Hungary
1 Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award-Roma Student Initiative
Accepted Degree Levels
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Grant PeriodSeptember StartGrant Length9 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
The purpose of this award is to provide English language training and leadership development to the Roma student population in Hungary, who have been disadvantaged due to their poor economic situation and have suffered discrimination over the years. ETAs in the Roma Student Initiative program may also teach one to two courses of English or American culture at a university with an American Studies program.
Grantees are responsible for developing their own lesson plans and managing their own classrooms.
Grant Length
Grant Period
The grant period will begin in September 2025 and will last through May 2026.
Orientation
The Hungarian Fulbright Commission provides a 4-day orientation program in Budapest at the beginning of September, which includes basic language and intercultural competency training and sightseeing tours. Attendance at the orientation is expected.
Candidate Profile
Applications are welcome from applicants in all fields in the humanities. Preference will be given to applicants from the following fields: TEFL/applied linguistics, American literature, American history, American Studies, Folklore, Political Science, Creative Writing, Sociology, Anthropology and/or graduate students interested in international education, educational advising and community development. Previous teaching experience is highly recommended. Experience with underserved communities is an advantage. Special skills like coaching, arts and crafts, music, etc for after class activities are welcome.
Applicants should be mature, resourceful, flexible, and should be willing to engage in extracurricular activities. Social media competency encouraged.
Applicants should submit detailed descriptions of their study or career interests and also include well-thought-out and feasible project proposals. Details of assignments will be subject to direct communication between selected candidates and designated institutions.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Hungary is located in Central Europe at the intersection between East and West. It has a vibrant culture. Fulbrighters living in the country are at the heart of history, museums, beautiful architecture, monuments, and parks.
Living in Budapest and other major cities is filled with cultural activities: great exhibitions, concerts, plays, festivals – there is always a lot going on, and tickets are relatively inexpensive.
For study and research there is a plethora of resources and opportunities. Grantees should be prepared to work independently and be willing to take the initiative to maximize their experience.
Budapest is a safe city with reliable and affordable public transportation. Regional cities are also safe, and have a lot to offer. Living there is quieter, but there are many benefits. There are great restaurants, charming cafés, beautiful libraries and archives in every major city. Food and drink cost about 30% less than in the United States, and the quality is generally high.
Universities have a lot of international students and faculty, and they offer a great number of cultural opportunities and inclusive programs.
Hungarians may be more reserved than Americans, but they are very friendly, respectful, and helpful.
Most educated and young people speak English.
The climate is moderate, similar to that of Washington, DC, but is much less humid.
Adjustment to living in a foreign country can be challenging at the beginning, but as grantees get to know the country and the people, living in Hungary is a very rewarding and life-changing experience.
Eligibility
5 Months
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Special Application Instructions
In your Fulbright on-line application, for Award Name, please select Roma Student Initiative Grant from the drop down menu.
Foreign Language Proficiency
Additional Information: Hungarian language proficiency is not a requirement in the candidate selection process. Some study of Hungarian prior to arrival is encouraged in order to promote deeper engagement with the host community.
Placement Type
- Secondary School
- University/Post-Secondary Institution
The goal of the Roma Student Initiative is to work with Roma students who have already gained admission to Hungary's colleges and universities and are residents in one of the Roma Residential Colleges (for more information on Roma residential colleges please check the websites of e.g. the Jesuit Roma Residential College or the Roma Residential College of Eger) that were set up to support first generation students, often from underprivileged families. Grantees will be placed at a Roma residential college in the countryside where they will be responsible for teaching two or three courses per week. Moreover, grantees will advise Hungarian students on studying in the U.S. and participating in EducationUSA outreach activities, such as conducting outreach events or lessons and giving information about American study opportunities to high school or college students in areas with significant Roma presence. Grantees may also be asked to teach one or two university level American Studies courses and to assist the work of the American Corners in Hungary (American Corners).
Detailed information on Roma residential colleges can also be found on the Fulbright Commission's website.
Placement Locations
- Regional City
Supplementary Project
In addition to the teaching and advising activities, if the Roma Student Initiative ETA grantee wishes to engage in an independent research or study project, they are welcome to do so. Approximately 12 hours per week will be reserved for such a project if needed.
They can also pursue activities related to their personal and educational interest such as engaging in volunteer activities, community service, organizing club events, taking classes of their own interest or developing a new skill.
Award Benefits
- A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
- International travel benefits
- Accident & sickness health benefits
- 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
- 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government
- English language teaching preparatory course
Stipend Amount
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
The monthly stipend amount includes: $1,300 and HUF 120,000 (local currency allowance, appr. $350)
One-Time Allowances
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
- Excess baggage fees
- Language training allowance
- Settling in allowance
A one-time settling-in allowance of $300 paid at the beginning of the grant period.
Travel allowance of up to $1,500 (reimbursement of actual cost of direct, most economical airfare and excess baggage fee against invoices/eticket paid upon arrival in Hungary).
Hungarian language course fee: if a grantee decides to study Hungarian during the grant period, course fees are covered by the Fulbright Commission up to a reasonable amount.
Additional Grant Benefits
Costs of monthly cultural enrichment programs are covered by the Fulbright Commission.
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
- Cost of living in Hungary is on average about 30% lower than in the United States.
- Depending on the size and quality of the apartment, housing in downtown Budapest ranges between $400-$800.
- Utilities, internet connection, and building maintenance fees average about $150, but could be included in the rent.
- Housing and living costs in smaller cities could be somewhat lower.
- Groceries for one person could typically cost between $100-150 per month. Eating out per meal costs approximately $10-30.
- In-country travel costs: monthly Budapest travel pass (unlimited travel on all means of public transportation): $25, a round-trip train ticket between Budapest and another major city: $20-25
- A museum admission ticket is between $10-15, concert tickets (good seats) are between $10-25
- Cost of living in Hungary according to: Expatistan Website, Numbeo Website; (prices in Hungarian currency, average exchange rate: USD 1 = HUF 360)
Dependents
To be considered an accompanying dependent, the individual must be a spouse or a close relative (child, parent) who is financially dependent on the grantee and spends at least 80% of the grant period with the grantee abroad.
Dependent allowance: $100 per month for one or $200 per month for 2 or more dependents
Dependent travel allowance: $500 for one or $1,000 for two or more dependents (reimbursement of actual cost of direct, most economical airfare against invoices/eticket paid upon arrival of Hungary)
Housing Arrangements
Grantees are responsible for finding housing, but the Hungarian Fulbright Commission and/or the host university or college will assist.
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Country Overview
Hungary is a welcoming and safe country with rich cultural and educational traditions. The Hungarian higher education system is part of the European Higher Education Area. The country has many well-known universities with rapidly growing international connections, joint programs and many international students.
The academic year is from September to May. Semesters are typically four months in length. The second semester begins in February. Over 400 study programs in English and other languages are offered by Hungarian higher education institutions.
The Hungarian Fulbright Commission organizes an extensive orientation program for U.S. grantees. All through the grant period, grantees are regularly invited to participate in cultural enrichment programs, visits and conferences. These programs offer interesting insights into Hungarian culture, different institutions, and also foster team spirit among grantees.
Cost of living in Hungary is on average about 30% lower than in the United States.
The Fulbright Commission gives grantees thorough assistance in finding housing and obtaining visa/residence permit for the duration of their grant in Hungary.
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Additional Online Resources
Who is the best applicant?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LT_xw0G03Y
What did you achieve thanks to Fulbright?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW552yktR-Y&t=23s
30 Years of Fulbright Hungary video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsvJYul4i94
American Corners in Hungary: https://hu.usembassy.gov/education-culture/american-spaces/