Written by Steve Szabó
In early spring, Avicenna High School once again welcomed a group of adult learners from Madrid, continuing a partnership that has been growing stronger each year. This was already the third visit from the Spanish school, Escuela Oficial de Idiomas de Rivas-Vaciamadrid and by now the programme feels less like a formal exchange and more like the meeting of old friends who share a passion for learning and cultural discovery.
The group of six adult students arrived in Budapest with great enthusiasm and curiosity. During their stay, they had the opportunity to join the morning classes at Avicenna High School, experiencing first-hand how teaching and learning take place in an international school environment. They attended several lessons alongside our students, from science classes to discussions in English, and quickly became active participants in the classroom atmosphere. For our students, it was a unique chance to interact with learners from another country, exchange ideas, and practise their communication skills in a natural, friendly setting.
The mornings at school were complemented by cultural programmes in the afternoons, allowing the Spanish visitors to explore the rich history and atmosphere of Budapest. Walks through the historic streets, visits to famous landmarks, and informal conversations about Hungarian traditions helped them gain a deeper understanding of the city and its culture. At the same time, these shared experiences created many opportunities for genuine intercultural exchange between the Spanish guests and our students of international backgrounds.
One of the most memorable moments of the visit was undoubtedly the special workshop organised by the Spanish group for the Grade 10 students. The session was held during master class, and it quickly became clear how much effort and thought the visitors had invested in preparing it. The workshop focused on professional life and career paths, with each participant presenting their own field and experiences.
The diversity of professions represented made the session particularly engaging. Students learned about the daily work of an ophthalmologist, the challenges and creativity involved in engineering, and the career path of a sports student specialising in physical education. Other speakers introduced the world of web design, psychology, and architecture with a focus on interior design. Each presentation was clear, informative, and delivered with genuine enthusiasm, offering our students valuable insights into different professional fields and possible future study directions.
Beyond careers, the workshop also included a lively introduction to Spanish culture. The visitors shared stories about everyday life in Spain, typical habits, and the atmosphere of Madrid, as well as the historical beauty of Toledo. These presentations were especially relevant for our students, as Avicenna High School will take a group of students to Madrid in May. Hearing first-hand experiences and practical advice made the upcoming trip feel even more exciting and meaningful.
What made the workshop truly special was the professionalism and openness of the presenters. Despite being guests, they spoke with confidence and sincerity, creating a relaxed and inspiring learning environment. Our students asked many questions, not only about Spanish culture, but also about university studies, career decisions, and the realities of working in different fields.
By the end of the visit, it was clear that the programme had been beneficial for everyone involved. The Spanish visitors gained a deeper understanding of our school life and culture, while our students were exposed to new perspectives on careers, international mobility, and cultural exchange.
This third visit confirmed once again that the partnership between the two schools is not only successful but truly valuable. It is a collaboration built on trust, curiosity, and shared educational goals, and one that we hope will continue for many years to come.
Written by: Steve Szabó
10th March 2026
