
Dreaming of living in Europe, experiencing a new culture, and making a difference in the classroom? The **Central European Teaching Program (CETP)** might be your perfect ticket to Hungary.

CETP places native English speakers in schools across Hungary to teach English and support language learning efforts. While it’s not a government program like some others in Europe, CETP is well-established, respected, and offers a unique opportunity to live and work in a Central European country with rich history, thermal baths, paprika-spiced cuisine, and a low cost of living.

Whether you’re a recent grad looking to gain international experience, a career-changer craving something new, or a licensed teacher interested in life abroad — this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about **CETP Hungary**: how it works, how to apply, what it pays, and what life in Hungary is really like.

## What is the Central European Teaching Program (CETP)?

The **Central European Teaching Program (CETP)** is a nonprofit organization that partners with public and private schools in Hungary to place **native English-speaking teachers** in classrooms across the country. The program has been running for over 20 years and offers a more independent and flexible alternative to government-run programs in other countries.

Unlike short-term volunteer gigs, CETP is a **paid teaching program** that runs on academic-year contracts. It’s open to applicants from the **U.S., Canada, and other native English-speaking countries**, and placements include a mix of **primary, secondary, and vocational schools** — some bilingual, some not.

### ✏️ What Makes CETP Different?

- **Privately run**, not government-sponsored — meaning more personal support, flexibility, and a smaller community of teachers.
- Teachers pay a **program fee** (more on that later), but this covers housing, support, and placement services.
- **Ideal for people who want a deeper cultural experience**, not just a paycheck or short-term job abroad.

While CETP may not be as well-known as some public programs, it’s beloved by alumni who value its personal touch, the beauty of Hungary, and the slower-paced lifestyle it allows.

> CETP is less about checking a box and more about saying: “Let’s actually live here for a year — and do something meaningful while we’re at it.”

Next up: What kind of teaching job is this, and what does the day-to-day look like?

## Program Details

CETP placements typically last for **one academic year**, with options to extend for those who fall in love with Hungary (and many do). Unlike programs that leave you guessing where you’ll be placed, CETP offers a more **personalized and transparent process**, where you’ll often know your school, location, and housing setup in advance.

### 🗓️ Contract Duration

- **Start date:** Late August or early September
- **End date:** Late June
- A limited number of **January-start placements** may be available

### 🧑‍🏫 Teaching Responsibilities

As a CETP teacher, you’ll:

- Teach **15–20 classroom hours per week**
- Work with small groups or full classes
- Help students improve **speaking, listening, and pronunciation**
- Occasionally lead cultural activities or participate in school events
- Have **planning periods** and collaboration time with Hungarian co-teachers

Most schools are public, bilingual, or vocational — and some may also involve teaching a second subject (like reading, science, or culture) in English.

> While some schools have clear curriculums, others give you creative freedom — making it a great fit for flexible, self-starting educators.

### 🤝 Support and Community

One of CETP’s strongest selling points is its support network:

- Airport pickup upon arrival in Budapest
- In-country orientation and cultural briefings
- Help with immigration, housing, and banking
- Ongoing support from the CETP coordinator
- A small but active network of fellow teachers across Hungary

You're never just a number in this program — CETP takes care to match you with a school that fits your background and goals.

Next: Let’s talk about money — salary, housing, and other benefits.

## Salary and Benefits

While CETP isn’t a way to get rich, it does offer a **comfortable salary** for life in Hungary — especially when combined with free housing and a low cost of living. If your goal is to **teach, travel, and live well in Europe**, CETP can deliver.

### 💶 Monthly Salary

- **Net salary:** Typically **€500–€700/month**, paid in Hungarian Forints (HUF)
- Amount may vary slightly depending on your qualifications and school type
- Paid directly by your host school each month

While that might sound low by North American standards, it goes **much further in Hungary**, where rent, groceries, public transportation, and entertainment are all significantly more affordable than in Western Europe.

### 🏠 Housing

- **Private furnished apartment** provided by your school (or arranged by CETP)
- Utilities often included
- No need to house-hunt — it's arranged before arrival

This is one of CETP’s biggest benefits: **you don’t pay rent**, which makes saving, traveling, or simply living stress-free much easier.

### 📋 Other Perks

- **Health insurance** provided through Hungary’s public healthcare system
- **Visa sponsorship** and in-country support
- **Airport pickup** and orientation upon arrival
- Access to CETP’s teacher network and private Facebook group
- Invitations to social events and cultural outings

> “The lifestyle in Hungary is incredibly livable. I traveled on weekends, ate out often, and still saved a bit each month.” — CETP alum

Keep in mind: CETP does charge a **program fee** to cover placement services and housing — we’ll break that down next.

Want to see if you qualify? Let’s cover who can apply.

## Application Process

One of the refreshing things about CETP is that the application process is **personal, straightforward, and supportive**. It’s not a massive bureaucratic intake — it’s a conversation about whether this opportunity fits your goals.

### 🧾 Basic Requirements

To apply, you must:

- Be a **native English speaker** from the U.S., Canada, the U.K., or another English-speaking country
- Hold at least a **bachelor’s degree** in any subject
- Have **no serious criminal record**
- Be in **good physical and mental health**
- Preferably be **open to rural or mid-sized city placements**

> Teaching experience and TEFL certification are helpful — but **not required**.

### 🧑‍💻 Application Steps

1. **Email the program coordinator** (through [CETP’s official site](https://www.cetp.info)) to express interest
2. Have an initial **Zoom or phone call** to discuss your goals and fit
3. Submit the following documents:
   - Résumé/CV
   - Copy of degree
   - Reference letters
   - Background check (later in the process)
4. Pay the **program fee** once you accept a placement

> Spots are filled on a rolling basis — apply **early**, especially if you want a say in your placement location.

### 💳 Program Fee

CETP is not free — there is a **program fee of around $2,000–$2,500 USD**, which helps fund:

- Your housing
- Visa and placement services
- Orientation and airport pickup
- In-country support throughout your stay

While it may seem steep, alumni often say it’s worth it for the **housing, visa help, and peace of mind**.

Next: Where exactly might you live and teach in Hungary?

## Living and Teaching in Hungary

[Teaching in Hungary](/teach-english-hungary) with CETP isn’t just about classroom hours — it’s about experiencing everyday life in a part of Europe that’s often overlooked but deeply rewarding.

Whether you’re enjoying goulash with your coworkers, strolling cobblestone streets after class, or hopping on a train to Vienna for the weekend — Hungary offers a rich and affordable lifestyle for adventurous educators.

### 🧑‍🏫 In the Classroom

- **Workload:** 15–20 teaching hours per week, plus prep time
- **Class size:** Varies by school (often 15–30 students)
- **Age range:** From elementary through high school
- **Co-teaching:** You may work alongside a Hungarian English teacher or teach solo
- **Curriculum:** Some schools have set materials, others give you freedom to design lessons

> Most students are respectful and curious, especially in schools where English is emphasized as a path to opportunity.

### 🏡 Life Outside School

- **Affordable lifestyle:** Groceries, transport, and meals out are much cheaper than in Western Europe
- **Housing:** Provided rent-free — usually a private apartment close to your school
- **Language barrier:** Many people speak some English, but learning basic Hungarian helps!
- **Public transport:** Excellent rail and bus network makes weekend trips easy
- **Travel perks:** Located in the heart of Europe — perfect for exploring nearby countries

### 💬 Cultural Notes

- Hungarians are known for being warm once you get to know them
- The pace of life is slower, especially in smaller towns
- Expect some bureaucracy — but CETP helps you navigate it

> “I had time to read, cook, travel, and really get to know my town. I wasn’t just visiting — I was living.” – CETP teacher, 2023

Let’s wrap up with the pros and cons — and how to decide if CETP is right for you.

## Pros and Cons of CETP

No teaching program is perfect, but CETP offers a unique balance of **support, independence, and immersion** that appeals to the right kind of traveler and educator.

### ✅ Pros

- **Guaranteed placement** with pre-arranged housing
- **Personalized support** from application to arrival
- **Low cost of living** + free rent = more financial flexibility
- **Cultural immersion** in small towns and local schools
- **Central location** in Europe for travel and exploration
- Great for **new teachers**, mid-career changers, or anyone seeking a meaningful gap year

> If you want more than just a job abroad — and crave a true “live like a local” experience — CETP delivers.

### ❌ Cons

- **Program fee** of around $2,000–$2,500 USD (upfront)
- **Salaries are modest** by Western standards (but livable in Hungary)
- **Limited placements in major cities** (most are in small towns or rural areas)
- **Small cohort** — less built-in social scene than larger programs
- Not ideal for those expecting **high-tech classrooms** or Western-style schools

### 🎯 Who It’s Best For

CETP is a great fit if you’re:

- Open to slower-paced, rural or small-town life
- Comfortable being independent (but supported)
- Excited to dive into Hungarian culture and make a difference
- Looking for an affordable, low-stress way to live in Europe

Coming up: How to take the next step — and where to get more info.

## Conclusion & Resources

If you're looking for a meaningful way to **[teach English abroad](/teach-english-abroad)**, live in the heart of Europe, and truly connect with a new culture — the **Central European Teaching Program (CETP)** in Hungary is a hidden gem.

It’s not the flashiest or most hyped program out there, but for the right kind of traveler — someone who values independence, cultural immersion, and making a genuine difference — it’s an incredible opportunity.

You’ll get:

- A guaranteed job and housing
- Support from a small, tight-knit community
- Time to travel, grow, and build something beyond a short-term escape

It’s also a great springboard for future opportunities in Europe, ESL, or international education.

> CETP isn’t just a way to visit Hungary — it’s a way to **live there**.

### 🔗 Useful Links

- 🌐 [Official CETP Website](https://www.cetp.info/)
- 📝 [Apply to CETP](https://www.cetp.info/application/)
- 📚 [Recommended TEFL Courses](/blog/online-tefl-tesol-courses)
- 🧳 [Teaching English in Hungary Guide](/teach-english-hungary)

**Thinking about applying?** Reach out early — placements are limited and filled on a rolling basis. And if you have questions, CETP is just an email away.

Good luck — or as they say in Hungarian, **sok szerencsét!**

Teast

TEACH ENGLISH IN HUNGARY