How much can I earn teaching English in Hungary?

Demand for TESOL qualified teachers in Hungary has grown steadily since the country joined the EU in 2004. Today there are a large number of jobs available across a diverse range of employers. Although many employers are keen on native English speakers, there are also plenty of opportunities for non-native speakers who have a good standard of language skills. Big cities such as Budapest, Debrecen, Miskolc, Szolnok, and Szeged are where the majority of jobs are located.

What are TESOL salaries in Hungary?

Monthly salaries in Hungary range from $700 to $900, although teachers at college or university level might be able to earn significantly more. Classroom time averages around 20 to 25 hours per week, which provides enough free time for many teachers to take on a few private students to bump up their income. In many cases, employers will require teachers to possess a degree and a TESOL qualification.

Who are the main employers of English language teachers in Hungary?

There are a wide choice of potential employers in Hungary, including primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, language schools and private businesses. Part time or full time private tutoring is also common practice. To find students to teach you can post classified ads in local newspapers, search online or simply post flyers in your local area.

The Central European Teaching Program (CETP) is another popular option with American teachers. Through the CETP you can be placed in a teaching role at a public run school. There is an initial placement fee with this option, but you will subsequently receive a salary that is equal to that of local teachers. The program also supplies free accommodation, health insurance, and paid vacations. The fact that your place on the program can be arranged before you leave your home country is another attraction as it means you can avoid potential hassles with visa applications, job hunting and interviews.

What is the recruitment process for English teachers in Hungary?

With the exception of the CETP Program, the majority of teaching jobs in Hungary require a face-to-face interview. The best time to find work is in the weeks prior to the new school year that starts in early September. January is also a good time to be on the ground looking for work. Many employers will be happy to help you obtain the appropriate work permit once you have signed a contract, however, some private language schools might expect you to work on a freelance licence.

Although you will find some vacant positions advertised online, many schools do not go down this route. To ensure you have a wide choice of options, the best approach is to contact all the employers you can find in your local area in person to see where the vacancies are.

What is the cost of living for English teachers in Hungary?

Despite the low salaries, it is possible to get by comfortably on a teacher?s income as the cost of living is low by European standards. If you can find a job that includes free housing or a housing supplement you will be in a particularly strong position as rent is usually a teacher?s biggest expense. Paid airfares are not common in Hungary, apart from university jobs which often include some form of compensation for travel to and from your home country. Public transport is generally affordable, with a monthly pass costing around $30 which is sometimes covered by the employer. Groceries can be quite expensive at around $450 per month. In total, you can expect outgoings of between $650 and $950 per month, depending on your lifestyle and where you choose to live.