What is life like in Hungary: the pros, cons, and the experience of Kristina Safonova's move?
What is the life of a Russian volunteer in Hungary like: the experience of Kristina Safonova
Nyíregyháza: the charm of a small town and the benefits of living in Hungary
What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in Hungary?
Introduction
The question of the financial level of living in Hungary is becoming relevant for many who are considering moving there. Equally interesting is the possibility of comfortable living in this country without knowing the Hungarian language. What is the situation with prices and earnings in various sectors of the economy? Kristina Safonova answered these questions, sharing her life in one of the small Hungarian towns, her experience working at a radio station, and her tours of local attractions.
Brief biography
Kristina, a 27-year-old girl from Voronezh, has always felt that her hometown provides a sense of comfort and safety. However, her desire to travel and explore new cultures proved stronger than her fear of change, which motivated her to move to Hungary.
The beginning of a new stage
It all started at the end of 2022 when Kristina came up with the idea of creating a podcast called "Normal People." This creative project completely consumed her, but her main job didn't allow her to focus on it properly. When fate presented her with the opportunity to participate in a project by the European Solidarity Corps, which was looking for volunteers to work at a Hungarian radio station, Kristina quickly applied, considering her previous experience. In the end, she successfully passed the competition, which had 500 applicants.
Working on the radio
Now, as a volunteer, Kristina creates radio programs in English and Russian. Her team consists of young, talented individuals from countries such as:
The radio station primarily targets students and high school seniors, which raises questions for many, as it begs the question of why residents of Hungary would listen to broadcasts in Russian or French. Nevertheless, in Nyíregyháza, where the project is taking place, there are many educational institutions offering Russian, Italian, and French as second foreign languages. Additionally, there is a department of Slavic languages at the local university. Kristina also organizes Russian language classes for 11th graders, which has become an interesting addition to her work.
Interaction with youth
Working with a youth audience, Kristina has the opportunity to interact with passionate and energetic teenagers who are eager for new knowledge and have an optimistic outlook on the future, wanting to improve their country. Notably, in Hungarian schools at the 4th-grade level, students completely stop studying all subjects except for the core one for a year, focusing on learning English, dedicating 15 to 20 hours a week to it. This leads to the new generation of Hungarians...fluent in English.
A new life in Hungary
In March 2023, Kristina moved to Hungary and is currently living in Nyíregyháza, which has a population of about 120,000 people; it is the seventh largest city in the country. Her move has opened a new chapter in her life, filled with opportunities, exciting encounters, and profound cultural discoveries. She happily embraces her new surroundings and takes every chance to delve deeper into Hungarian culture and lifestyle. With each passing day, new horizons unfold for her, and she eagerly explores all the nuances of life in this amazing country.
General impressions
After a trip to Voronezh, which is a metropolis with a population of over a million, Nyíregyháza feels like a small settlement. However, this gives it a special charm. I'm not particularly fond of big cities, and this modest town has all the necessary conditions for comfortable living: luxurious shopping complexes with well-known brands, as well as an international airport just an hour's drive away.
The famous wine region, known for its festivals and the town of Tokaj, where winemaking traditions are cultivated, is located nearby – just half an hour by train. Budapest is only three hours away, which, considering Russian distances, seems quite comfortable.
Expectations and reality
Overall, I knew in advance where I was heading, and the thought that this is not a major city didn't make me worry about possibly getting bored in Nyíregyháza. Sometimes I really want to find cozy cafes or atmospheric restaurants for a delicious breakfast or lunch. There are no clubs in this place, and the nearest ones are in Debrecen, which can be reached in half an hour.
There are only a couple of bars here, but I'm not a fan of loud parties. So, if I feel like having some fun, I can always head to Budapest, where the selection of entertainment venues is simply impressive.
Infrastructure and services
The small towns of Hungary are characterized by modesty, and their level of infrastructure does not always meet familiar standards. Sometimes it can be difficult to book a haircut or manicure, and the quality of services leaves much to be desired.
For example, masters often use traditional manicure techniques.
Devices for performing the procedure are not as common here.
The prices for laser hair removal also raise questions – the cost is quite affordable.
However, all of this is insignificant compared to the overall quality of life in this wonderful corner of the world.
Life in Hungary
Speaking about the pros and cons of living in Hungary, it should be noted that this country has always been one of my favorites even before I moved here.
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The feeling of "being at home" is at a high level, especially considering that Hungary is a typical European country with a developed transportation system, high safety, and a rich variety of goods and services.
Culture and relationships
The locals, the Hungarians, have a lot in common with Russians: striking up a conversation with a stranger here can be quite difficult. But once you establish a connection, you will be offered...Polinka– a traditional Hungarian drink, and they will open their hearts.
Hungarians value family values, do not work excessively hard, and love to celebrate various holidays, whether it's a polka festival or electronic music events.
Medical care
One of the most significant drawbacks I encountered was the lack of doctors who speak English fluently in Nyíregyháza. Fortunately, I found an alternative: I visited an excellent clinic in Budapest designed for foreign citizens, where all the staff speak English.
Like in other parts of Europe, Hungary is experiencing a shortage of medical personnel, which can make it difficult to get an appointment with a doctor, sometimes requiring weeks of waiting. The speed of receiving medical assistance in this country largely depends on the price category of services and the availability of specialists.
In Hungary, the work of specialized professionals is based on reliable methods and international standards. Personally, I was fortunate to resolve my long-standing medical issue in almost one visit to the doctor, whereas in Russia, I spent an entire year searching for the right doctor and dealing with ineffective therapeutic methods.
Nevertheless, there is one serious inconvenience — the regular train delays. Frankly speaking, it really annoys me, as I have never been able to arrive in Budapest on time. Here, a delay of 30-40 minutes is considered normal. Therefore, if you are planning long trips with transfers, it is advisable to allow for extra time.
The economic situation in Hungary
Speaking of finances, it is important to note that Hungary is quite a modest country economically within the EU. The average salary of an office worker in Budapest is approximately €800. There are hardly any visible signs of luxury and wealth on the streets of the city.
Local residents rarely leave the country, even if they have the opportunity to fly to Cyprus, as round-trip tickets cost between €20 and €30. Moreover, Hungary serves as a convenient transport hub for traveling to other regions of Europe.
Standard of living and inflation
The level of prosperity in the country varies depending on the region and lifestyle. From 2022 to 2023, the inflation rate reached an impressive 33%, making it the highest among European Union countries. Prices in stores are updated every month, although many products may remain cheaper compared to other EU countries.
Life in Hungary used to be more affordable, but now many things have become more expensive. For example:
The new jeans from H&M cost around 10,000 forints (about €30);
Treating one tooth will cost at least 20,000 forints (about €60);
A cup of cappuccino costs approximately 1200 forints (about €3);
A dozen eggs can be bought for 700 forints (about €1.8).
If you don't follow a strict diet, cook for yourself, and take food to work, a budget of 90,000 forints (about €220) per month may be sufficient for regular grocery expenses.
Language and culture of Hungary
When it comes to Hungarian cities and historical wineries, the Hungarian language ranks fourth in the world in terms of complexity. Its words are generally long, as there are no prepositions in the language — the endings of words carry all the semantic weight.
In the Hungarian alphabet, there are four letters "o," each with its own distinct sound, not to mention the letters "u." Living in Budapest, not knowing the Hungarian language does not create serious obstacles. I have an acquaintance who completed his university education, started his own business, and bought a home without beginning to learn Hungarian until five years of living in the country.
However, it is worth noting that if you show even a minimal desire to learn and speak Hungarian, the locals' attitude towards you will become significantly more friendly and warm.
Conclusion
In conclusion of my article, I want to share the impressions I had during my time living in Hungary. Contrary to all the stereotypes about the difficulties of moving to a new country, I found here an amazing combination of comfort and opportunities. Life in the small town of Nyíregyháza has brought me many pleasant surprises: beautiful nature, friendly people, and a unique culture that offers the chance to discover something new every day.
Experience working in radio
Working in radio has become not just a source of income, but also a wonderful platform for self-expression and interaction with local youth. Thanks to this experience, I have met amazing people from different countries who inspire with their desire for change and willingness to explore the new. I am genuinely happy that I chose this path, as learning and exchanging cultural experiences are what truly enrich our lives.
Living expenses
When it comes to living expenses, although prices in Hungary may seem low compared to other European countries, it's important to remember that incomes also vary. Nevertheless, a moderate budget is quite sufficient for a comfortable life if you approach your financial priorities honestly and understand where you can save and where it's worth investing.
Language learning
In conclusion, I would like to say that learning Hungarian, although not essential for a comfortable life here, brings its rewards. Even basic knowledge of the language has helped me feel more integrated and included in the local community.
Why it's worth moving to Hungary
Cozy atmosphere:the feeling of "being at home".
The friendliness of the locals:Hungarians are open to new acquaintances.
Cultural opportunities:the opportunity to learn about a new culture and practice the language.
Diversity in work:the opportunity for self-expression through work and participation in projects.
So, if you're thinking about moving to Hungary, don't be afraid! Your life can be filled with new vibrant experiences, as well as the opportunity to get to know yourself better through interaction with another culture.
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