What are Hungarian au pairs like?

Young Hungarians seem to love the concept of British life and we believe that Hungarian culture is probably less likely to "clash" with that of a British host-family than just about any other.

Even though Hungary is a pretty "family-oriented" country our Hungarian au pairs very rarely leave placements due to "home sickness" as they tend to be determined to improve their English. Since EU accession all Hungarian university diplomas now require a pretty stiff examination in English language to be passed, and what better way to learn the language than an au pair post?

If you are about to welcome a Hungarian au pair into your household you may find the following background information interesting.

Comments on Hungarian culture (only our opinion of course)

Although proud to be European, young Hungarians seem to identify more with the "Anglo Saxons" than the "Latin" cultures. Hungary has free healthcare and a good education system. Hungarians are often keen to point out the top scientists (physicists in particular) mathematicians and composers the country has produced.

Older Hungarians may have a tendency to see themselves as (talented) underachievers and might joke about Hungary having lost most of the wars in its History. In 2003 a postage stamp was issued in commemoration of Hungary's 6-3 beating of England at football in 1953.

On the other hand the young Hungarians we encounter are usually enthusiastic about their life prospects, especially since EU accession. Although typical wages are significantly lower than in Britain and people often attempt to hold down more than one job in order to make ends meet, most households have all the domestic appliances you would find in an English household. Space is often used with admirable economy: beds often fold so that a bedroom can double as, say, a sitting room. Computer access is more limited than in Britain, although most young Hungarians use the Internet, often in local libraries.

Hungarians tend to be traditional about food and are often surprised at the British way of snacking and eating on the move. Hungarians are proud of their cuisine and most Hungarian girls can cook reasonably well. As a guest in a Hungarian home you would likely be welcomed with great hospitality and plied with more food and drink than you can manage. Vegetables play a significant role though a typical meal could be fairly described as "rich".

Hungary has cold winters and Hungarians tend to wrap up very warm and also heat their houses well. (In much of the high-rise housing constructed under communism heating, like hot water, is still piped in unmetered.)

Spa baths are very much part of Hungarian culture, friends often congregating there.

Like many European countries, Hungary is rather more bureaucratic than Britain and au pairs sometimes seek clear-cut rules, regulations and procedures where there aren't any here.

The main religion in Hungary is Catholicism, although religion doesn't seem to figure in the mores of the people any more than in Britain.

What is the au pair arrangement?

Practicalities to check out first

Brick au pair agency Home