I moved to Budapest nearly two years ago, my boyfriend is Hungarian and we work for the same company in the uk. He commuted over to the uk for work and I thought ‘let’s give it a go!’....how hard can it be right?
Well travelling the world and actually moving to another country are two completely different feelings! It was one of the hardest but most rewarding decisions I have ever made....and here is my story!
The fun parts of moving abroad were apartment hunting together, exploring new restaurants and cafes and the excitement of a new place. Once the dust settled, I felt so lonely and isolated even though a beautiful big city was right on my doorstep!
My friends and family were no longer around the corner, my mum couldn’t pop in for a cup of tea and a catch up anymore, I didn’t get to see my niece and nephew or the regular Sunday roast with family. Those moment I missed so much and it’s only when you can’t do them anymore you realise it really is the small things that matter in life.
Not being able to speak the local Hungarian language really affected my confidence, my boyfriend speaks five languages...yes five! And I struggled so much learning to speak Hungarian, which is the second hardest in the world...I really had my work cut out! Even to this day two years later I can’t speak the language too well. Regrettably I haven’t put 100% effort in all of the time, but it’s definitely not an easy language to pick up.
Luckily the younger generation in the city speak English, but there is a percentage who don’t. I found it a struggle trying to communicate in a supermarket when I wanted to ask for a specific food product or a price of something. I left the store so many times empty handed! I really depended on my boyfriend to communicate for me for everything and this is not a healthy way to be.
Making friends was the second hardest part of moving abroad, people are so busy in their own lives to make time these days, it really takes patience and getting yourself out there. There are many expat groups on social media which were a great help, people meet up weekly for all sorts of social events and many people are in the same boat trying to make friends too. It took about a year and a half to find a few good friends, who had things in common ultimately and had the time to meet up regularly. It really made all the difference when my boyfriend was away working and I was in Budapest on my own.
I’ve learned so much about myself since moving abroad, I’ve had to gain inner confidence and push myself out of my comfort zone. It is finally starting to feel like a home away from home.
I can now finally appreciate Budapest, it has such a family oriented culture. It’s so safe to live, there’s zero crime (pretty much) and you get real summer weather! The cost of living is cheap and the quality of life is so much better than the UK.
There is so many out door activities to do throughout the year, it has the largest lake in Europe and natural thermal baths all over Hungary combined with many wineries! There really is so much to love about this country and I’m so glad I made the decision!
If you’re thinking of moving abroad, I hope my post helps with your transition! If you have any questions feel free to message me!
Tips for moving abroad!
1. Add yourself to expat groups on social media and start conversations with similar people
2. Go sit in a coffee shop with a book, people watch and be amongst the hustle and bustle, don’t hide away at home.
3. Go for long walks, explore your new city and find your favourite places to hang out
4. If you work in the same city that makes life easier, socialise with work colleagues, they can show you the ropes
5. Learn the local language and the culture, small gestures go a long way
6. Sign up to a group or activity, such as Pilates, Yoga or a social evening
7. Take it one day at a time, creating a daily routine helps to keep focus