Moving abroad is never an easy feat, especially when it comes to adjusting to different cultural norms. For international students in Hungary, experiencing some form of culture shock upon arrival is a universal experience. Some may face it more intensely due to the significant cultural differences compared to their home country, while others may find it easier to blend in and adapt. Culture shock can involve both positive and negative experiences, all of which are part of the journey of moving abroad. Here are some common experiences that people go through when they move to Hungary.
Language Barrier
Hungarian is one of the hardest languages to learn and is not similar to any other language, which adds to its difficulty. In the capital, many people speak English. However, international students may find it challenging to communicate on a daily basis, as English is still not widely spoken, especially in smaller cities and suburban areas. This can pose difficulties when handling day-to-day activities and administrative tasks.
Social etiquette and communication style
In Hungary, social interactions tend to be more formal than in other countries. Hungarians often appear reserved, especially with strangers, but they usually warm up once you get to know them better. Their communication style can be very blunt and direct, which may be interpreted as rude by those from different cultural backgrounds. It’s important to be aware of personal space, as Hungarians are particularly attentive to maintaining it.
Public transport and punctuality
The public transport system in Hungary can initially feel overwhelming due to its complexity, but it becomes much more manageable and efficient once you get used to it. People are attentive to following the queue, giving up seats to priority passengers, and avoiding loud conversations, which may take some time for students to adapt to if they’re used to more casual public transport environments. Hungarians are also very conscious of time, especially in academic and professional settings. While they are more flexible in social settings, there is still a limit to how late one can be, so it’s important to be considerate of the situation
Paid condiments, toilet access, and water at restaurants
For students from countries where such services are usually free, this is not the case in most establishments in Hungary. In fast food chains and some restaurants, condiments like ketchup and mayonnaise are considered extras and come with an additional charge. Similar to the water service at restaurants, bottled water is commonly offered instead of tap water, which is typically charged. If you prefer tap water, make sure to request it specifically to avoid extra fees. It is also common for public toilets, including those in malls, to charge a fee. Some may accept card payments, but many only accept cash, so it’s a good idea to carry a few coins with you in case you need them.
Although adjusting to these different cultural expectations may seem overwhelming at first, it becomes easier with time. As long as you remain open-minded and embrace the new experience, you’ll likely surprise yourself with how much you can grow and adapt to your environment as time passes. It’s completely normal to feel nervous or out of place – this is something we all go through when we step into a new country.
Roselle Torres
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