Tech, Culture & New Friendships: Hungarian Students Explore Rzeszów with INPRO

At the end of January, we had the joy of hosting a vibrant group of 18 students and 2 teachers from Veszprémi SZC Bethlen István School of Economics and Public Administration in Hungary. Their two-week adventure in Rzeszów wasn’t just about learning JavaScript—it was about stepping into a new environment, discovering a different culture, and growing as individuals.

The group took part in a Vocational Education and Training (VET) program, diving into the basics of JavaScript programming while also engaging in cultural activities, workshops, and team-building moments that made this experience truly memorable.

Starting Off on the Right Foot

We began with connection in mind. On day one, students participated in fun and thoughtful team-building games that helped everyone get to know each other. They shared their hopes for the upcoming weeks and talked openly about how they felt stepping into this new experience. In the afternoon, our INPRO volunteers took the group on a guided tour around Rzeszów, introducing them to the city that would soon feel like home.

The heart of the program was all about learning—and not just any learning, but engaging, hands-on, and collaborative. Led by our long-term volunteer Alexa, the students took part in practical workshops at Urban Lab and Feniks. They started with the foundations of JavaScript: logic, syntax, and interactivity. Step by step, they built confidence and skills through quizzes, real-world examples, and coding exercises.

As the days went on, students teamed up to design and build their very own websites. By the end of the two weeks, they had created six fully functioning projects—including a sleek meal planner and a working calculator. It was clear they weren’t just following instructions—they were thinking creatively, solving problems, and having fun with it.

Beyond Coding: Culture, Curiosity, and Connection

Of course, the learning didn’t stop at the screen. Afternoons were filled with engaging workshops and cultural exchanges. The group explored the mysterious Rzeszów Underground Cellars, visited the City Hall’s Security Operations Center, and toured a local technical school to see how vocational education looks in Poland.

They also ventured beyond Rzeszów. A weekend trip to Kraków gave them the chance to discover one of Poland’s most iconic cities—with a guided tour and time to explore on their own.

INPRO’s long-term volunteers added extra depth to the experience with presentations and storytelling sessions. From the sun-drenched beaches of Greece to Armenia’s complex history and the rhythms of daily life in Germany, the students got a taste of Europe far beyond Poland’s borders. They also took part in a practical life skills workshop that added a new layer to their personal development journey.

A Journey to Remember

What started as a tech-focused training became so much more. Over two weeks, these young Hungarians built not only websites, but friendships, memories, and new perspectives. Their energy, openness, and willingness to engage made the experience meaningful for everyone involved.

We loved having them here—and we hope they left with more than new programming skills: a deeper curiosity about the world, a few favorite Polish words, and stories they’ll tell for years to come.

We’re already looking forward to welcoming future groups and continuing to create spaces where learning meets connection.