Budapest, which you might be surprised to know is actually pronounced ‘Buda-pesht,’ is the capital and largest city of Hungary. Budapest is technically two cities, Buda and Pest, brought together around the Danube River. Originally settled in the first century, Budapest is rich with historic significance and has an extensive World Heritage Site. But there's a reason Budapest is called the "Hollywood of Europe" these days...keep an eye out for Henry Cavill and the cast of The Witcher on set while you're there!

If you are Hungary for a Buda-ful adventure (sorry, we had to), Budapest might be the place for you. Full of deep historical references, like the Shoes of the Danube, and cultural traditions, like ancient bath houses, Budapest is often categorized by our students as the experience they didn’t know they needed. Whether you're marveling at the architecture, relaxing in the thermal baths, eating some of Hungary's prized cuisine, or dancing to local folk music, there's plenty to see and do to give you an authentic Central European experience.

The two hospitals that we are partnered with in Budapest are Magyarországi Református Egyház Bethesda Gyermekkórháza and Szent Janos. A mouthful, we know, but by the time you leave you will be an expert at pronouncing the name of your hospital! It might also be helpful to know that English levels tend to be higher in Eastern Europe, so your doctors may be more likely to be fluent in English

Magyarországi Református Egyház Bethesda Gyermekkórháza, translates to “Bethesda Children’s Hospital of the Reformed Church of Hungary.” It is located in the eastern part of downtown Budapest close to the City Park. Not only is it one of the oldest children’s hospitals in Budapest, but it is also the only Christian children’s hospital in Central and Eastern Europe. The hospital emphasizes both spirituality and the importance of modern technical facilities while admitting children 0-18 years of age from all across Hungary. Their practice focuses on caring for socially disadvantaged and physically handicapped children, along with their families.

With more than four hundred beds, the Szent János is one of the largest hospitals in central Hungary. As a public hospital, if offers Fellows a good look at socialized medicine; while healthcare is offered to all citizens at a very affordable rate, appointments may be hard to obtain, and resources are often limited. Szent János was originally founded in the 18th century as a charity hospital to serve the poor. In 1777, however, the Holy Roman Empress Maria Theresa of Austria moved the University of Nagyszombat to Budapest, allowing medical students to venture beyond lecture-based learning and gain practical experience working with patients. Szent János continues to serve as a teaching hospital to this day!