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Expat mums share their experiences living in Hungary
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We have asked our readers about various aspects of parenting as an expat in Hungary and they were kind enough to give us a thorough inside. Here are three stories from expat mums living in Hungary on their initial struggles moving here, experiences with the local health care system and general view on education. We have also touched on the topics of racism, dealing with a language barrier and creating a social circle.
Barbara (39) – Colombia
“I’ve been living in Hungary for almost 10 years now. I met the love of my life back in my hometown, Cartagena. After a few months of a long-distance relationship and several visits to Budapest, I decided to extend my vacation for a lifetime. Once we found out that we were expecting, 8 years ago, we decided to do the entire journey with the public system and opted for Szent János Kórház (Saint John Hospital) in the 12th district. And I couldn’t wish for a more fantastic experience! Even though I had a high-risk pregnancy, I kept my calm throughout the whole time thanks to the lovely and professional nurses. I even made a lifelong friend in one of the Spanish-speaking doctors. I was treated with great care and respect even at the time of the two false labour alarms. I had a nice labour room with a jacuzzi, a well-equipped bathroom, a sound system and a pilates ball; overall it was very calming. I communicated with the staff members either in English or by using sign language plus Google translator.
What I like about Hungary is that it’s a very safe, green and family-oriented country. We didn’t have to go broke to give birth in a pricey private hospital nor sell all our belongings just to make ends meet with a baby. You can go all around the city with a stroller as the pavement is in good condition. I’m still trying to find cons. So far, I have no personal experience with the education system as my son is currently home-schooled.
When it comes to socializing, I have a huge need for it. I consider myself lucky as I’ve got a big circle of friends who support me at all times. I did try to reach out to expat mums though as my Hungarian friends have older children. I’ve managed to find some Brazilian mums and we regularly organise playdates.
If you ask whether we have ever experienced racism in Hungary, I can give you a mixed answer. My son has luckily never been the subject of bullying, however, as I have brownish skin I’m often taken for a gypsy. Nevertheless, I can’t judge the entire nation just for some idiots. Most Hungarians tend to be super nice to me.”
Read more: The 5 biggest culture shocks our expat readers faced in Hungary
Sophie (45) – United States
“I moved to Hungary because my husband is Hungarian-American and we wanted our kids to speak Hungarian. Plus, there are things I like better about living here compared to the US. We also opted for Hungary because education is much cheaper here than back in the States.
We have three kids and our youngest daughter was born in Budapest. I picked an English-speaking doctor who had one of the lowest C-section rates and was pro-natural birth. Same for the midwife, both of them were lovely and listened to all my wishes. My issue was that I gave birth during the toughest part of the pandemic so I found myself alone with the baby for 3 days at the hospital and the nurses didn’t speak English so I hated my stay. I felt very lonely and abandoned by the staff. There’s a lot of room for improvement in terms of warmth and hospitality. I also wanted to speak to a lactation consultant while there but there was no one available.
Talking about initial struggles.. Well, finding the right kindergarten and school took a lot of research. We’ve opted for private education and have been very happy with our choices. I’ve heard that traditional Hungarian kindergarten makes all kids take a nap during the day, which would’ve meant my youngest would’ve been up half the night as she dropped her naps early. Also, Hungarian kids don’t really have long school days until they’re older, which must be really difficult for working parents to navigate.
As much as I love Hungary – many people in service positions feel they are doing a favor if they wait on you- little customer service except in more expensive places.
I keep thinking it’s been passed on from
The communist days.
The above immigrants to Hungary have diverse feelings & a few strike me as very interesting. WHY would someone expect staff anywhere to provide services in English? I don’t remember a referendum making Hungary a dual Magyar-English language country. It is up to new immigrants to learn the language of the country they choose for their future. Pay as you go systems of various kinds exist everywhere, for a wide range of things. Again, it is choice one makes. You do a list of pros and cons for the country of your origin, the country you hope to live in for the future & value and grade the options. Sometimes you have to give up more of lifestyle choice options for economic or educational benefits…or being closer to a world of easy opportunity by public transportation etc. Sometimes it is for political reasons, like ensuring that your children will be protected along with your role as parent….we all make choices when we chose to become immigrants & basically force ourselves onto other nations. I hope that all 3 who participated in this will keep having good results with their lives. And yes, some staff training for curtesy & helpfulness & skills would not hurt Hungarians. I too think it is a throwback to the communist days when jobs were shared by too many people & no competitions for that job took place seriously.