Teach English in Hungary

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 enjoy the waters for medicinal purposes.  Hungarian food and wine are also excellent, with Badacsony and Vallány wines being worth a try.

Although Hungary has turned its attention 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 multinationals 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. 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? Impressively founded back in 895, Hungary is older than countries like Germany and France! It’s also a country who have really pushed innovation, famously inventing the ballpoint pen, the digital computer, the first functional helicopter and of course the Rubix cube. As a result, Hungary boasts 13 Nobel Prize Winners and has a 99% literacy level across the whole population.

English is now in high demand in Hungary.  The quality expected from those teaching in EFL has risen.  It is extremely difficult to find legal employment without a degree and a Level 5 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 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-one or in-house).

Finding job opportunities 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.

To qualify for teaching position, a BA/BS degree is typically required. Contract lengths are 12 months, with hiring seasons all year-round. Non-citizens will need a work visa to work in advance in order to travel to Hungary. The teaching opportunities are open to both children and business professionals. The average monthly cost of living ranges from 150,000 – 250,000 HUF, while the average monthly salary ranges from 150,000-250,000 HUF.