A Guide to Teaching English in Hungary

In Hungary students are required to know both written and spoken English to get accepted into university which is where the demand for native English speakers to teach. If you are considering applying to become an English teacher in Hungary our guide should answer most of the key points.

 

TEFL Courses in Hungary

One of the best ways to get a teaching job is to take a TEFL certification in Hungary. There are classroom TEFL courses available to book throughout the country where you will be trained by experienced staff and get to hands on tuition which is great if you have no previous experience.

These courses are an internationally recognized and accredited certification boosting your chances of getting a job teaching English in Hungary and worldwide. Most TEFL schools offer packages which include accommodation, training, a certification and they also organise excursions and activities.

TEFL companies usually have excellent links with recruiters and some offer guaranteed paid jobs on completion of a course. Another option is to take an online TEFL course which are flexible and can be taken anywhere in the country.

 

Popular Places to Teach in Hungary

You can find TEFL jobs at universities, language schools and primary/secondary schools. You could also work part-time at a language adademy or give private lessons in your free time. You stand a better chance of gaining employment once you are in Hungary where you can visit local schools and meet potential hirers face to face. Here are the best places to live and work:

  • Budapest 
  • Debrecen
  • Miskolc
  • Szeged
  • Pécs
  • Győr
  • Nyíregyháza
  • Kecskemét
  • Székesfehérvár
  • Szombathely

 

Best Time to Gain Employment

You can gain employment all year round, popular times of the time include in the spring just after summer for January job openings.

 

Working Week

As an English teacher you will usually work around 20 to 25 hours per week, but this depends on the school and also if you give private lessons. You can expect students, both children and adults very keen to learn and also very friendly.

 

Requirements 

  • Be a native English-speaker
  • BA Hons university degree or college degree
  • Most language schools now require a TESOL/TEFL certificate
  • Having experience will make job hunting easier
  • You might also want to learn some basic words and phrases or book a Hungarian language course in Hungary

 

Salary for Teaching in Hungary

Expect to earn around £500 - £700 (US$600 to $1000) per month. Please note this is just a general guide, some international teachers earm more/less depending on experience, the school and private lessons. 

 

Cost of Living

The monthly average cost of living is very low around £250 - £400 (US$500 - $800) which includes accommodation, food and transport. Budapest is the most expensive city in the county to live, expect costs to be lower in the other cities. Hungary is one of the best value destinations in Europe in terms of living costs and there are lots of ways to keep spending down for example shopping at local markets, avoiding drinking and eating out lots.

 

How to Apply

On our directory you can search companies and positions. Some agencies will charge a fee to help you secure employment, always check feedback before handing money over. A recommended agency is the Central European Teaching Program (CETP).  Although you pay a fee, But, by going through an organization to get a teaching job in Hungary, you instantly gain a community of in-country support, in addition to perks like orientation and training.

 

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