Hungary could be seen as the country of architecture. From the medieval towns, the Baroque churches, the neoclassical public buildings and the art nouveau influences, Hungary has it all.  Budapest is one of the crowning jewels of Europe, and few visitors are able to leave without feeling its magic.  This country has its own unique character, which might explain why there are so many artists, musicians and writers.  This gives the country a rich art scene.  Hungarians also enjoy relaxation, generally in thermal springs.  Some Hungarians visit to socialise and relax, while others partake of the waters for medicinal purposes.  Hungarian food and wine is also excellent, with Badacsony and Vallány wines being worth a try. 

Although Hungary has turned its attentions to the West, after the collapse of the Warsaw Pact in the 90s, those from the West might still meet resistance from some of the locals here.  Some remain sceptical of Europe and the EU.   Hungary joined the EU in 2004, which means that there has been large foreign investment and ownership in the country.  This foreign investment has increased the demand for foreign languages, because many multi-nationals are relocating their companies to the country, due to the favourable business conditions and taxes.  This means that English is needed to communicate.  Some of the hard economic conditions in the country are also driving young Hungarians abroad.

Hungary is steeped in Olympic glory. Amazingly they have won the second most gold medals of all countries per capita for the Olympic summer games. To add they have won gold medals in every Olympics they have competed in. Hungary has produced some amazing football players over the years and their national team have played twice in the FIFA World Cup final. Unfortuantely losing both finals: the most recent being 1954 against West Germany and before that against Italy in the 1938 final. Despite their footballing successes Water Polo remains the national sport in Hungary. 

Did you know Hungary is also one of the oldest countries in Europe? Yes impressively founded back in 895, Hungary is older than countries like Germany and France to name a few. It's also a country who have really pushed innovation famously inventing the ballpoint pen, digital computer, the first functional helicopter and of course the Rubix's cube. As a result Hungary boasts 13 Nobel Prize Winners and has a 99% literacy level across the whole population.

Teaching Opportunities

This means that English is now in high demand in Hungary.  The quality, now expected from those teaching in EFL, has risen.  It is extremely difficult to find legal employment without a degree and a 120-hour TEFL certificate.  It is also extremely hard to find a full-time position in the country.  This means that teachers are either working several part-time jobs or have self-employed status.  Self-employment means that you will need to set up a company, which is quite possible to do, and then invoice your school or clients for the work you do.  The main classes that are in demand are young learners, general English, and business English (either one-to-ones or in-house).

Finding job opportunities from outside the country also presents a challenge.  Therefore, you need to come to Hungary to look for work.  You can research the names and addresses of schools online, before leaving your home country.  When you arrive in the country, you can then either visit these schools or call for an interview.  This means that you will need to pay for your own flight or transport costs to the country, and have at least 4-6 weeks’ worth of savings to see you through.  Hungarian students, however, are a delight to teach.  They are engaged, motivated, hardworking and have engaging personalities.