About the program
ReConnect Hungary is a unique cultural, educational and social immersion program for young adults of Hungarian heritage.
Our next birthright trip will be from July 8-22, 2021*.
Applications are open from January 25 until April 5, 2021.
We are moving forward cautiously in regards to global travel, but we are optimistic that by the time we depart travel will have normalized.
*The 2021 ReConnect Hungary Birthright trip scheduled dates are subject to change due to international travel restrictions and COVID-19 policies.
The program provides the gift of a peer-group heritage and cultural immersion trip to Hungary for Hungarian-North American young adults between the ages of 18 and 28 who want to strengthen their personal Hungarian identity through connection to the country, culture and heritage. Every summer, groups of individually selected young Hungarian-Americans/Canadians begin a two-week journey of rediscovery together. They learn about their Hungarian roots—culture, traditions and history—in the 21st century.
The program is a result of the vision of Allison Pataki, New York Times best-selling author and daughter of former New York State Governor George E. Pataki. She grasped the growing need among young Hungarian-Americans, like herself, to be able to rediscover their Hungarian heritage with a view to the future as well. Read Allison’s thoughtful message.
Devoted to maintaining ethnic identity since 1976, the birthright trip is organized by the New York-based Hungarian Human Rights Foundation. Included in the tuition for the trip is: round-trip airfare between New York and Budapest, accommodations and meals, as well as two weeks of programs, which include educational lectures, a service day, meetings with business leaders and visits to government offices and cultural attractions. The Program now also offers an optional post-trip seven-day excursion to Transylvania (for an additional fee) for those who want to delve deeper and connect with the largest Hungarian minority community outside of Hungary (find out more about ReConnect Transylvania).
ReConnect Hungary helps young Hungarian-Americans/Canadians understand the meaning of their heritage and its importance to North America and the world. They gain a deeper understanding of their Hungarian heritage while enjoying a living culture: through the lens of young Hungarians, participants look to Hungary’s future, while learning about the country’s rich history, global contributions and accomplishments. With unmatched access to decision-makers and industry leaders, they will see first-hand the trends, innovations and ingenuity driving the country today.
Throughout the trip participants are able to expand their connection to the land and people of Hungary, deepen their personal commitment of their Hungarian heritage, and find a community that is vibrant and spans continents. Hungary may be the land of your ancestors, but it is also on the cutting edge of ideas, technology, inventions, music and art.
The program gives you the tools to strengthen your dual identity and integrate into a larger Hungarian community. It consists of three phases: pre-trip preparation, a two-week birthright trip, and joining the ReConnected Participants community.
Once selected, participants are matched up with a Reconnected Participant mentor, meet other participants and ReConnected Participants in their town when possible, begin volunteering at a local or national Hungarian organization, and complete The Essentials of Hungary: A Primer and Introduction Online Course, which includes moderated chat sessions and a group project.
The next birthright trip dates will be determined later. Current year participants meet up in New York and depart the same evening to Budapest for an amazing adventure. You can also go on ReConnect Transylvania – an optional 7-day, paid excursion – immediately following the trip.
Upon returning home, your journey continues now as a ReConnected Participant. You continue your volunteer assignment, promote and support the Program with other members of your task force. You network socially and professionally, and participate in alumni activities such as the 5th anniversary trip in 2016. You are now a member of our community with all of its responsibilities and rewards!
The ReConnect Hungary Team, and the ReConnected Participant Outreach Coordinator specifically, provide the guidance and resources necessary to keep deepening your experience and knowledge of all things Hungarian, become more fully integrated into the Hungarian Diaspora and grow closer to your local and family traditions while linking into the global Hungarian community.
ReConnect Hungary – Hungarian Birthright Program is a public-private partnership supported by Hungarian American and Canadian organizations and the Government of Hungary.