11. Learning, education, the school system

School system, school types in Hungary

Tertiary education

Language learning experiences, role of foreign languages

Student exchange programmes, student mobility

Equal chances in education

Lifelong learning

Education is a profitable investment of the individuals. It broadens our horizons and is a means of

individual advancement. Education brings great benefits to society as it promotes economic and social

progress. Getting to know more about the world or developing new skills is an intellectual challenge and

a great fun.

School system, school types in Hungary

Day nurseries are for children under the age of 3.It’s a great help for parents, to have someone to look

after their children while they are at work. Kindergartens are dealing with children from the age of 3 to 7.

This level is really important for children to develop basic social skills and intelligence. They are also

taught the very basics of arithmetic and how to use pens and pencils. At least one year is compulsory,

because it prepares children for school.

Primary schools provide students with basic knowledge in all subjects. Normally it takes 8 years to finish

primary school.

There are different types of secondary schools. Secondary grammar schools are mostly chosen by those

students who plan to go on higher education. Students who want to learn a trade or profession besides

taking their school-leaving exam go to secondary technical school. Vocational schools train skilled

workers, such as plumbers or hairdressers. The training lasts 4 years in these schools; however there are

special secondary grammar schools where students can apply for after the 4th

and 6th

years of primary

school.

Tertiary education consists of colleges and universities. These are mainly operated by the state, but there

are institutions affiliated with religious denominations and some are run by different foundations. In

colleges education usually lasts 4 years, in universities it lasts for 4 to 6 years, depending on the course

undertaken. Education in most universities starts with a three-year BA programme; at the end of it

students can take a degree. The best ones can continue their studies in two-year MA programmes. There

are degree courses in special fields, and PhD programmes as well. PhD programmes usually last for 3

years.

Language learning experiences, role of foreign languages

Speaking languages is not a special skill nowadays, especially in case of English, as it is considered a

basic criterion so you have to speak 1, 2 or more foreign languages in addition. There are many ways to

learn languages. In schools two foreign languages are compulsory to learn, that’s why people start

learning languages there. Another way is going to private teachers or choosing a language school. Some

people try to learn by themselves, reading books, newspapers with the help of dictionary, watching films

or using a computer programme. Those who can afford it go abroad to take a language course in the

target-language country, like my friend Bence, who spent a month in the summer in France.

Student exchange programmes, student mobility

A friend of mine, an ex-classmate spent a year in France. She went out with the help of an international

organisation called AFS. After coming home she decided that she wouldn’t take her exams, and she

would repeat the 11th

class. In the same year an Italian girl Alice came to our class, with the help of the

same organisation. We still keep in touch.