I just moved to Hungary, and am really homesick!?

Question

I just moved to Budapest, Hungary, to teach English at an International Kindergarten. I have been to Budapest several times and it has been my dream to live here, but now that I'm here, I feel it's not all I hoped it would be, and I'm homesick and wanna go home. I used to idealize Europe, but I feel like moving here has made me appreciate my country and family so much. I'm going home for Christmas, but that's four months away. What should I do? Any advice/similiar experience?

Answer 1

I know money is tight for teachers. I taught ESL. I lived in France, Italy and Romania (my native country). I always packed a backpack and took off when I felt alone.

Go visit Timisoara, Sighisoara and Cluj - Romania. It's close to the Hungarian boarder, the 3 places are tourist friendly, the people in that part of Romania are really nice, and it doesn't cost much. I don't know much about Hungary, but you are in the capital city. In capital cities, in all countries, people tend to be more cold and distant. Cluj has many foreign students - I am sure you will meet some interesting people in a cafe or a pub. Both Cluj and Timisoara are seen as our window to the West. Sighisoara is a medieval town and the birthplace of Dracula. It's really, really cool.

Also - forgot to mention - go to Sibiu. It is the European capital of culture this year. You'll have fun and you will meet people from all over. Many foreigners are visiting right now - my friend was just there. I cannot speak intelligently about Hungarian culture/people, but Romanians are the only Latin people in E. Europe. As you know, Latins tend to be pretty friendly. Check out youtube - free hugs timisoara or bucharest - you'll see what I mean.

Also, keep a journal. It helps.

EDIT 1 - Go see Freedom in Brasov or meet in Sighisoara or Sibiu, you guys. Go see Bran Castle together. Don't feel so bad Freedom - imagine how I felt when I first moved to the US - and I had no choice.... I was 14 stuck in the house the entire summer and could not speak a word of English.... People in Romania like Americans; that's why they stare at you... ;-(

EDIT 2 - I wanted to e-mail Freedom, but I cannot. I was going to say that if you feel like talking to someone, write me. I may be able to help. I lived in Bucharest, but I visited Brasov every year. I'm sure it's changed, but maybe I can help you understand some things Romanians do, deal with the cultural differences. I can also teach you about cooking - using Romanian products, cook some simple stuff from scratch. If there are any translation questions, let me know. I miss Brasov a lot. I hope you have fun, and, if I can help you, I will. Don't feel weird, just write.

My favorite spot in Poiana Brasov was Coliba Haiducilor.... great food. Is it still there?...

I'd do the same for Thunder, but I've never been to Hungary. ;-(....

Viktor may write you though. He lives in Hungary and I send him a message. I hope he'll be able to help.

Answer 2

Definitely, when you have time, visit the area around you...Romania (but stay away from Bucharest for the time being) as suggested by Codrina is absolutely gorgeous, particularly the province of Transylvania which is where you'll find all the cities and towns she mentioned (Sibiu, Brasov, Timisoara, Sighsoara). Plus the pure mountain air there will certainly lift your spirits. Also I recommend you explore Bulgaria (I liked the coast, although the one in Romania is more interesting), Serbia, and maybe even Croatia (especially the Dalmatian Coast) or Greece. You may be able to find cheap weekend getaway tickets/packages with charter airlines such as Wizz Air or Blue Air. Another option is bus/train (the trains are actually in pretty good shape so don't worry.)

Also, get chummy with your colleagues, go out with them as much as possible, try and learn some Hungarian...do little things like this to distract you from your sadness of being away from home...just think what a unique situation you find yourself in...how much you can see and learn about an area of Europe and the world that many have not experienced. The four months will just fly by, and I'm pretty sure you'll be standing there at Christmas time, wondering where it all went.

Just hang on...it will get better...I know that when I was away from home in Ottawa to study, I didn't know how to get back to my family in Toronto fast enough (okay it's not quite the same as being abroad, but again I was away from my family for the first time and so it is similar)...but as soon as I got involved in the city life, got to know a few people really well, everything was just fine...that empty feeling in my stomach went away.

EDIT: I just remembered something that might also help with any stress you are feeling...did you know that Budapest is considered the "Spa Capital of the World?" Well, I didn't go in any of the establishments in the city itself (although there are many thermal and turkish bath style establishments there), but I did experience some wonderful thermal springs just outside the city ...sorry I don't remember the name right now...but it was absolutely revitalizing - meticulously clean and beautiful buildings and surroundings...worth investigating...could be a nice weekend outing with your colleagues or new friends you meet in the city.

Answer 3

Hi Tunderlady, first of all congratulations, as it is a difficult decision to go and live in another country! Give a big hug to yourself for this courage! :-)

Now about being homesick, it is normal at this stage, as everything is so new and you will need some time to adapt to the culture. One thing is to visit as a tourist, something completely different to live there!! But is normal, just hang on there and you will eventually adapt!

I suffered this home sickness several times in my life as I have studied and worked in several countries, where I stayed from two to many more years!! The adaptation in each one of them has always being difficult, number one problem the language, number two the culture so different to mine.
My list so you have an idea of the diversity of places I have lived:

Russia, Mexico, England, France, Germany and Portugal. Today I live happily in Portugal and I have adapted and I plan no more changes. I think it has been enough! ;-)

So after this BIG introduction, what I suggest besides the good advise of Codrina, is to be conscious that it is a process which everybody has to go through, it is a stage of adaptation. Also know that you will not be proud of yourself if you give up so soon.
To make this a nicer beginning and if you like art, explore Budapest. I have never being there, but one of my best friends is from Hungary. You also can travel not just inside Hungary, but so many other wonderful countries. The nice thing of being in Europe is that so many countries are close in comparison to the Americas.
Remember, that this is just a matter of adjustment, once you get accostumed to your new life, things will get easier, especially the more friends you make ;-)

Don't give up!! It will get better!! :-)

Answer 4

Awe honey I can write pages on this..I just moved to Brasov Romania. Not very far from you in fact and I am homesick as well. Some days are fine and I can get through the days without feeling like crap but other days I have trouble getting off the couch. I am tired of being stared at for being American, I am tired of not being able to talk with anyone, I have shopping because I cannot cook well here because of the differences in products. I wish I had a fix it all answer but truth is I don't, I can tell you gets easier and that in a few months you'll feel better than you do today. I have been here almost 4 months and it does get easier. Search for English friends and get out as much as you can. Sitting in the apartment all the time is not helping at all. Also meet other expats they can relate to you in ways no one else can, only those of us who have moved to another country for a job can truly understand the smothering lonliness that is a part of your daily life. If you have an email I can reach you at I would love to chat with you, it helps to talk with someoone who understands. I cannot post mine on here because it is not mine alone but if you want I can email you...It does get easier. Consider yourself lucky we won't be able to make it home this year...and I miss my family and friends

Answer 5

Hello. I am Hungarian. well I think it is just normal to feel homesick. I guess the problem is that you maybe don't have friends to hang out with. Or maybe you have and they are so passive. well Hungarians, specially youngsters are tend to go out within their social group, but if you get to know a Hungarian he becomes your best friend of a lifetime. Maybe it is difficult for you because the language barrier, but many Hungrians speak English and love to practice the language so making conversation with Hungarians (magyarok) is should not be a problem. Hungarians like deeper issues to talk about. They like to complain but they also tend to open their hearts for you. Don't be shy about what bothers you, tell them, most of them like to listen.
Go to countryside, I recommend Szeged, which is full of events and concerts and of course young people all year or Pécs, which is one of the prettiest towns in Hungary. Or if you ar sad Go to Tokaj, which is wine-country, and drink a lot but do not get drunk, beacuse is worsen the things for you.
I also pretty much recommend SPAs. The best one is Széchenyi and Lukács.
P.S: Get to know the country, there are lot of things to see.

Answer 6

I moved here from the UK about 4 years ago. I have made a lot of Hungarian friends. I think this is the key to make friends with local people. I have never mixed or made friends with anyone here from England.

I love it and will never go back.

Good luck

Answer 7

i does not be homesick. This place is a hillbilly backwood city that I now detest. not the area I grew up in that is for useful. Too many druggies and freeloaders are taking on.

Answer 8

It is very normal fopr you to feel homesick at this stage.

Give yourself a little more time to work things out. If it really does not suit you ideally, then move back to your own country.

Answer 9

Things To Do In Budapest

Answer 10

Yes I did and you have to learn that the problem is the food and water... its not process like here in the US so what I recomend the most get water from bottles ONLY do not drink any water that's not purificared,.. food stay away from restaurants and fast food places remember you're not in America right now so try to get your food process at home vegestebles very important make sure you wash it before cook normally Use one of those kill bacterias and let it repost on the water for a several mints before you wash them and cook them after,... now if you eat out even being a "american brand" I don't recomended because is not as here the procesing so different.... stay away from milk if you don't heat first to make sure it's safe to drink,...
but look I promise that for at least one more month you would not get sick again is just your body is fighthing and getting use to
if you got fever and stomich ache just get a Pepto bismol and something like advil or tynelol Good luck...