About

CETP is a teacher recruitment organization. Since 1991 we have been working to provide native-speaking English teachers and other languages and subjects to public schools as well as several parochial schools in Hungary. CETP serves more than 100 different schools, and has sent more than 500 English Conversation Teachers to the region over the past decade. The Central European Teaching Program is the single largest provider of teachers to Hungarian public schools.

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How to Apply

Participating in a program like CETP can be a challenge — you’ll travel far from home, and begin a new job in a completely foreign environment. You’ll be working alongside people who speak little or no English, and who are from a culture that may not be as similar to ours as it at first appears.

But, we think that’s part of what makes this an unforgettable experience… one from which you’ll gain as much as you give.

If you’re ready to begin a new adventure, this is the place to get started!

Let’s get started!

The Experience: What’s it like?

“The teachers and staff are all very welcoming and I felt like I was a part of their team. They were all grateful that I was there in the school. At first I was disappointed that I didn’t have my own classroom, but I have grown to love seeing all the teachers in the teachers’ room during the breaks between lessons. I never thought I would like living in a small town but my experience here has changed my mind.”

–Anna Holliday (2020-2022)

“I wanted to write to express how positive my experience with CETP has been in the 2021-2022 school year. I initially chose CETP because, unlike other organizations, they offered  to include my family in the entire experience. I felt both myself and my family were welcomed and wanted  from the very first phone call I had with Mary about teaching in Hungary with CETP. Me and my daughters have been supported every step of the way, and I cannot express how much that support is appreciated. CETP worked closely with me to find a placement that was truly a good fit for me and my family. This past year has been more rewarding and amazing then I ever expected or deserved it to be!”

–Kara Draper (2021-2022)

Tell me more!

“[My contact person] was like my mother and took care of everything. She made everything very easy and wants her CETP teachers to have a good experience. Great work environment. They may not do everything the way you do it at home but that’s what makes the experience so rich!”

— James Carden (2021-present)

Partners & Links

“As a teacher, I possess a tremendous power

to make a child’s life miserable or joyous.

I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration.

I can humiliate or heal.

In all situations, it is my response that decides

whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated

and a child humanized or dehumanized.”
-Haim G. Ginott

Continue On

Our Staff

 

Mary Rose

CETP’s Director, taught through CETP at an elementary school in Kalocsa, Hungary (2002-2003). She is an experienced teacher, certified in elementary education, and with her TEFL certification from Transworld Teachers in San Francisco. When not busy enjoying her young grandchildren—Cash, Jake, Cyrus, Noah, Abe and her only granddaughter—Malin, Mary directs the program from her office in Portland, Oregon.

 

Hajnalka Vancsik

is based in the capital city of Budapest. Prior to joining CETP, Hajni (pronounced “HOY-nee”) provided support for Americans studying in Hungary through various study abroad organizations. She is CETP’s Hungarian Director and acts as liaison between CETP, the Hungarian government, school directors, and our teachers. As such she ensures that CETP’s teachers have a safe, healthy, and satisfying stay in Hungary—in other words, she is our Hungarian mom. She was at one time director’s assistant for one of Hungary’s major theaters, and thus she’s well-acquainted with many famous stage and film personalities. She also takes care of Ponche, her old & blind dog.

 

Hildie Cuddigan

is Mary’s part-time assistant as well as fulltime mom to Cash and Jake.  In her spare time she volunteers at the neighborhood elementary school, takes long walks with her dog Rocky, gardens, and reads. She lives in Portland, Oregon.