Five Reasons Why You Should Have a Gap Year in Budapest
Gap years are a wonderful way to explore the world before settling into full-time study or work. For Kiwis, it’s common to take a gap year either between high school and university, or after university and before moving into the workforce.
Luckily, most employers in New Zealand think highly of the gap year, and it’s perfectly normal (and beneficial) to have a year off to see the world.
While there are many European visas for New Zealanders, we’ve recently been seeing more and more New Zealanders moving to Budapest. Many Kiwis find themselves falling in love with the city at first glance, and there are numerous ways that Kiwis can live in Budapest, including through the Hungarian working holiday visa for New Zealanders, and sponsorship from an employer.
Here are 5 reasons why you should have a gap year in Budapest:
1. Dare to be different
While Budapest has seen a huge increase in foreign expats, you may not personally know anyone who has lived in the city. This is actually a good thing. While London is a great city to visit, the high cost of living and dodgy weather can mean you spend most of your time inside. And the huge number of Kiwis and Aussies makes it less likely you’ll venture out of your comfort zone.
In Budapast, you’re also close to many countries that typically get overlooked in favour of places like France and Italy. These countries are super cheap to travel and also present plenty of Instagram-worthy views.
2. Explore the culture
By choosing a gap year in Budapest, you’ll be surrounded by expats from around the world, but you’ll also get to learn all about Hungarian culture.
This is a country that has suffered, and a visit to the House of Terror in Budapest will give you insight into some of what the people have had to to overcome. Hungary ended up on the wrong side of history during WWII, and then turned to communism which lasted right up until the late 1980s.
Today, you can still see the physical scars in Budapest, and older parts of Pest still have buildings with shrapnel damage and bullet holes.
Many Kiwis are unaware of Eastern European history, and the mark that WWII and communism left on the region. A gap year in Budapest gives you an excellent opportunity to become more worldly and to learn more about parts of the world you may not have covered in high school.
3. Enjoy the beauty
Budapest straddles the Danube, with Buda on one side, and Pest in the other. Simply jumping on a tram and riding it around the city will open your eyes to how beautiful the city is. Budapest also has a rich history.
While the city is home to more than 1.7 million people, it’s jam-packed with natural scenery. The Buda Hills are a great option for people who like to get outdoors and do some hiking, while there are also plenty of parks waiting for you to visit on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Margaret Island is one of the best places to run, with a running track circling the entire island. And you’ll find plenty of smaller parks for picnics throughout the summer.
4. Cost of living
One of the big reasons why Budapest is a great option is due to the low cost of living. While wages are also low, if you work for an international company or work online, you’ll find that you can live a very nice life while still saving money each month and travelling on your days off.
If you’ve been considering starting a business or freelancing, or you’d like some experience working for an international company, Budapest is a great choice.
5. Expat Community
Budapest is home to people from all over the world, and there are meetups and events every week. You can begin getting in touch with local expats before you even arrive. And they’re usually more than willing to help you with basics like finding an apartment, getting wifi connected, and finding the best places to shop.
Some great Facebook groups include Expats in Hungary, Expat info-Budapest, Budapest Digital Nomads, and Women of Budapest.
Thinking about having a gap year in Budapest? We can help you with your Hungarian Youth Mobility Visa. Get in touch today to learn how we can help you make the transition smooth and easy.