introduction any one could get to real Hungarian cuisine. The variety of soups, main courses, and desserts it offers are sure to satisfy your taste buds and stomach (the portions are quite generous). By the way, the name Fatál means “wooden plate” since many of the meals are actually served on old-fashioned wooden plates.
(Pictures: A chicken paprikás meal at Fatál – highly recommended!)
Margit sziget (Margaret Island) outing
Margit sziget is an island located in the middle of the Danube with a very colorful past – it was first a location for various monasteries and nunneries, and then it was turned into a harem when Hungary was under Turkish rule – that is now a popular summer hangout for the city’s residents. No cars are allowed on the island, and it is basically one huge park with various attractions such as restaurants, playgrounds, a zoo, a waterpark, and interesting historical ruins.
(Picture: The best way to get around Margit sziget is by renting what’s called a bringo hinto.)
Clubbing at Zöld Pardon and Rio
Zöld Pardon and Rio are seriously two of the best clubs that I have ever been to – there’s just no way to describe the electric atmosphere that characterizes them. Both are located on the Buda side of the Petöfi bridge, just a bit south of the hostel (and definitely within walking distance of it). They are massive outdoor clubs, with a number of bars, dance floors, and fountains (!) in each – plus some x-rated live entertainment if you’re lucky. The cover last year was 100 HUF (50 cents), but for some baffling reason bouncers asked for IDs, so be prepared.
(Picture: None because the bouncers wouldn’t let me take any…)
Climbing Gellért hill on Sunday morning to watch the sun rise over the city
Sunday morning will be your last in Budapest, and there is no better way to spend it than by climbing Gellert hill (which is near the hostel) with your volunteers at 4:00 AM to watch the sun rise over the city. It truly is a breath-taking sight, and entirely worth the sleep that you’ll lose on it.
(Picture: LE volunteers watching the sunrise over Budapest. The picture was taken by Laura Rosenbloom, a 2004 volunteer and currently the SEVP program director. I’m third from the right.)
CEVP orientation starts in less than a week, and I know that all of you must be super excited to travel to Budapest and finally meet each other! Once you arrive there, you will get to experience much of what dozens of volunteers have experienced in years past; namely, the CEVP (or what used to be EEVP – Eastern Europe Village Project) traditions. To give you an idea of what orientation is all about (besides learning how to teach, of course!), here’s a short list of the top CEVP traditions:
Staying at Martos hostel
This is a given for all of you, since Balázs has already made reservations and you’re expected to show up (and sleep) there. Martos is very convenient, location-wise, and also quite safe (the little old ladies at the front desk can be very menacing – no joke!). But once you see it, you’ll definitely be grateful for the fact that you don’t attend the nearby university and hence don’t have to live there year-round. It is a little run down, and the bathrooms and showers aren’t always the cleanest. But the atmosphere is great, and there is even a bar downstairs, which gets really hopping on Friday and Saturday nights.
(Picture: Martos hostel entrance)
Sightseeing with Balázs and Zsofi
Your two amazing tour guides (both from the city of Komárno, the midpoint break location) have been involved with LE for something like six years. They know and love the program (they have taught in various LE countries) and are excited to meet the newest group of volunteers. They know Budapest better than pretty much any one else (Balázs lives there currently) and speak perfect Hungarian; they will be more than happy to take you to its most amazing sites – the castle, Heroes’ Square, Parliament, the spas and baths – and hippest night clubs. Make sure you buy them a drink or a meal when you get a chance!
(Picture: Heroes’ Square on an overcast day – I’m currently traveling and don’t have any pictures of Balázs and Zsófi with me to post!)
Eating dinner at Fatál
Budapest is full of amazing restaurants, and Fatál is only one of them. Nonetheless, it has become an LE favorite (or the LE favorite) because its food truly serves as the best introduction any one could get to real Hungarian cuisine. The variety of soups, main courses, and desserts it offers are sure to satisfy your taste buds and stomach (the portions are quite generous). By the way, the name Fatál means “wooden plate” since many of the meals are actually served on old-fashioned wooden plates.
(Pictures: A chicken paprikás meal at Fatál – highly recommended!)
Margit sziget (Margaret Island) outing
Margit sziget is an island located in the middle of the Danube with a very colorful past – it was first a location for various monasteries and nunneries, and then it was turned into a harem when Hungary was under Turkish rule – that is now a popular summer hangout for the city’s residents. No cars are allowed on the island, and it is basically one huge park with various attractions such as restaurants, playgrounds, a zoo, a waterpark, and interesting historical ruins.
(Picture: The best way to get around Margit sziget is by renting what’s called a bringo hinto.)
Clubbing at Zöld Pardon and Rio
Zöld Pardon and Rio are seriously two of the best clubs that I have ever been to – there’s just no way to describe the electric atmosphere that characterizes them. Both are located on the Buda side of the Petöfi bridge, just a bit south of the hostel (and definitely within walking distance of it). They are massive outdoor clubs, with a number of bars, dance floors, and fountains (!) in each – plus some x-rated live entertainment if you’re lucky. The cover last year was 100 HUF (50 cents), but for some baffling reason bouncers asked for IDs, so be prepared.
(Picture: None because the bouncers wouldn’t let me take any…)
Climbing Gellért hill on Sunday morning to watch the sun rise over the city
Sunday morning will be your last in Budapest, and there is no better way to spend it than by climbing Gellert hill (which is near the hostel) with your volunteers at 4:00 AM to watch the sun rise over the city. It truly is a breath-taking sight, and entirely worth the sleep that you’ll lose on it.
(Picture: LE volunteers watching the sunrise over Budapest. The picture was taken by Laura Rosenbloom, a 2004 volunteer and currently the SEVP program director. I’m third from the right.)
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Another letter from balazs
Are you as excited as he is?
Hi everyone,
My name is Balazs Csemy, I am 21 years old. I have been working with LE the for the past 6-7 years, helping out with orientation and coordinating.
The past few years this introductory letter has been about three pages long filled with information. This year, however, Janelle, your program director has been exceptionally helpful and ready, and basically she has already communicated everything you will need in Europe. One thing I cannot emphasize enough - please bring your health cards with yourselves - and have health insurance!!!! (you should also bring along with your passport a driving licence or student card, that includes your birth date - some night clubs, pubs and bars require it - rarely though)
I will try my best for you guys to enjoy your time in Budapest. We will have complusory daily programs during daytime, and completely optional night events. we do not want to force anything, we really want you guys to enjoy your time here, so even the daily programs will be chosen by you, I will have a few things in mind and you will get the chance to decide.
I am gonna see you all soon, and I am really looking forward to get to know all of you. We will try and make your Budapest orientation a great time of your summer. It is a fantastic city with a lot to offer. Trust me, I know it, I live here. be open and interested and you cannot have a bad time....
ok I gotta run now, I am seeing you all soon.
love, Balazs
Hi everyone,
My name is Balazs Csemy, I am 21 years old. I have been working with LE the for the past 6-7 years, helping out with orientation and coordinating.
The past few years this introductory letter has been about three pages long filled with information. This year, however, Janelle, your program director has been exceptionally helpful and ready, and basically she has already communicated everything you will need in Europe. One thing I cannot emphasize enough - please bring your health cards with yourselves - and have health insurance!!!! (you should also bring along with your passport a driving licence or student card, that includes your birth date - some night clubs, pubs and bars require it - rarely though)
I will try my best for you guys to enjoy your time in Budapest. We will have complusory daily programs during daytime, and completely optional night events. we do not want to force anything, we really want you guys to enjoy your time here, so even the daily programs will be chosen by you, I will have a few things in mind and you will get the chance to decide.
I am gonna see you all soon, and I am really looking forward to get to know all of you. We will try and make your Budapest orientation a great time of your summer. It is a fantastic city with a lot to offer. Trust me, I know it, I live here. be open and interested and you cannot have a bad time....
ok I gotta run now, I am seeing you all soon.
love, Balazs
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
A few more words on what to pack and what to leave at home
(posted by Zsofi Budai)
If you haven’t read Janelle’s original entry on the subject, do so at .
Only two more weeks until orientation! Hopefully, you’ve already begun to think a bit about what you’ll want to bring (and what you’ll want to leave at home to lighten the load). Let me tell you, I always agonize over this more than I should, but I think I’ve finally mastered the art of packing for a summer with LE. Allow me to give you a few words of advice:
DON'T BRING MORE THAN YOU CAN CARRY
I know that Janelle has already reiterated this point, but we cannot stress it enough. Although that huge suitcase that you packed at home may seem easy to transport when you have a car that takes you from your house straight to the airport, you will hate yourself when you have to drag it across the border during midpoint break (from Komarno, Slovakia, to Komarom, Hungary) if you have to catch your train in the latter city. So leave it at home. Bring a large backpack and/or a duffel bag. If you insist on bringing a suitcase, make sure that it is small and relatively easy to lift, since you’ll be getting on and off trains when traveling.
Now, in terms of specific items you’ll need or won’t need (some of this will be repetitive, given Janelle’s earlier post):
Clothes
Personally, this is where I tend to run into trouble while packing. During my first summer of teaching (back in 2004), I really didn’t know what to expect, so I thought it was better to be over-prepared than under-prepared and brought clothes for almost every possible occasion I could think of. NOT a good strategy! The following is what I’ve learned, in terms of dressing for LE:
Orientation in Budapest
By day, you will be meeting with Janelle to go over LE rules, regulations, and teaching strategies and sightseeing around the city. By night, you will be going out to dinner, bars, and clubs. (The night stuff is all optional!!!) Since it will be late June, the weather will be warm and sunny, and you’ll need to dress comfortably for trekking around Budapest. Bring t-shirts, tank tops, shorts, skirts, capris, etc., as well as a pair of good shoes or sandals in which you can do a lot of walking (I’m a fan of flip-flops, but for some people they don’t offer enough support). Budapest is famous for its baths and spas, so bring a swimsuit as well. Also pack an umbrella (in case it rains, which it does occasionally), a sweatshirt or light jacket (in case it gets cold), pajamas, and flip-flops (for showering at the hostel). If you plan to participate in the nightlife, bring something to wear to the bars and clubs. You don’t need anything fancy, but you will need to dress a little better than you do for sightseeing.
Teaching sessions in your villages
You are under no obligation to dress professionally as a teacher. The same casual clothes that you packed for Budapest sightseeing will be fine. Actually, you can even go down a step from there and wear sweatpants to class like I did when I got really lazy… Also, as Janelle will tell you when discussing LE rules and regulations, hooking up with anyone in your village (especially with your students and/or members of your host family) is strictly forbidden, so you can leave all your super cute outfits at home, regardless of how much you’d like to look good in front of your host brother (or host sister) or that guy (or girl) in your evening adult class.
Nonetheless, bring at least one semi-formal outfit. Your host family may take you to or ask you to participate in a somewhat nice function – one of my host families took me to the theater, and the other asked me to come to my host parent’s 25th anniversary and host father’s 50th birthday party (both of which were huge celebrations). The next year, my host family took me to a wedding. Since I over-packed, I wore different outfits to all of these, but I really could have worn the same thing (or at least the same skirt). If you plan to go to church, remember that people do dress up. (Even if you’re not religious or if you’re a member of a religious group not represented in your village, it’s a great cultural experience to go to one of the local services or mass.)
Midpoint break in Komarno
See the above paragraph on Budapest. Same deal.
General items
◦ Learning Enterprises documents and teaching manual
Bring everything that Janelle e-mails to you and tells you is important.
◦ Guidebook
◦ English-Hungarian dictionary or phrasebook
Study it during your flight! You can also get an English-Slovak dictionary or phrasebook, but you won’t get nearly as much use out of it.
◦ Documents/passport/ticket
Make several sets of copies: at least one to leave at home, and at least one to carry with you (in a different bag or pocket from where you carry the originals).
◦ Towel
The best is a quick-dry towel that is available at camping and similar stores (I’ve also seen them at the Container Store). These towels cost much more than regular ones, but they are so worth it!
◦ Money: ATM card for regular use, cash for emergencies
How much money you spend is up to you. Don’t let others pressure you into buying expensive souvenirs or whatnot if you are on a tight budget. It is possible to get through orientation without spending more than you have to (for the hostel, meals, sightseeing, nightlife) and still have a great time. Remember, you will also need money for travel to and from your villages, and any traveling that you want to do before, during, or after the teaching sessions. You won’t need much while you are in your village – your host family will take care of meals, and there will be in general very few opportunities for shopping. It is easy to find ATMs in cities (like Budapest and Komarno) but your village is very unlikely to have them.
◦ Money belt (optional)
This is a great option for traveling. You can store your cash, credit/debit cards, and passport in it, and then strap it around your waist (under your shirt) so that potential thieves have to practically molest you in order to get to it. I bought my money belt at Target, so they’re easy to find.
◦ Camera
◦ Gifts for host families
See Janelle’s post about gifts here
http://lecentraleurope.blogspot.com/2007/06/questions-4.html
Since you don’t know the specific details about your host families (remember that you will have two!), don’t try to get something for each member. A general “gift for the family” is fine. As Janelle wrote, a gift should reflect something personal about you, i.e. something about your cultural/ethnic background (unless that cultural/ethnic background is Slovak or Hungarian, I guess), your hometown or state, or your university. I went to my local Minnesota souvenir shop (like the kind they have at airports) and bought some calendars and books with pictures from all over Minnesota, as well as some wild rice (a real Minnesota thing) and maple syrup candy. While at school, I also picked up a small book with pictures of Georgetown.
◦ Electronic voltage converter and plug (optional)
If you have anything electronic that you plan to bring, you will need at least a plug that lets you plug your appliances into European sockets. You can also get a voltage converter, but I haven’t needed one since everything that I have is actually dual voltage: travel hair dryer, straightening iron, laptop, iPod power adapter.
Hygiene/toiletries/medicine
◦ sample sized bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash/soap, deodorant, hairspray, toothpaste, etc.
You just need enough stuff to get through orientation, and then you can stock up either in Budapest or even in your village.
◦ hand sanitizer
I really can’t go without this in Eastern/Central Europe, especially not when traveling on dirty trains with dirty bathrooms that lack toilet paper, not to mention soap and paper towels.
◦ sunscreen
You can buy this in Budapest or in your village, but it is next to impossible to find sunscreen of an SPF higher than 30. If you have ultra-sensitive skin like I do, bring a big bottle of SPF 55 or 75 from home.
◦ mosquito repellant
Again, you can buy this there, but it’s good to bring a trusted brand from home.
◦ feminine products (for the ladies)
Yes, tampons with applicators are indeed impossible to find in Hungary and Slovakia. Otherwise, everything else you need you can get at a local convenience store.
◦ small first aid kit (include band aids, over the counter medicine, etc.)
◦ any prescription medications that you take
Don’t count on being able to fill your prescription in Europe.
Teaching materials
Since your primary obligation in your village will be to teach, you should make sure that you are prepared with teaching supplies. Stationary or office supply type stores in Budapest, Komarno, and other cities will have a lot of things you need, but it’s best to get stuff together while you’re still in the US. You can leave everything in your village(s) once you’re done teaching to lighten the load for traveling in August or your return trip home.
Janelle’s list is already quite comprehensive, so I won’t repeat it here. I got a lot of mileage out of the children’s books that I took, as well as out of the tapes/CDs of children’s songs that I had with me. Everyone likes to learn English-language songs, especially if they involve movement. (Your older/more advanced students may prefer to learn the lyrics to the latest pop or hip hop songs.)
If you haven’t read Janelle’s original entry on the subject, do so at .
Only two more weeks until orientation! Hopefully, you’ve already begun to think a bit about what you’ll want to bring (and what you’ll want to leave at home to lighten the load). Let me tell you, I always agonize over this more than I should, but I think I’ve finally mastered the art of packing for a summer with LE. Allow me to give you a few words of advice:
DON'T BRING MORE THAN YOU CAN CARRY
I know that Janelle has already reiterated this point, but we cannot stress it enough. Although that huge suitcase that you packed at home may seem easy to transport when you have a car that takes you from your house straight to the airport, you will hate yourself when you have to drag it across the border during midpoint break (from Komarno, Slovakia, to Komarom, Hungary) if you have to catch your train in the latter city. So leave it at home. Bring a large backpack and/or a duffel bag. If you insist on bringing a suitcase, make sure that it is small and relatively easy to lift, since you’ll be getting on and off trains when traveling.
Now, in terms of specific items you’ll need or won’t need (some of this will be repetitive, given Janelle’s earlier post):
Clothes
Personally, this is where I tend to run into trouble while packing. During my first summer of teaching (back in 2004), I really didn’t know what to expect, so I thought it was better to be over-prepared than under-prepared and brought clothes for almost every possible occasion I could think of. NOT a good strategy! The following is what I’ve learned, in terms of dressing for LE:
Orientation in Budapest
By day, you will be meeting with Janelle to go over LE rules, regulations, and teaching strategies and sightseeing around the city. By night, you will be going out to dinner, bars, and clubs. (The night stuff is all optional!!!) Since it will be late June, the weather will be warm and sunny, and you’ll need to dress comfortably for trekking around Budapest. Bring t-shirts, tank tops, shorts, skirts, capris, etc., as well as a pair of good shoes or sandals in which you can do a lot of walking (I’m a fan of flip-flops, but for some people they don’t offer enough support). Budapest is famous for its baths and spas, so bring a swimsuit as well. Also pack an umbrella (in case it rains, which it does occasionally), a sweatshirt or light jacket (in case it gets cold), pajamas, and flip-flops (for showering at the hostel). If you plan to participate in the nightlife, bring something to wear to the bars and clubs. You don’t need anything fancy, but you will need to dress a little better than you do for sightseeing.
Teaching sessions in your villages
You are under no obligation to dress professionally as a teacher. The same casual clothes that you packed for Budapest sightseeing will be fine. Actually, you can even go down a step from there and wear sweatpants to class like I did when I got really lazy… Also, as Janelle will tell you when discussing LE rules and regulations, hooking up with anyone in your village (especially with your students and/or members of your host family) is strictly forbidden, so you can leave all your super cute outfits at home, regardless of how much you’d like to look good in front of your host brother (or host sister) or that guy (or girl) in your evening adult class.
Nonetheless, bring at least one semi-formal outfit. Your host family may take you to or ask you to participate in a somewhat nice function – one of my host families took me to the theater, and the other asked me to come to my host parent’s 25th anniversary and host father’s 50th birthday party (both of which were huge celebrations). The next year, my host family took me to a wedding. Since I over-packed, I wore different outfits to all of these, but I really could have worn the same thing (or at least the same skirt). If you plan to go to church, remember that people do dress up. (Even if you’re not religious or if you’re a member of a religious group not represented in your village, it’s a great cultural experience to go to one of the local services or mass.)
Midpoint break in Komarno
See the above paragraph on Budapest. Same deal.
General items
◦ Learning Enterprises documents and teaching manual
Bring everything that Janelle e-mails to you and tells you is important.
◦ Guidebook
◦ English-Hungarian dictionary or phrasebook
Study it during your flight! You can also get an English-Slovak dictionary or phrasebook, but you won’t get nearly as much use out of it.
◦ Documents/passport/ticket
Make several sets of copies: at least one to leave at home, and at least one to carry with you (in a different bag or pocket from where you carry the originals).
◦ Towel
The best is a quick-dry towel that is available at camping and similar stores (I’ve also seen them at the Container Store). These towels cost much more than regular ones, but they are so worth it!
◦ Money: ATM card for regular use, cash for emergencies
How much money you spend is up to you. Don’t let others pressure you into buying expensive souvenirs or whatnot if you are on a tight budget. It is possible to get through orientation without spending more than you have to (for the hostel, meals, sightseeing, nightlife) and still have a great time. Remember, you will also need money for travel to and from your villages, and any traveling that you want to do before, during, or after the teaching sessions. You won’t need much while you are in your village – your host family will take care of meals, and there will be in general very few opportunities for shopping. It is easy to find ATMs in cities (like Budapest and Komarno) but your village is very unlikely to have them.
◦ Money belt (optional)
This is a great option for traveling. You can store your cash, credit/debit cards, and passport in it, and then strap it around your waist (under your shirt) so that potential thieves have to practically molest you in order to get to it. I bought my money belt at Target, so they’re easy to find.
◦ Camera
◦ Gifts for host families
See Janelle’s post about gifts here
http://lecentraleurope.blogspot.com/2007/06/questions-4.html
Since you don’t know the specific details about your host families (remember that you will have two!), don’t try to get something for each member. A general “gift for the family” is fine. As Janelle wrote, a gift should reflect something personal about you, i.e. something about your cultural/ethnic background (unless that cultural/ethnic background is Slovak or Hungarian, I guess), your hometown or state, or your university. I went to my local Minnesota souvenir shop (like the kind they have at airports) and bought some calendars and books with pictures from all over Minnesota, as well as some wild rice (a real Minnesota thing) and maple syrup candy. While at school, I also picked up a small book with pictures of Georgetown.
◦ Electronic voltage converter and plug (optional)
If you have anything electronic that you plan to bring, you will need at least a plug that lets you plug your appliances into European sockets. You can also get a voltage converter, but I haven’t needed one since everything that I have is actually dual voltage: travel hair dryer, straightening iron, laptop, iPod power adapter.
Hygiene/toiletries/medicine
◦ sample sized bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash/soap, deodorant, hairspray, toothpaste, etc.
You just need enough stuff to get through orientation, and then you can stock up either in Budapest or even in your village.
◦ hand sanitizer
I really can’t go without this in Eastern/Central Europe, especially not when traveling on dirty trains with dirty bathrooms that lack toilet paper, not to mention soap and paper towels.
◦ sunscreen
You can buy this in Budapest or in your village, but it is next to impossible to find sunscreen of an SPF higher than 30. If you have ultra-sensitive skin like I do, bring a big bottle of SPF 55 or 75 from home.
◦ mosquito repellant
Again, you can buy this there, but it’s good to bring a trusted brand from home.
◦ feminine products (for the ladies)
Yes, tampons with applicators are indeed impossible to find in Hungary and Slovakia. Otherwise, everything else you need you can get at a local convenience store.
◦ small first aid kit (include band aids, over the counter medicine, etc.)
◦ any prescription medications that you take
Don’t count on being able to fill your prescription in Europe.
Teaching materials
Since your primary obligation in your village will be to teach, you should make sure that you are prepared with teaching supplies. Stationary or office supply type stores in Budapest, Komarno, and other cities will have a lot of things you need, but it’s best to get stuff together while you’re still in the US. You can leave everything in your village(s) once you’re done teaching to lighten the load for traveling in August or your return trip home.
Janelle’s list is already quite comprehensive, so I won’t repeat it here. I got a lot of mileage out of the children’s books that I took, as well as out of the tapes/CDs of children’s songs that I had with me. Everyone likes to learn English-language songs, especially if they involve movement. (Your older/more advanced students may prefer to learn the lyrics to the latest pop or hip hop songs.)
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
questions 4
I've been receiving a lot of questions about host families and what to get them. I just sent out a superhuge excel spreadsheet of family names and contact info, but unfortunately, we do not have the details of your living arrangements - I.E. brothers and sisters or their ages. Because we don't have super specific information, your gifts should be more generalized, but that doesn't mean they can't be good.
Ideally, a gift for your host family shares a little bit of your culture or who you are. Bring something that means something. Last year, I brought my host family some bamboo candlesticks from the Philippines because I'm Filipino. Yeah, they dug 'em. I also brought a bunch of family and friends pictures to share to pass the time with my host brother and sister (I didn't give them as gifts - we just sat around looking at them together and laughing about them). Your family will have a strong interest in you and what you like. Be creative.
Ideally, a gift for your host family shares a little bit of your culture or who you are. Bring something that means something. Last year, I brought my host family some bamboo candlesticks from the Philippines because I'm Filipino. Yeah, they dug 'em. I also brought a bunch of family and friends pictures to share to pass the time with my host brother and sister (I didn't give them as gifts - we just sat around looking at them together and laughing about them). Your family will have a strong interest in you and what you like. Be creative.
Friday, June 8, 2007
Introducing Zsofi
Sziasztok!
My name is Zsofi (I pronounce it “Sophie,” but you will learn how it is actually said once you get to Hungary) Budai, and I’m working with CEVP this year as the European Liaison. (You’ll soon find out that I’m actually Zsofi #2, as Zsofi #1 – introduced by Janelle in an earlier post – has been with LE longer than I have.) Since you have all looked at the website and read the Hungary and Slovakia country guides/addenda, I know that you are all familiar with my name and background.
I could use this entry to tell you a bit about myself, but I don’t want to bore you with all of the useless details…You’ll definitely have a chance to get to know me during mid-point break in Komarno (unfortunately, for the first time in four years, I won’t be able to make it to orientation). Suffice it to say that I was born in Hungary, grew up in Minnesota, and just graduated from Georgetown University. I volunteered with LE in 2004 and 2005; I returned last year as the European Liaison and continue to have that position. That’s just how much I love LE!
I’ll post periodically on this blog to answer questions and give advice. I’d be more that happy to answer questions by e-mail as well – don’t bother writing to my LE address since it doesn’t work anymore; contact me at zb (at) georgetown (dot) edu. I know Hungary and Slovakia inside and out!
Make sure to read this blog as well as the country guides/addenda! They will answer most of the questions that you have.
And now, a picture of me, in one of my favorite cities (Bratislava) engaged in one of my favorite activities (self-explanatory):
My name is Zsofi (I pronounce it “Sophie,” but you will learn how it is actually said once you get to Hungary) Budai, and I’m working with CEVP this year as the European Liaison. (You’ll soon find out that I’m actually Zsofi #2, as Zsofi #1 – introduced by Janelle in an earlier post – has been with LE longer than I have.) Since you have all looked at the website and read the Hungary and Slovakia country guides/addenda, I know that you are all familiar with my name and background.
I could use this entry to tell you a bit about myself, but I don’t want to bore you with all of the useless details…You’ll definitely have a chance to get to know me during mid-point break in Komarno (unfortunately, for the first time in four years, I won’t be able to make it to orientation). Suffice it to say that I was born in Hungary, grew up in Minnesota, and just graduated from Georgetown University. I volunteered with LE in 2004 and 2005; I returned last year as the European Liaison and continue to have that position. That’s just how much I love LE!
I’ll post periodically on this blog to answer questions and give advice. I’d be more that happy to answer questions by e-mail as well – don’t bother writing to my LE address since it doesn’t work anymore; contact me at zb (at) georgetown (dot) edu. I know Hungary and Slovakia inside and out!
Make sure to read this blog as well as the country guides/addenda! They will answer most of the questions that you have.
And now, a picture of me, in one of my favorite cities (Bratislava) engaged in one of my favorite activities (self-explanatory):
Questions 3
Volunteer asks: will my bank card work out there or should I take cash (what's the currency?)
Earlier in the blog we have the conversion rates listed:
$1 USD = 184 Hungarian Forints
£1 = 364 Hungarian Forints
Your ATM card will be your best friend. It's quick, it's easy, and it'll give you the most reasonable conversion rates (I once had a change stand in prague pull a 25% slice out of my coronat). ATMs are all over the place.
Also - don't bother with traveler's checks as they're very difficult to use. And bring a bit of cash with you to carry around just in case. Say, $100 just in case you get into a jam.
Earlier in the blog we have the conversion rates listed:
$1 USD = 184 Hungarian Forints
£1 = 364 Hungarian Forints
Your ATM card will be your best friend. It's quick, it's easy, and it'll give you the most reasonable conversion rates (I once had a change stand in prague pull a 25% slice out of my coronat). ATMs are all over the place.
Also - don't bother with traveler's checks as they're very difficult to use. And bring a bit of cash with you to carry around just in case. Say, $100 just in case you get into a jam.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
more questions
Volunteer asks: Are we going to have any idea what the age range of our students is going to be before we arrive?
Last year, in both villages, my students ranged from 4 to 40 with varying levels of English skills. Four year olds know little english and learn slowly, while 40 year olds know little english but learn pretty quickly. Older teenagers are pretty much fluent, while those good ol' 'tweens are my favorite - they know enough that they take really well to lessons, and they're novice enough that you have a lot more to offer them in terms of new information.
Last year, in both villages, my students ranged from 4 to 40 with varying levels of English skills. Four year olds know little english and learn slowly, while 40 year olds know little english but learn pretty quickly. Older teenagers are pretty much fluent, while those good ol' 'tweens are my favorite - they know enough that they take really well to lessons, and they're novice enough that you have a lot more to offer them in terms of new information.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Answering questions
Volunteer asks: Do I need to be making reservations at the hostel we're staying at in Budapest or is it all done by you guys? What about where we're staying during the midpoint break?
Please refer to the entry "The First Step is Getting Here." At the bottom it says Balazs has already taken care of the reservations from Thursday, June 28 to Sunday, July 1. It also lists the prices for each night. You're welcome to stay at the hostel if you arrive earlier. They'll have plenty of available rooms.
For midpoint break, our gracious host Imre, the member of Slovak Parliament who's generously devoted his time to coordinating our villages, will be putting us up in the Danubius Hotel of Komarno, SK, as well as covering our meals. He's a really great guy, and even though is English is limited, you'll really like meeting him. If you're coming from Slovakia, your host family will drive you there Friday after class, and if you're coming from Hungary, Balazs can pick you up at the train station.
Volunteer asks: Just wondering, when will we know our pairs for teaching?
You will only be teaching in pairs if you have been placed in a village with two teaching slots. That means only two villages - Dusnosk and Tazlar.
Volunteer asks: What time should I be at Martos on the 28th?
Look at the awesome arrival itinerary:
Thursday June 28
During the daylight hours, tour the city on your own and get to know each other. I’ll be sitting in the hostel lobby reading a book all day waiting to greet you.
6:30 p.m. – Meet in the hostel lobby.
7 p.m. – Dinner at Fatal. Official welcome and introductory toast. Icebreakers and getting to know each other galore.
9 p.m. – Swing by the hostel to freshen up and gather late arrivers. Explore Budapest nightlife.
PS I'd love to hear some feedback on the blog. Feel free to leave a comment.
Please refer to the entry "The First Step is Getting Here." At the bottom it says Balazs has already taken care of the reservations from Thursday, June 28 to Sunday, July 1. It also lists the prices for each night. You're welcome to stay at the hostel if you arrive earlier. They'll have plenty of available rooms.
For midpoint break, our gracious host Imre, the member of Slovak Parliament who's generously devoted his time to coordinating our villages, will be putting us up in the Danubius Hotel of Komarno, SK, as well as covering our meals. He's a really great guy, and even though is English is limited, you'll really like meeting him. If you're coming from Slovakia, your host family will drive you there Friday after class, and if you're coming from Hungary, Balazs can pick you up at the train station.
Volunteer asks: Just wondering, when will we know our pairs for teaching?
You will only be teaching in pairs if you have been placed in a village with two teaching slots. That means only two villages - Dusnosk and Tazlar.
Volunteer asks: What time should I be at Martos on the 28th?
Look at the awesome arrival itinerary:
Thursday June 28
During the daylight hours, tour the city on your own and get to know each other. I’ll be sitting in the hostel lobby reading a book all day waiting to greet you.
6:30 p.m. – Meet in the hostel lobby.
7 p.m. – Dinner at Fatal. Official welcome and introductory toast. Icebreakers and getting to know each other galore.
9 p.m. – Swing by the hostel to freshen up and gather late arrivers. Explore Budapest nightlife.
PS I'd love to hear some feedback on the blog. Feel free to leave a comment.
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