Employer Q & A: Logistics and Practicalities for K-12 Classroom Position in Hungary
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Thinking about teaching English abroad? Hungary might be the perfect destination for you! In this post, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about teaching English in Hungary, with insights from a CIEE TEFL Job Placement employer offering K-12 classroom positions. From logistics to practical details and what to expect when teaching K-12 learners, we’ve got you covered!
Is there an interview process? What can I expect?
Step 1: Applications, CV s, motivational letters are reviewed and suitable applicants are selected for an interview with the employer.
Step 2: Participate in online Interviews and provide references- you engage in online interviews where you discuss your qualifications and experience. You also provide reference letters from previous employers or colleagues.
Step 3: Receive and accept a job offer- your interviews go well, and the company extends a job offer to you. After reviewing the terms, you happily accept the position.
Step 4: Your information is passed to Human Resources- the interviewer who conducted your interviews now hands over your file and all relevant information to the Human Resources (HR) department. This marks the transition from the interview stage to the onboarding process.
What are the visa requirements? Will I receive assistance with the visa application process?
Our HR team provides full immigration support to those teachers who have accepted a job offer with us, both before a teacher reaches Hungary and also once they are here. Our HR team accompanies our teachers to the immigration office and helps with all paperwork involved.
What happens once I arrive in Budapest?
An employee of our program will meet you at the airport and take you to your apartment.
- Our program believes strongly in the necessity and value of training and self-reflection at all stages of one’s career. In keeping with that belief, all incoming staff members participate in program orientation and training in August prior to the start of school in early September.
- Orientation begins with an emphasis on getting settled in, so we handle Immigration, help newcomers open local bank accounts and focus on other practical matters such as any remaining paperwork as well as internet access and mobile phone set-up.
- We then begin workshops and training sessions that focus on helping newcomers learn how our program works. We look at everything from the history of the program to cultural adjustment in Hungary. We also include a wide range of workshops on classroom practice: we look at teaching videos, digital tools and learning platforms, Cambridge exams and teaching literature, to name a few.
- Finally, we provide hands-on workshops focusing on Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) and on the overall concept of the Active Classroom, of which CLIL and the communicative method prevalent in EFL are an integral part.
- The month of August ends with other bespoke workshops as well as lesson planning with our co-teachers. While it’s a busy month, our hope is that it prepares all of us to start the year with a full tool-kit, ready to meet the kids, teach and have fun in the classroom!
What does the compensation package include?
The exact compensation figures for new staff members will be given as part of the interview process. Please ask any and all questions you may have about this matter during your interviews to help ensure that all money matters are fully clarified.
Compensation is paid monthly (as per Hungarian practice) and consists of the housing allowance and your salary (the latter transferred via direct deposit to your local bank account, which we help newcomers open as part of orientation). Overall compensation also includes public and private medical coverage as well as a tax-free recreational allowance which can be used at a wide range of restaurants and in other locations.
Is housing provided for me? How will I commute to work?
We provide housing to our staff. Most employee housing is shared; in the case of couples (when both persons are employed by us), either a studio or a one-bedroom layout will be provided.
Our program covers the cost of the apartment up to a monthly housing allowance figure specified during the interview process. This amount is set annually to allow for full coverage of the costs of living within an acceptable range.
For company apartments, our HR Department will assist with repairs and any other required communication with the landlord.
Of course, employees may make separate arrangements for housing, and must do so if they come with their families or pets. In such cases the company will not be able to conduct the apartment search; however, we can help to inspect the eventual lease provided by the landlord (which may be in Hungarian only), and we will endeavor to refer teachers to local real estate agents who can aid in the process (please be aware that estate agents may charge fees). Housing allowance compensation figures are adjusted in cases where employees choose to arrange their own housing.
Will I receive any health insurance while in Hungary?
Our HR Team will assist you in applying for your National Health Insurance coverage here in Hungary. Alongside this, we also provide all our teachers with a private medical package.
Are there any resources available to help me navigate culture shock?
We provide training and support in this regard in our 3-week Training and Orientation which takes place at the beginning of August.