Hunglish.orgHere are some things to consider when deciding whether or not to move your family abroad to Hungary.
Before moving abroad or shortly thereafter, families ask themselves with great concentration what the repercussions will be of moving their family from the United States (Canada or elsewhere) to another country, in this case, to Hungary. Most likely it is business that has opened up, an economical opportunity that has arisen for families as their reason for moving to Hungary. While advancements in pay or position are motivating factors, a family must weigh very carefully the benefits and
the challenges that lay ahead when making such a decision.
Weighing the Cost
First the family must decipher all the details of how their money will translate in another country compared to where they currently live. Families must take the time to find out exactly what things cost from food to housing to transportation in Hungary versus their point of origin. Most Hungarians spend the majority of their salary on food costs, for example, but spend less on health care costs, let's say, than in America.
It is also a good idea to have a backup plan in case the transition or the job is not a good fit. Expat assignments have been known to fail worldwide between 10 and 20% of the time. Once abroad, it takes patience and effort to network and build a support system from schools to friends to establishing new doctors and dentists. There are many relocation services that will help families with all the details of their new lives and these companies can be found either through your company or with thorough investigation. In Hungary, if your company is not providing health insurance, there are many affordable private insurance companies to choose from that cater to international patients.
To get expats started, two companies to begin your search for private health care are: First Med and Medicover. Interestingly enough the reasons for expats not acclimating to Hungary stems not from the larger issues of medical costs and job assignments and schools but because of family maladjustment, or so says a current US based survey. This was the case in over 40% of the failed trials. So, if you are considering a move to Hungary with your family or have just made the move, educating yourself is essential and preparedness is wise. For many, it can be the little differences that bear the hardest adjustments for people.
Differences in cultures
For instance, Hungary doesn’t enjoy as many of the luxuries of America, Hungary is a poorer country although not in history, stature or culture. Hungary definately has its luxuries, but it is important to recognize that some of the conveniences you may be used to as an American will not be as easy to access in Hungary, such as certain foods or goods you are used to although this is quickly changing. Lines may be longer and customer service may not be as good. On a more positive note, if you are planning to live in Budapest the transportation is timely and efficient from the metros to the buses.
International Schools
There are also many great international schools with English speaking teachers and bilingual programs and schools of varying denominations from Catholic to Jewish and there are even world-renowned college prepatory schools like the American School. How the family spends their time needs to be addressed because structure and planning will help to provide security to all through the changes. Children especially need predictability and these things can be provided with carefully thought out scheduling and parental support.
Learning Hungarian
Become familiarized with the language before hand and try to devote a little time to learning the language each day, even if you are only planning to stay a few years or so, learning the basics will give everybody a greater sense of mastery. Children have the advantage of being able to pick up a second language much more readily than adults if only given the chance. Knowing a second language is both stimulating and will often be helpful in defining future accomplishments for some people. Many Hungarians will be happy to talk to English speakers and will speak at least a little English usually.
Learn about the places you want to visit together, the monuments; parks and landmarks, there are many historic places to journey to from Buda Castle to Heroes’ Square. Get involved in an expat community online before you even set foot in Hungary and learn all you can, begin making friends now. Find out first hand from expats around the world what they are saying about their experiences and how you too can benefit from the knowledge they’ve learned and, ‘good luck’ in all your future travels!
Written by Natalie Jaro