Designated Institute for Practice
Established by Semmelweis University’s András Pető Faculty, the “Designated Institute for Practice” initiative and title serve a profound strategic and professional purpose. 
This framework is designed to formally recognize and certify international partners that successfully maintain the rigorous theoretical and practical training standards set by the Hungarian mother institution within their respective countries. By benchmarking these institutions against Semmelweis University’s world-renowned methodology, the initiative ensures that the core values and clinical excellence of conductive education are preserved across borders.
Moving forward, these certified organizations will play a pivotal role in the faculty’s international ecosystem. They will serve as official professional hubs, providing high-quality practical training and fieldwork opportunities for students of the András Pető Faculty. This hands-on exposure allows students to gain invaluable intercultural experience while working in diverse clinical and educational environments, ultimately enriching their professional development.
Looking to the long-term vision, these designated institutions are set to become foundation stones for future off-site, transnational higher education programs. Through these strategic alliances, Semmelweis University aims to establish localized, accredited training centers that can graduate certified professionals globally. By fostering this international network, the initiative ensures that the legacy, innovation, and unparalleled excellence of conductive education continue to adapt, thrive, and transform lives on a global scale.
Eligibility and Requirements
- Minimum 2 conductors with a Conductive Pedagogy BA diploma from APF and minimum 3 years of professional experience.
- Mentor for students on traineeships.
- Responsible for communicating and cooperating with the András Pető Faculty.
- Has to be able to coordinate the student’s task according to the requirements of the APF.
- Has to participate in a 30-hour hybrid training at the APF before the start of the internship project.
- Has to participate in a 15-hour training at the APF biennially.
- Registered organization, with a legally regulated status.
- Rehabilitation in groups is a baseline.
- Rehabilitation is led by a conductor.
- Minimum number of clients in a group is 4.
- The rehabilitation is dominantly based on the principles of conductive pedagogy.
- The program must include a task series, self-care activities, and its application.
- Length of programs can be different.
- Institutions that regularly request audition from the faculty are given preference.
- Children and adults eligible for Conductive Pedagogy.
- People with a predominantly limited mobility or other abilities, or a similar combination of symptoms, as a result of a central nervous system injury.
- Diagnosis based on medical diagnosis.
- Instruments of conductive pedagogy: Pető furniture
- Special tools: ring, stick, suction bar, two-handled cup, silverware with a thick handle.
- Age-appropriate developmental toys and equipments.
- Aids available and funded by the local health care system.
- The institution must have the clients’ medical release forms.
- Need to have documentation about the clients’ development history.
- Need to use a development plan with the clients’ short and long-term goals, daily and weekly schedule.
- Should be able to weekly report about the students internship.
- Specially designed, integrated educational process.
- Motivation-targeted motivation-intentional and purposeful motivation to act continuously and providing tailored feedback, evaluation.
- Goal system adapted to the child’s individual characteristics – individual-specific development plan – embedded in a complex programme and a conductive group format.
- Emphasis on and focus on active children’s activities and learning by doing, experiencing and learning.
- Complex personal development, advocating and demanding a holistic approach.
- Keeping the group as a form of organization.
- Rhythmic intention used during tasks.
How to Apply:
Becoming an official member of our international network involves a transparent, quality-assured application procedure:
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Official Request Letter: Send a signed and stamped official request letter via e-mail to petointernational@semmelweis.hu, describing your institution’s eligibility and motivation.
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Questionnaire: In response, you will receive a short form/questionnaire to fill out with your institution’s specific details.
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Online Consultation: An online meeting will be arranged with the colleagues of the András Pető Faculty to discuss the proposal and answer remaining questions.
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Official Audition: The applicant must order an official audition visit. A senior conductor from the faculty will personally visit your facility to audit the requirements and, if necessary, assist in fulfilling any missing criteria. (The cost of the supervision is €1,600 + travel, accommodation, and food expenses).
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Mentor Training Course: To ensure high-quality student mentorship, at least two of your local conductors must participate in a 30-hour professional training course. This hybrid program (consisting of 2.5 days online and 2.5 days in Budapest) equips your staff with the exact knowledge needed to support future student internships.
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Granting of the Title: Upon successful completion, the organization officially receives the title: “András Pető Faculty’s Designated Institute for International Practice” for a duration of 2 years.
Maintenance & Renewal: To maintain the network status, the title must be renewed biennually by ordering a supervision visit each year. Additionally, partner institutions must order a professional course for their local staff at least once every 3 years to ensure continuous professional alignment.