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
- Email the program coordinator (through CETP’s official site) to express interest
- Have an initial Zoom or phone call to discuss your goals and fit
- Submit the following documents:
- Résumé/CV
- Copy of degree
- Reference letters
- Background check (later in the process)
- 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 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, 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
- 📝 Apply to CETP
- 📚 Recommended TEFL Courses
- 🧳 Teaching English in Hungary Guide
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!
Helping teachers find jobs they will love.