Job Discussion Forums

Track2370 · Joined: 31 Jul 2006 Posts: 9

thanks for the helpful reply. doesn't cetp also take care of providing housing (included in the initial costs)? in places outside of budapest, what's the expat community like?

BloodyIrish · Joined: 08 Sep 2004 Posts: 39

Track2370 · Joined: 31 Jul 2006 Posts: 9

For private language schools, how much can one expect to make per month given minimal qualifications (tefl cert and degree)? I realize that the average rate is between about 1600-2000 forints per hour and that the monthly total varies a lot based on how much time you're willing to put in, but I was just wondering approxmimately how much one can expect for a standard work week in Budapest. Thanks!

jdenn · Joined: 14 Jun 2005 Posts: 26

ytuque · Joined: 08 Feb 2006 Posts: 55

I would be interested in teaching at a public school in Hungary, but paying a fee of $2500 USD to earn $500 USD per month isn't very appealing. Are there any alternatives?

CaPow · Joined: 09 May 2006 Posts: 17 Location: Budapest

Track2370: Better language schools pay between 2200 and 2600 HUF an hour, but the real money comes from private students... as long as they show up! Wink

SF21 · Joined: 05 Jun 2007 Posts: 72 Location: California

CETP just told me that they have placement in Hungary public schools (mostly outside Budapest)...and while their contract schools provide housing, the rate is only $500 USD/month. Can you live on that???

Track2370 · Joined: 31 Jul 2006 Posts: 9

Yes, you can live on that because the school CETP sets you up with pays for your flat and all utilities. So in the end the salaries can be comparable enough to justify going through CETP.

Asynca · Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2007 10:17 am Post subject:

SF21 · Joined: 05 Jun 2007 Posts: 72 Location: California

Does anyone know of any Budapest bars that show NFL/American football? Thanks.

Cbad Chad · Joined: 26 Sep 2007 Posts: 5

There was some bar that catered to U.S. sports bar tastes, near Corvin off Terez Kt. (4 and 6 tramline). The "Ox and Bow" was it's name I think.

If you contact the English newpspaper, The Budapest Sun, they will surely give you directions to a bar of that sort. They are on the web and in town.

As for jobs and apartments and stuff: I worked in Budapest from 1999-2001 and then from 2002-2003.

Most employers paid about 3000 forint for 90 minutes of work. Private lessons usually paid more like 4000 forint for an hour. They were not usual because the average Hungarian can't afford it. But agencies are constantly trolling for adept teachers and "experts" in English that can help people understand and communicate. Corporate and governmental organizations fund mass classes that a great variety of private language schools service.

Children are also an option for teachers in this region. There are a few preschool employers often in need, and teachers of children are in need by local and private schools. The pay is often not so seductive. I worked for a private school that defied this reality, thankfully.

Secondary teachers have an easier job finding employment.

As for living arrangements, this can be difficult. Apartments in Budapest can be overpriced in the heart of town, or none-existent unless you know the right person. There are agencies that you can pay to "help" you find a place to live. I hired one and it ripped me off. I found a flat through a friend of a friend.

Which is easy to find. There are a ton of people who would like to speak to you and practice English - but they also can hook you up with a sweet flat. Happily.

That is what is great about Budapest. It is easy to make friends because you have a commodity that everyone already wants: knoweldge of English. It is essential to make friends because they have a commodity you want: a flat for let!

A match made in Heaven!

Would I go to Hungary again?

Was John Paul 2 a Pol?

What a wonderful place, people, and perspective - you will love it.

That's my opinion. For more specifics I'll answer any q's y'all gots. . .

Cbad Chad · Joined: 26 Sep 2007 Posts: 5

The school I worked for the first two years, I would suggest to any teacher interested: It was SEK Hungary, a private school in Budapest associated with SEK International School systems based (now) out of Boca Raton. Not to say there are not problems. But it paid well and is not so different from any other school for children in which I have worked.

Back in the day it paid 360 thousand forint, but taxes were not factored (as that they don't apply the first two years in that capacity). It was a great wage then and at 1800 hundred dollars U.S., it is not bad. I don't know if they still ofeer this, but would be surprised to hear they went less.

Sometimes I regret I left at that point. It's a pretty cool school.

After that I worked for Danubius Language School and enjoyed a part time employment status with a very good support system in the heart of beautiful Budapest (and it is beautiful). The pay was the 3000 forint per ninety minutes. It was easy and sufficient. The students were not children but adults. The lessons did not require a lot of classroom management and student problems. Lessons just neeeded to be interesting, useful, and fun.

Adult classes mean you don't usually have to be a cop.

So I suggest the experience for any who are interested. The newspaper the Budapest Sun is a great resource for jobs. And I am happy to help in any questions beyond this . .

SF21 · Joined: 05 Jun 2007 Posts: 72 Location: California

Cbad Chad, thanks for sharing your Budapest experience. Good info.

Cbad Chad · Joined: 26 Sep 2007 Posts: 5

Or "chemi nem buy" or some such thing.

I think I will be there again soon.

k8steele · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 1 Location: Bogota, Colombia

I am considering moving to Budapest in June. Will I be able to find work or should I just wait until August/September?