Central European Teaching Program in Hungary

I am a retired US public school teacher and I've been teaching in Hungary for 5 months. Earlier in my teaching career I lived in Colombia, Costa Rica, Thailand, and Germany. I was thrilled to be able to add Hungary to this list.

CETP provides a week long orientation upon arrival to prepare teachers for living and working in Hungary. It is well organized and also gives new arrivals a chance to meet each other and form friendships before dispersing around the country. The classes include methodology, language initiation, and a historical perspective. It was also very helpful to hear from teachers who have been here for several years.

CETP does a good job of warning applicants that they will not be living a US or Western European lifestyle in many ways. I live in Budapest and can get anywhere around the city by tram, bus, or subway. The living conditions, of course, vary from one location to another, but CEPT contracts state that schools must help applicants with arrangements for apartments and that the apartments must have washing machines. That is a huge benefit of securing a position through an organization like CETP. Food costs are reasonable and I love the huge markets with fresh fruits, vegetables, butchers, cheese stalls, etc. For those who prefer supermarket shopping, there are several Hungarian chains as well as other European chains. There are also import stores if you have to have Skippy peanut butter, but be prepared to pay a high price. Clothing is also expensive so I would advise applicants to bring what you want with you as your salary will not cover frequent purchases.

Teaching in Hungary presents challenges. I love my school as a whole, my co teachers, and my kids. I have been welcomed from day one. Retired teachers are not very common, so many teachers asked me why I came. My answers are quite different from the young people, who naturally want a chance to experience Europe. I too, enjoy that but I also wanted to work a bilingual school with a different kind of program from the ones I experienced in Latin America. The most challenging part of the school experience is the last minute nature in which decisions are made. Do not come expecting 5 year plans and ready made schedules. Flexibility is essential. My school has specific books and a set curriculum, but the English director was willing to let me "stray a bit" and teach a literature unit. What we don't have much of is leisure reading books, so when I go home for the summer, I will be bringing some back.

I would highly recommend that people take the plunge and come to Hungary. Your money is well spent with CEPT.