Building Bridges in Northern Hungary: A New Initiative Connecting Local and International Communities

A new community initiative is taking shape in Northern Hungary with the aim of strengthening connections between local Hungarian residents and the growing number of international families who have chosen the region as their home. While based in Bükkszék, the newly formed Barátság Bridge – Kulturális Csoport has a broader regional vision, seeking to serve communities in and around Eger, across Heves, Nógrád and Borsod counties, with plans to expand even further over time.

The initiative was brought to life by Perge Kinga, Bükkszék’s cultural coordinator, whose own life journey has included migration and reintegration. Born in Hungary, Kinga moved to the Netherlands at the age of 23 with her partner to build a new life abroad. There she experienced firsthand what it means to start over in a foreign country, working hard, establishing a home, launching a business and raising a child. After fourteen years abroad, she returned to Hungary with her son to begin a new chapter in Bükkszék. Her personal experience of building a life outside her homeland, combined with her active involvement in local cultural life today, shaped her understanding of how essential belonging and community support truly are.

She is joined in the initiative by Zagyva Kimberley, who has lived in Hungary for eleven years after emigrating from the United Kingdom. Although she grew up in Britain, she was born to a Hungarian father, a 1956 Hungarian refugee, and she always felt connected to her Hungarian roots. However, relocating to rural Hungary proved more complex than expected. Language barriers, navigating administrative systems and forming social connections presented significant challenges. Despite having family ties to the country, she found that integration requires time, patience and support. Her experience highlighted how valuable it can be to have access to both practical guidance and a welcoming social network.

The third founding member, Dominique Tomka, was born in Switzerland and trained as a nurse, psychologist and psychotherapist before moving to Hungary in 2010 after marrying her husband, who was also a 1956 Hungarian refugee. Arriving without knowledge of the Hungarian language, she faced years of dependence and isolation, relying heavily on her husband to translate everyday interactions. Employment was not possible without language proficiency, and navigating healthcare, banking and legal matters proved especially difficult. At the time, there were no structured support services for foreign-language speakers in the area. Her experience underscored the vulnerability that can accompany relocation, particularly in rural regions.

Drawing from these shared experiences, the three women recognised a gap in Northern Hungary. While the region offers natural beauty, strong traditions and a deep sense of identity, international residents are often dispersed across smaller towns and villages without access to structured networks of support. At the same time, local Hungarian residents may be curious about their international neighbours but lack a natural forum for connection.

Barátság Bridge was therefore established not as a separate international circle, but as a bridge between communities. Its aim is to connect multicultural residents, share trusted local knowledge and recommendations, support one another with everyday life and administrative matters, and create meaningful friendships through shared activities. The founders emphasise that their intention is not to change Hungarian traditions or create an “expat bubble,” but to encourage a sense of belonging through participation and shared conversation. Many international residents have chosen Hungary because of their admiration for its culture and values; the group seeks to help them better understand Hungarian traditions while also creating space for mutual cultural exchange.

The initiative will host a monthly Batyus Buli on the first Friday of every month at the Bükkszéki Faluház. These gatherings follow a traditional bring-and-share format, offering an informal setting for conversation and connection. The first meeting will take place on March 21st from 15:00 to 19:00, and residents of all ages from across the region, both Hungarian and international, are invited to attend. Organisers describe the event not only as a social occasion, but also as an opportunity for participants to share their needs, challenges and ideas, helping to shape the future direction of the initiative.

Although based in Bükkszék, the group’s focus extends beyond a single village. Its founders aim to serve Northern Hungary more broadly, including Eger and surrounding areas in Heves, Nógrád and Borsod counties. In the longer term, they envision a network that can expand further still, creating interconnected communities that support one another across the region.

Future plans include cultural programs, workshops, hiking excursions, cooking events, day trips and practical information sessions designed to support integration and encourage meaningful interaction. The initiative is entirely volunteer-led and non-commercial, built on shared experience rather than institutional backing.

In a region where populations are gradually becoming more diverse, Barátság Bridge represents an effort to strengthen community ties without replacing tradition. Its founders believe that making a new place feel like home works best when it is mutual, when newcomers are supported in understanding local culture, and long-term residents are invited into open and respectful conversation. As preparations continue for the first gathering, the initiative stands as a reminder that strong communities are built not through separation, but through connection.

Join the 1st Batyus Buli on the 21st March, click for the Facebook event with all the necessary information.

Join the Barátság Bridge Facebook Group.

And get direct support inside their free WhatsApp group.

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