Connor Jackson was born in Durban, spent much of his childhood in Tanzania, returned to South Africa, and then unexpectedly found himself building a life in Hungary.
At 18, Connor went to Hungary on a Rotary exchange programme. He didn't choose Hungary as his first option, but what began as a one-year adventure became a life-changing experience.
He returned to South Africa after the exchange, started studying at Stellenbosch University, but soon realised that he wanted to return to Hungary. He eventually moved back to Budapest, restarted his degree, learned Hungarian and began building a career there.
In this episode, Connor talks about:
Growing up in Tanzania and living in an expat mining community
Arriving in Hungary with virtually no Hungarian
The challenge of learning one of Europe's most difficult languages
Returning to South Africa and discovering that he had changed
Leaving Stellenbosch and moving back to Budapest
Studying international relations and starting his career in Hungary
Finding community through Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and rugby
What life in Budapest is really like
Safety, public transport and the cost of living
Working for Hungarian companies
The challenges of Hungarian immigration and bureaucracy
Being forced to leave Hungary after a visa problem
How a lawyer helped him return
Why he recently became a Hungarian citizen
Travelling and building a life across Europe
Connor also explains why putting yourself out there is so important when you move abroad, and why joining a sports club or other community can be one of the best ways to make friends and build a new life.
And despite becoming Hungarian, Connor says you never stop being South African.
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SUPPORTED BY SABLE INTERNATIONAL
For over 30 years, Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most: building your future beyond borders.
Find out how Sable International can support your journey:
https://bit.ly/3R3g1sy
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TIMESTAMPS
00:11 Welcome from Budapest
01:02 Growing up in Tanzania
03:43 Life in a Tanzanian gold-mining community
07:20 How Connor ended up in Hungary
09:08 Living with Hungarian host families
10:59 Arriving in Hungary with no Hungarian
13:35 Learning the Hungarian language
14:51 Returning to South Africa
16:28 Leaving Stellenbosch for Budapest
18:23 Studying and working in Hungary
19:12 Finding community through martial arts
21:35 Living in Hungary during COVID
23:44 Building a social life in Budapest
24:40 What Connor loves about Budapest
27:52 Cost of living in Hungary
30:50 Working in Budapest
32:42 Hungarian immigration and bureaucracy
35:23 Advice for South Africans considering Hungary
36:55 Becoming a Hungarian citizen
38:25 Travelling around Europe
40:00 Committing to your new life abroad
41:28 Braai, biltong and staying South African
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If Connor's story resonated with you, please share this episode with another South African living abroad.
