After arriving in Budapest, seeking a change in direction, Andrew started working on two projects, 'Learn English Budapest' and 'Learn Hungarian Now', setup to help people find English and Hungarian language teachers. Both were successful and he now splits his time between Budapest and other cities in Europe where he setting up similar projects.


1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
I first arrived in September 2013. I’d visited a few months before and like so many people I’d fallen in love with the city and decided to come back. It’s hard to pinpoint one thing that brought me here, but the overall atmosphere was so vibrant and welcoming.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
Yes, I lived in Toronto for half a year and I’ve had extended stays in a handful of other European cities. The beauty of working online is the freedom to travel and experience different cultures.

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
The friendliness of the locals (I was told to expect nothing but grumpy) and the never ending nightlife. The party never seems to stop here.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
If it’s sunny then a nice morning stroll up to the castle district, then a picnic and beers on Margaret Island followed by an evening in Szimpla. No one ever fails to be amazed by that place.

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
Hard to pick, it’s all so filling! Goulash is great and I have to confess to the occasional langosh even though I try and eat healthy.

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
A pot of tejfol of course, it really does go well with anything.

7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?
Gyógyszertár - mainly because I have trouble pronouncing it.

8. What do you miss the most from home?
We have Tesco back in the UK, it’s usually filled with a whole range of delicious salads, sandwiches and cakes which are great for picnics - Tesco’s here, not so much.

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
When I was a kid I always wanted to be an inventor and design weird machines. Not sure how valid of a career choice that is these days?

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
Politician. Constantly trying to keep everyone happy? Nope, it’s not for me!

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
I just spent a week in Romania. Timisoara and Cluj to be specific. Lovely cities with lots to see. And getting to hear a little Hungarian from the locals was interesting.

12. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
I should be off to Switzerland in the summer. A friend has promised to take me up into the countryside and teach me how to milk cows.

13. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
I used to listen to the Foo Fighters and ride home made gokarts down the hills near my house. In fact I have a big scar on my left arm thanks to my shoddy construction skills.

14. Apart of temptation what can't you resist?
A cold wheat beer or a hot summer’s day.

15. Red wine or white?
Red, always red. Unless it’s from Tokaj. I went there last year and their sweet white wines are awesome.

16. Book or movie?
Sadly I’ve not read a book in years. I’m too impatient I think.

17. Morning person or night person?
Night for sure. If I’m up in the morning I usually spent it walking or cycling to wake myself up and catch some sun, then I work hard through the afternoon.

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?
The government and people in general need to do a lot more for the homeless. Ignoring them won’t solve the problem. More money to house, feed and assist them with any problems they have is an obligation for any moral society.

19. Buda side or Pest side?
I spend most of my time in Pest, although I’ve been liking the new vibe down Bartók Béla út

20. What would you say is your personal motto?
Make each week different from the last - it keeps life interesting.