A city for international couples? Why not Budapest!
Since you can’t choose whom you fall in love with, chances are you wont choose where to fall in love either.
That is why international couples and multicultural families do not usually chose where to live. Nowadays, though, as jobs are changing and mobility is on the rise, such couples and families finally have the chance to drive the choice of where they want to settle down.
In Europe, major cities often are first choice since they offer more opportunities. But they are usually overcrowded too leaving young couples with the dilemma of whether is it worth it all.
But if you want to walk off the beaten path, then you might give Budapest, Hungary, a try.
Having been on and off to Budapest for the past eleven years, I guess I might have a word or two to say about this city. Streched alongside the Danube, it could be an interesting solution for multicultural families. Let’s see why.
International schools and institutions
The city has a long tradition of multiculturalism. Indeed, it is not uncommon to find families where members have emigrated or live abroad. Multiculturalism and being accustomed to multiple languages is deeply instilled into the Hungarians.
Multiculturalism and the massive presence of foreigners in the country reflects into the high number of bilingual and international schools, universities and institutions. It is very common to find English programs but also French, Spanish, Italian and Russian schools and cultural institutions. These institutions usually act as a meeting points for foreigners in the city (a list of the universities in Budapest).
Affordable apartments
A wide range of affordable flats is available to foreigners. Given the high demand of apartments and houses, many real estate agencies specialize in dealing with foreigners and with particular countries. Since the city hosts almost twenty universities and swarms with students, the mobility on the apartment market is pretty high.
Multinational companies/corporations
Many European companies have local Hungarian branches. In addition to this, Budapest has become, over the last 15 years, a centre for Shared Service Centres. IBM, Vodaphone, Ericsson, Citi Bank, Deutsche Telecom, General Motors are among the most well known corporations that established local seats. Needless to say, these companies attract many of the foreigners in town. The academic life is also very active with Budapest hosting a huge number of business schools, theatres and leisure centres.
The Chain Bridge
Easy to reach from all over Europe
Following the demise of Malev, the national flag carrier, the second city airport was closed down. All the most important carriers go through Budapest Liszt Ferenc Airport now. Therefore, the city is easily reachable from all over the world. Also, low-cost carriers like Ryan Air, Jet 2.com, Easy Jet and Wizzair cover Budapest. Wizzair, in particular, offers many routes from and to Budapest and it is one of the cheapest ways to reach Budapest from all over Europe.
Have you been to Budapest? Share your thoughts with us by leaving us a comment!
Category: Europe, Hungary, Relocation, Travelling, Uncategorized
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I have a Hungarian boyfriend, though I live in Poland. The job market is quite poor right now and the salaries are on a low level in Hungary. I couldn’t find any decent job in Bp, and neither could my man in Poland. We are thinking of an English speaking country where we would both have chances to live successfully.
Hi Magda and thanks for commenting on the post!
I agree that salaries are quite low in Hungary. It is always a good idea that you should evaluate the situation as a complex and judge it dispationately: salaries are lower than in other countries but so are the prices or flats and houses. A number of opportunities are also represented by multinational companies like IBM, Ericsson and the likes. Also, a good aspect to consider is that Hungary is quite close to Poland.
For certain professions, English speaking countries are a step forward if you consider salaries and job opportunities but they are overcrowded too.
A couple of friends of ours both decided to quit their well paid jobs in Hungary and went to the UK. They both managed to get better paid jobs within a year.
I guess it all depends on what you want and on what you want to sacrifice.
Keep us posted!