CETP provided visa support and is a US-based program. Unlike other programs that are based abroad, CETP really makes sure that its teachers are satisfied with what they are getting. I wanted to be in Europe, and without a placement program, it is very hard to get a foot in the door. Hungary is different in that it is not overrun by tourists and still has an exotic flare to it!
Alumni Spotlight: Ani Tramblian
Ani is a teacher and a traveler. She has lived in five countries and been to 41!
Why did you choose this program?
What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
CETP placed me in the schools where I was teaching, and they also covered apartment costs and bills associated. They helped me get the visa and paperwork (which would have been insanely hard without them). My school contact person helped with additional things like getting a transport pass and bank account.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
Bring your own hot sauce. Ranch dressing. Peanut butter. Reeses cups. Don't pack too much – it will be hard to fit it all in when you come back! Find a hobby or friends or a way to fill up time. The first few months will be lonely, but just be patient and try to find ways to make your daily life more pleasant. Get a manicure, go for a walk, etc.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
7:45 AM – 2:30 PM (on average) is spent teaching at school; afternoons vary. I also taught at a language school for supplemental income but I had a lot of free time. I traveled a lot on weekends, but when I stayed in town, I often went hiking in the local national park. Hungarians always complain about how busy they are so sometimes it was hard to make plans with people.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
This was my first experience living in a country where I don't know the language. It was so strange to be surrounded by a language that is completely unfamiliar (Hungarian doesn't look anything like French or Spanish)! It was difficult to be dependent on people for help when there is a language barrier but I had to get used to that.