Going to Medical School in Budapest, Hungary
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Listen to This Podcast Episode About Moving to Budapest
In this Episode…
- What is Budapest and why it is awesome
- How is “Budapest” pronounced, again?
- Why I moved to Budapest from Colorado
- Why I choose Budapest
- What it is like to learn Hungarian
- Some ideas of what to do in Budapest
- Finding accommodation
- What it was like getting a visa in Hungary
- Making friends in Budapest while in medical school
- Do I regret moving to Budapest?
Show Resources
Budapest Bucket Lists and Guides
Budapest Bucket List: Ideas from Someone Who Lived There
Crazy Things to Do in Budapest to Put on Your Bucket List (and Your Camera Roll)
Budapest Baths and How to Cross it Off Your Bucket List
Hungary Bucket List
Watch the YouTube Videos
Moving Abroad
Budapest Review
Best Tours in Budapest
The Budapest Tours Mentioned in the Podcast
I mentioned in the show that I went on a boozy river cruise. Here is the exact tour that I took. I would recommend this to anyone looking to enjoy an adult beverage and see the sights of Budapest.
Just…please…enjoy responsibly! They don’t mess around!
Also mentioned was the ghost and vampire tour that I went on. I would recommend this to history buff that have a fascination with the supernatural or the darker side of history.
It is a crime to go to Budapest without checking out some of the spas. One of the most popular is the Széchenyi Baths.
Fly to Budapest
Please note that I am a Colorado local, so the default is Denver, but you can customize your flight to your location.
Find a Place to Stay in Budapest
Articles Related to This Episode
- Moving Abroad and What to Expect
- Hungary Bucket List
- Budapest Bucket List
- Crazy Things to Do in Hungary
- Budapest Baths Guide
- Doing a Travel Photoshoot in Hungary
Important Parts in the Show
- 0:28 – What is Budapest?
- 0:50 – Hold up, how do you say “Budapest”?
- 1:19 – Setting the Scene for this Budapest Adventure
- 2:22 – Why I Chose Budapest
- 3:43 – Things to Do in Budapest (Besides Study)
- 7:24 – Finding Housing in Budapest
- 8:27 – The Hungarian Visa Saga
- 13:06 – Getting Homesick
- 13:51 – The Struggles of Learning Hungarian
- 15:21 – Making Buddies in Budapest
- 17:17 – Do I Regret Moving to Budapest?
- 17:53 – Would you Go to Budapest?
Overview of This Episode of Moving Abroad for Medical School in Budapest
Have you ever dreamed of moving halfway across the world to immerse yourself in a new culture and pursue your education? In this episode of Tick It Before You Kick It, Alexandra shares her thrilling journey of relocating to Budapest, Hungary, for medical school.
As she delves into the highs and lows of her experience, listeners get a glimpse into the vibrant life of a med student in one of Europe’s most enchanting cities.
Intro to Budapest
Budapest, known for its stunning architecture and rich history, is a city that captures the hearts of many. Alexandra’s love for the city is palpable as she recounts her adventures.
She highlights the distinct charm of both Buda and Pest, the two sides of the city separated by the Danube River.
Buda, with its hills and historic landmarks, offers a serene escape, while Pest buzzes with traditional European buildings and a lively urban atmosphere.
From therapeutic spas to quirky cat cafes and poignant memorials like the iron shoes, Budapest is a treasure trove of unique experiences.
Why Budapest?
One of the main reasons Alexandra chose Budapest was its affordability. As a student, the budget-friendly lifestyle was a significant factor.
She recalls how groceries were reasonably priced, public transportation was cost-effective, and the overall cost of living was one of the lowest in Europe. This financial ease allowed her to enjoy the city’s cultural and culinary delights without breaking the bank.
The Visa Process from H*LL
However, moving to a foreign city wasn’t without its challenges. The process of obtaining a student visa was a nerve-wracking ordeal. Alexandra describes the confusion and lack of clear guidance from authorities, leading to long waits and a daunting amount of paperwork.
Language barriers added to the stress, as Hungarian is notoriously difficult for English speakers to learn. Despite these hurdles, her determination and the help of a supportive Airbnb host saw her through the bureaucratic maze.
Dealing with Homesickness When Moving Abroad
Homesickness is another challenge many expatriates face. Alexandra shares her strategies for combating this, such as staying connected with family and friends, immersing herself in the local culture, and finding comfort in familiar routines.
She emphasizes the importance of building a support network, whether through school, local communities, or social events.
Becoming One with Budapest
Living in Budapest also meant navigating local customs and traditions. Alexandra offers practical tips for anyone considering a move to the city.
From finding housing to understanding public transportation and local etiquette, she talks about the hidden struggles of moving abroad.
She even touches on the debate over the pronunciation of “Budapest” versus “Budapesht,”. What are your thoughts on the pronunciation?
Things to Do in Budapest
Exploring Budapest was one of the highlights of Alexandra’s journey…at least at the end when she wasn’t studying.
She shares her favorite spots, including the famous Gellert Spa and the Széchenyi Baths.
The city’s historical and cultural richness is evident in landmarks like Heroes Square, the Parliament Building, and the various castles scattered throughout.
Alexandra also enjoyed unique experiences like a ghost vampire tour, which offered a fascinating glimpse into the city’s folklore and history.
Book the Tours Mentioned in This Podcast
Would You Move or Go to Budapest?
As she wraps up the episode, Alexandra invites listeners to share their thoughts and experiences. Whether you’re contemplating a move to Budapest or simply curious about life in this magical city, her journey offers valuable insights and inspiration.
Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review to stay updated on more exciting adventures coming your way next week.
Travel Resources to Get You to Budapest
Adventure Bucket List Resources
I am here to help your travel adventures go as smoothly as possible! That way you can check off that bucket list with minimal complications and spending!
SHOP – Shop the best adventure gear and essentials on my Amazon Storefront – handpicked by a full-time adventuring mermaid!
AIRFARE – There are a few I use, but Aviasales is normally my go-to for flights without any extra fees or markups.
ACCOMMODATION – My two favorites are Booking.Com for hotels and VRBO for rentals.
GUIDED TOURS – If you are looking for quick and easy tours, check out GetYourGuide and Viator.
MULTI-DAY TOURS – For more in-depth tours that span several days, TourHub has many great options with reputable travel companies. Use my code (ALEXANDRA1GURU) for up to 5% off your next bucket list adventure.
TRANSPORTATION – You can either rent a car yourself with Discover Cars or do a guided bus tours like Big Bus Tours.
SIM CARDS – Avoid expensive roaming charges with an eSim card with Airalo. Personally, I prefer wifi boxes, and recommend WiFi Candy (get 10% of with the code THEBUCKETLISTMERMAID).
TRAVELER’S INSURANCE – Check out VisitorsCoverage for affordable insurance plans. If you are a nomad or remote worker, I would check out SafetyWing.
SEE MORE – Adventure Resources | Photography Resources
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