International Group
Join the International Group at Szarvas Camp and experience a unique, multicultural adventure! Our specially designed educational program invites teenagers (ages 14–18) from various communities and countries to come together, learn, and connect in a welcoming environment. With all activities conducted in English, the program is ideal for those with a good command of the language, making it easy to communicate and form bonds with peers from different parts of the world. Join and immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind international Jewish experience. We can't wait to welcome you!
Apply if...
- You are well-prepared and experienced in representing your country and local Jewish community in front of an international audience
- You are open-minded and respectful towards new topics, people, and different cultures
- You have a good command of English
Application Process
When the application is open, it is available here.
The International Group has a selection process to ensure a great experience for all participants. After applying to a session, you will be contacted by our coordinator for the next steps. Typically, you will hear back within 10 days. If not, please reach out at szarvas@jdc.org and check your spam folder.
All participants will be put on a WAITLIST when registering. If the application meets our requirements and a space is available, the applicant will be invited for a live video interview in English where they have the opportunity to meet a member of our team to get to know each other. After reviewing the application and the interview, applicants will be notified of their place.
The selection process aims to ensure that the group is truly international and that applicants meet the above criteria. We will consider chronological order for registrations among eligible applicants from the same country. We strive to be completely impartial and do not differentiate by the applicant's past camping experience.
Once accepted, participants from the U.S. and other individual applicants will receive a payment instructions to complete their application. After payment confirmation, you can proceed with travel arrangements and notify the coordinator of your travel details.
What to Expect?
- Diverse Programs & Activities: All workshops, programs, and activities are led in English by experienced madrichim from across the globe. You’ll engage in three activities each morning and afternoon, plus an evening program, allowing you to practice your English while sharing your experiences and stories with Jewish youth from other countries.
- Building Lasting Connections: Meet fellow campers from the U.S., Israel, Central-Eastern and Western Europe and beyond. You'll have the chance to forge long-term friendships, explore different cultures, and understand diverse perspectives through shared experiences.
- Comfortable Accommodations: Live with fellow participants in rooms accommodating 4 to 8 people, with separate arrangements based on gender.
Participation Fee
- Participation Fee: $1980 (for Szarvas 2025)
- What’s Included:
- Camp participation
- Transportation from Budapest to Szarvas Camp and back
- What’s Not Included:
- Plane/bus tickets to Budapest
- Health insurance
Travel Information
- Arrivals: Sessions begin on Sunday afternoon. Please plan to arrive at Budapest Airport (BUD) on Sunday morning.
- Departures: Sessions end on Friday after breakfast, and we recommend scheduling your return flight for after 11:00 am.
- Transportation: If traveling alone, we will arrange transportation from Budapest to the camp and provide a taxi voucher for your return to the airport.
Need to Switch Sessions?
If you wish to switch sessions, please let us know. While we cannot guarantee availability in a different session, we will do our best to accommodate you. Note that changing sessions may affect the participation fee.