Wish you could handle some small talk at your favourite bakery or deep dive into life’s big questions with your Hungarian friends over coffee? The good news is that as a university student, there are several opportunities to build your language skills! Need some inspiration? Let’s see the many ways you can improve your Hungarian!
Enrol in structured language programmes
You are a student, so it’s time to use your privileges in language learning!
Many universities offer structured language courses for international students for free, including Eötvös Loránd University, the University of Debrecen, and the University of Pécs. Your university might have its own Hungarian course too, so check the website or contact your international coordinator to find out more about it.
You can also browse the courses of the popular Balassi Cultural Institute, which operates under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary and supports international cultural diplomacy, language teaching, and scholarship programmes. Each year, they launch preparatory programmes, summer university courses, and even intensive courses for those aiming to pass Hungarian language exams. More information about courses is available here.
Study at your own pace, from the comfort of your room
We all agree that online courses can be a lifesaver, especially next to a busy student schedule. You can find some Hungarian courses online; however, there aren’t as many options available compared to world languages like English, Spanish, or Mandarin.
As a student wanting to pick up Hungarian on a budget, the practical and conversationally focused Practice Your Hungarian course can be an excellent online learning option for you. This course is not only totally free, but it was designed specifically for international students living in Hungary. It focuses on real-life situations like shopping, asking for directions, or navigating bureaucracy, making it a perfect choice for students who want to feel more independent and confident in their daily lives.
Got interested? Click here and start the course now!
Join language exchange events
The best way to learn a language is to actually try and use it. Language exchange meetups are popular in Hungarian cities, especially places with large student populations like Budapest, Pécs, or Szeged. These meetups often bring together locals and internationals who want to practice each other’s languages. It’s a low-pressure way to improve your Hungarian and make friends at the same time. You can find events through Facebook groups or other online platforms and apps. Many locals are eager to improve their language skills, so they will be happy to help you with Hungarian in return.
Use Hungarian in your everyday life
Daily immersion is one of your strongest tools! Try ordering food, greeting your neighbours, or reading simple signs in Hungarian. These little interactions build confidence and reinforce vocabulary you’ve learned. You can also challenge yourself with mini goals each day: learn five new words from the supermarket, introduce yourself to someone or ask a question in Hungarian.
Watch, listen, and read in Hungarian
Exposure to native media can significantly improve your comprehension. Watch Hungarian Netflix shows with subtitles, listen to Hungarian songs, or follow beginner-friendly YouTube channels. Even just having a Hungarian podcast or radio playing in the background while you cook or clean can improve your ear for pronunciation and intonation.
Hungarian isn’t considered an “easy” language. With its unique grammar and vocabulary – read more in our previous article – it’s normal to take some time to feel comfortable speaking it. What matters most is consistent effort and active usage. Celebrate small wins, don’t worry about perfection, and enjoy the process! The more you step out of your comfort zone – whether it’s joining a language course or striking up a conversation with a cashier – the more natural Hungarian will become.
