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Host rating
100 %
Last replied
19 Jan 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
28
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Description
My name is Helen, and I am the founder of a Montessori kindergarten in Fót, Hungary. Operating as a non-profit educational center, we are located just 20 Km from the center of the capital city of Budapest.
Our school's mission is to enrich children's experience through the Montessori method, which allows them to be free and independent learners. We also believe that learning English and interacting with people from different cultures is very important at an early age, and this is why we offer this opportunity for young people to stay with us and introduce their culture and practice English with our children. At the same time, we hope our volunteers will also have great experiences in Hungary and learn a bit about our culture.
My husband, Mark, and I always look forward to meeting and hosting enthusiastic, intelligent individuals who enjoy spending about five hours each school day interacting with kindergarten-age (3 to 6 year old) children. Your main task will be to guide these children in their constructive play activities using native or advanced English to help them explore the world, and assist in other school programs under the direction of our English-speaking kindergarten teachers. Our volunteers preferably have had some experience, either professionally or personally, working with small children. Knowledge of the Montessori method is a plus, but not required.
We ask volunteers to commit to spending at least six weeks with us, as young children need the time to become familiar and bond with new volunteers and interact with them comfortably.
We offer comfortable accommodations -- a small studio flat/apartment with private bath, washing machine and kitchenette that could be shared by two volunteers -- school breakfast and lunch and friendly, supportive English-speaking staff. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide vegan meals at this time. There's a school gym space in the building suitable for yoga, dance or other exercise. We help our volunteers to become familiar with the local culture and how to get around and make new friends.
There is regular, affordable train and bus service into Budapest, a nearby nature preserve ideal for jogging or walking through the woods with panoramic views from the top of the hill and a new outdoor 800-meter running track a short walk away.
We can offer volunteer opportunities throughout the regular school year -- from early September to mid-December and from early January to mid-June -- and during our six-week summer program from mid-June to the end of July. Our school is closed in August.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Teaching
Babysitting and creative play
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Volunteers have the opportunity to get to know local Hungarian teachers, parents and others. My husband and I want our volunteers to feel at home, and we enjoy helping volunteers explore the local area, Budapest (about 30 minutes by train) and other nearby areas. We occasionally offer home-cooked meals or visits to interesting restaurants.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
Your main task will be to guide children in their constructive play activities using native or advance English to help them explore the world, and assist in other school programs under the direction of our English-speaking kindergarten teachers.
We ask volunteers to commit to spending at least six weeks with us, as young children need the time to become familiar and bond with new volunteers and interact with them comfortably.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
On-premise studio flat with bathroom/shower, kitchenette, washing machine, Wi-Fi. School breakfast, lunch and snacks. On weekends and holidays we do not provide food. We are unable to provide vegan meals.
What else ...
We are located in a quiet residential neighborhood about 20 km from the center of Budapest. There is excellent transportation by train or bus to the heart of the city. A nearby nature preserve offers relaxing hiking/walking opportunities year round. Our team is young and friendly, and everybody speaks English. We look forward to hosting you here. We are unable to provide vegan meals.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Feedback (23)
It was truly a beautiful experience🪻The attention from Mark and Helen from the first contact to the farewell was a big part of making this experience incredible. I can't thank them enough...The apartment was very cozy, the kindergarten facilities were beautiful, the food was delicious, the children were gorgeous, Monica, the… read more
I believe Alanis was born… read more
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Cultural exchange:
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Communication:
(5.0)
It was truly a beautiful experience🪻The attention from Mark and Helen from the first contact to the farewell was a big part of making this experience incredible. I can't thank them enough...The apartment was very cozy, the kindergarten facilities were beautiful, the food was delicious, the children were gorgeous, Monica, the… read more
I believe Alanis was born… read more
Very soon after they began working with the children, under the supervision of our teaching staff, it became apparent Rob and Hannah had a natural ability to connect with the children. We were impressed with… read more
Mark and Helen were excellent hosts, who made us feel very welcome from the very first minute, we sincerely… read more
About my incredible hosts and great stay:
Helen and Mark have become like my family now. They are… read more
I've previously volunteered in organic gardens and here was my first time volunteering in a wonderful place which is all about children. I've only done occassional babysitting before. Helen, Mónika, all teachers and everyone else were… read more
where do I begin? since the first moment, Helen and Mark made me feel at home. They picked me up at the airport and they integrated me in their routine everytime there was a chance to by inviting me to join them on… read more
I was an amazing life experience close to the cute children. I would… read more
Helen and Mark are amazing hosts, helped me to feel like home just from the beginning on my arrival. They are very kind and showed… read more
We all wish her good luck for her next workaway experience!
Fót was, in my opinion, a great introduction to Hungary: somewhat "off the beaten track",… read more
