Hungary Wasn't Part of the Plan, and That's Why It Changed Me
I didn't set out to live in Hungary.
First days in Budapest
Like many wanderers, I wanted my travel to be more than vacations. I earned my TEFL certificate hoping it would open doors. I did not know exactly where I would land. I only knew I wanted to explore the world in a sustainable way.
At first, my heart was set on Spain, France, or Italy. As I researched TEFL programs, I learned that many Western European countries tend to prioritize candidates with EU passports, especially native English speakers from the UK and other European nations. That made it more competitive for an American applicant. Whether that has shifted since the UK left the EU, I am not sure. I was already in Hungary at the time.
Hungary had not been on my radar until I found a teaching program that placed educators there. When I realized it was close to Croatia, where part of my family ancestry is from, I decided to apply without doing extensive research. In hindsight, I recommend doing a bit more research than I did. Still, I survived. More than that, I thrived.
First Day Culture and Weather Shock
The first week in Budapest was below freezing. I had just come from Hawaii and Florida, where winter feels mild. In Hungary, winter was serious. On my first day out, I had to find a hat, scarf, and gloves. I wore them faithfully every day for weeks.
The cold was unexpected, but it quickly became part of my story.
My cultural orientation lasted about an hour during the drive from the airport to my flat. The program host told me something that stayed with me. Hungarians often appear reserved at first. They do not engage in small talk, and they do not offer polite social smiles. Trust builds slowly. Once you earn it, the friendship is lasting.
My flat--center near the top with the balcony
With that knowledge, I chose to observe rather than try to force belonging. I found her description to be accurate. The people were thoughtful and direct. Once they opened up, the relationships were meaningful.
Life in a Small Country with Big Access
Hungary has fewer than 10 million people, and there is a noticeable distinction between Budapest and the rest of the country. Budapest feels more liberal and internationally influenced. Outside the capital, life tends to be more traditional and conservative. Experiencing both gave me a fuller understanding of the country.
During my time there, Hungary was in the middle of a major national election. I chose not to engage deeply in political discussions. It was not my country or my vote. Still, I observed how invested people were in their future.
One of the greatest advantages of living in Central Europe was accessibility. While based in Hungary, not only did I explore a number of areas of Hungary, I was able to take weekend trips to ten other countries. Borders felt close, and opportunities felt expansive.
Amalfi, Italy
Lisbon, Portugal
Bratislava, Slovakia--stayed in a "Boatel"
Croatia: Plitvice Lakes National Park
Offered More Time, Called Back Home
At the end of my contract, I was offered the opportunity to stay longer. That meant a great deal to me. However, my heart pulled me home to my daughter, my granddaughter, and my tiny three-and-a-half-pound Pomeranian, Kaia.
So I returned home.
Hungary did not leave me, though. I have gone back once with my daughter and granddaughter since and would gladly return again. I even got to show off my where I lived. I would even consider living there long term. It is more than a place I once worked. It is a place that shaped me.
Sometimes the places we never planned for become the ones that stay with us the longest.
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