A 10-day mission experience in Hungary helps Asbury students apply classroom learning in a global setting while serving children, strengthening their faith, and preparing for careers in education.
The Asbury University School of Education returned to Hungary on June 18-29 for its third consecutive partnership with One Mission Society (OMS), sending its largest team yet to lead an English camp for children in Letenye. Led by Dr. Barbara Hamilton ’92, associate professor of education, and David Schnake, director of Asbury’s OMS Student Center, the 10-day experience brought together 13 students and alumni to serve nearly 100 campers between the ages of 7 and 17.
This trip continues to be one of the most transformational experiences we offer our students."
“Each year we watch God grow future educators as they serve children, build cross-cultural friendships, and discover how their calling can make an impact far beyond the classroom.”
Hosted at a local school in partnership with a local church, the weeklong English camp gave Asbury participants the opportunity to teach English, Bible, music, crafts, and recreation while building meaningful relationships with Hungarian children and families. Afternoons included community activities, ministry opportunities at a local church, and fellowship with campers, while local partners hosted special events including a community reception and concert by a Hungarian choir.
Experiences like this prepare Asbury education students to become confident, Christ-centered teachers by combining classroom knowledge with real-world international teaching and servant leadership.
Many participants are returning for another year, including five alumni. Olivia Parsons ’25, a founding member of the Hungary team, returns to lead the group’s small-group experience after spending her first year teaching professionally.
Two members of this year’s team, Peyton Dick ’27 and Angel Oquendo ’27, began their service even earlier through the OMS Embark Internship in Budapest. Their internships allowed them to work alongside OMS staff throughout the summer, helping prepare for multiple English camps across Hungary while gaining firsthand experience in international ministry and educational outreach.
For Oquendo, the opportunity marks a full-circle moment after first traveling to Hungary through the School of Education’s partnership with OMS. His leadership and commitment to service were recently recognized when he received one of Asbury’s 2026 Roy L. Lauter Servant Leadership Awards.
Through my clinical experiences in local schools and the mentorship of incredible professors, I've grown into the educator I am today."
“Just as importantly, I’ve learned how to live out my faith in a holistic way. I want to serve in such a way that people feel seen and loved.”
The annual partnership reflects the School of Education’s commitment to preparing educators who teach with excellence while serving communities around the world through Christ-centered leadership.
Asbury University offers Traditional and Online Undergraduate programs in Education; the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree for initial certification; M.A. programs in English as a Second Language, Learning and Behavior Disorders, Literacy Specialist P-12, and Principal Licensure; and the newly launched Ed.D. in P-12 Educational Leadership.
Additional degree programs include the Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Principal Licensure with Instructional Supervisor (dual licensure) and certifications for Director of Pupil Personnel, Instructional Supervisor, and School Superintendent.
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