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 communityArriving in Hungary with virtually no HungarianThe challenge of learning one of Europe's most difficult languagesReturning to South Africa and discovering that he had changedLeaving Stellenbosch and moving back to BudapestStudying international relations and starting his career in HungaryFinding community through Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and rugbyWhat life in Budapest is really likeSafety, public transport and the cost of livingWorking for Hungarian companiesThe challenges of Hungarian immigration and bureaucracyBeing forced to leave Hungary after a visa problemHow a lawyer helped him returnWhy he recently became a Hungarian citizenTravelling and building a life across EuropeConnor 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.______________________________________________________________SUPPORTED BY SABLE INTERNATIONALFor 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_______________________________________________________________TIMESTAMPS00:11 Welcome from Budapest01:02 Growing up in Tanzania03:43 Life in a Tanzanian gold-mining community07:20 How Connor ended up in Hungary09:08 Living with Hungarian host families10:59 Arriving in Hungary with no Hungarian13:35 Learning the Hungarian language14:51 Returning to South Africa16:28 Leaving Stellenbosch for Budapest18:23 Studying and working in Hungary19:12 Finding community through martial arts21:35 Living in Hungary during COVID23:44 Building a social life in Budapest24:40 What Connor loves about Budapest27:52 Cost of living in Hungary30:50 Working in Budapest32:42 Hungarian immigration and bureaucracy35:23 Advice for South Africans considering Hungary36:55 Becoming a Hungarian citizen38:25 Travelling around Europe40:00 Committing to your new life abroad41:28 Braai, biltong and staying South AfricanCONNECT WITH THE RELOCATED SOUTH AFRICANwww.therelocatedsouthafrican.comListen to The Relocated South African on Spotify, YouTube and all major podcast platforms.If Connor's story resonated with you, please share this episode with another South African living abroad.

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