British Council
Being here, taking your university courses in English, hanging out with foreign people and spitting philosophical thoughts like a modern day poet after two beers are unfortunately not widely accepted proofs for your knowledge; you’re better off with an official certification and, for instance, the British Council’s goal-specific courses aimed at those planning to work or study abroad, lawyers and businessmen, and even those shooting for a Hungarian degree.
Address: 1075 Budapest, Madách Imre Street 13, HungaryInstituto Cervantes
Contrary to the popular belief that English is the most important language in the world, Spanish is right up there with it thanks to its 400 million native speakers. Instituto Cervantes not only has a vast array of Hispanic cultural programs, but also offers Spanish courses for foreigners living in Budapest. Their library is a Spanish-learning bookworm’s wet dream, and it’s easy to get official certificates thanks to DELE courses and exams. To top it all off, Hungarian lessons in Spanish can also be found on the menu.
Address:
1064 Budapest, Vörösmarty Street 32, HungaryInstitut Français
Je t’aime, mon amour! French is the language of romance and poetry, so if you’re itching to upgrade your pick-up game while also polishing your brain, look no further. Institut Français offers French courses of various levels and durations (intensive, for children, for exam preparation, self-learner), exams, and a plethora of cultural programs aimed at blending Hungarian and French culture. The least bit surprisingly, the IF sports a wondrous library where you can even watch French TV and listen to music en français.
Address:
1011 Budapest, Fő Street 17, HungaryGoethe Institute
This downtown shrine of German culture is no exception to the rule of other Budapestian language institutes, since it offers language courses of various levels and specifications (children, beginner, profession-specific, for job seekers, intensive, exam preparation). Goethe’s online community provides an easily accessible practice field, and serves as a hub of knowledge-expanding resources. For culture addicts, the institute’s cultural magazine is definitely a must.
Address:
1092 Budapest, Ráday Street 58, HungaryInstituto Italiano di Cultura
Ragazzi e ragazze, most people agree that Italian is sexy, but let us rather say that it’s sweet music to our ears, and even reading a shopping list in Italian sounds like poetry. Before applying for one of Instituto Italiano’s courses, you should do some self-evaluating, and only then you’ll know which level fits you the best. You can also choose the path of a lone wolf and learn by yourself with the aid of online resources, or do it the best possible way, and head straight to Italy after scanning through the list of universities teaching Italian to foreigners.
Address:
1088 Budapest, Bródy Sàndor Street 8, HungaryConfucius Institute
China has conquered the globe during the last decades; its worldwide influence on business and a multitude of industries is undeniable, so knowing Chinese is slowly but surely becoming a necessity.
In Budapest, Confucius Institute is the richest source of Chinese culture, and also the home of bonafide language courses (including Hungarian courses for native Chinese speakers), moreover, even cooking lessons.
For your interest: introductory courses are free.
Address:
1088 Budapest, Múzeum boulevard. 4/F, HungaryELTE ITK Being polyglot in Budapest is cool. But speaking several languages and not giving a chance to Hungarian might not be a good idea. A few basic words in Hungarian are easy to learn - egészségedre, the first one - so basic understanding and politeness is not hard to achieve; though if you are here for the long run, knowing Hungarian surely comes in handy. ELTE ITK is a language center managed by Eötvös Lorand University (ELTE), focusing on Hungarian as a second language and offering courses and examinations from the basic levels to proficiency. So, challenge… accepted? Igen, igen!
Address:
1519 Budapest, Somlói Street 51, HungaryAs a direct consequence of globalization, knowing languages significantly increases your chance of getting a job. International companies are based in major metropolises, with Budapest being one of them. Take a look at these tips on how to find a job in the city!
Cover picture: Bertalan Soós
