Advice on moving abroad

frater_domus · Apr 1, 2018

Here it is. The big one. I was urged by the Spirit to abandon economics after my degree. Ever since then I decided I wanted to go into medicine and work with terminally ill patients (palliative medicine). God must have had a hand in this, for not only did He help me overcome my laziness, but I was also able to learn all the things needed to ace various entrance exams, despite never learning any of it back in school. Praised be the Lord our God for His guidance and His mercy. Amen.

One university jumps out. It is a med school in Budapest. It seems to be well known, but what jumped out at me is how they value integrity, how professors mercilessly push the students for the first two years to filter out those who really have the drive to become doctors and then work with the students to achieve this goal. Not only does this challenge present a wonderful opportunity for glorifyig God by diligence, helping others and testifying of the Lord’s work should I make it through, but if what people say is correct, then it would make for a wonderful preparation as well.

However, it is in Budapest. As someone from Germany, who has never ever been to Hungary, I worry about several things. I would have to live there for six years if I manage to pull it through. There is a language barrier and a cultural barrier (albeit a minor one as Hungary is very friendly towards Austrians and Germans). My main concerns right now is it to find a godly community, maybe finding a long-term relationship with a godly woman and glorifying God. The former two would be strongly impeeded by me moving there, as I do not think I would remain there after finishing the degree.

An alternative would be Vienna. They speak German there and I know the city and it would be a place/country I would be prepared to stay in. However, nothing in particular jumps out about the university and choosing it would be solely for convenience.

Having said all that, worrying demonstrates a lack of faith. God steers a moving ship, so I wish to be prepared. My main question is, should I move to Budapest, a completely strange and new environment, what do I have to do to achieve the things mentioned above, breach the cultural barrier and open new pathways to serve God?

Oh, and if someone has an opinion of Austria vs Hungary, that would be awesome, although not as pertinent to the topic at hand

God bless.

Tom 1 · Apr 1, 2018

frater_domus said:
Here it is. The big one. I was urged by the Spirit to abandon economics after my degree. Ever since then I decided I wanted to go into medicine and work with terminally ill patients (palliative medicine). God must have had a hand in this, for not only did He help me overcome my laziness, but I was also able to learn all the things needed to ace various entrance exams, despite never learning any of it back in school. Praised be the Lord our God for His guidance and His mercy. Amen.

One university jumps out. It is a med school in Budapest. It seems to be well known, but what jumped out at me is how they value integrity, how professors mercilessly push the students for the first two years to filter out those who really have the drive to become doctors and then work with the students to achieve this goal. Not only does this challenge present a wonderful opportunity for glorifyig God by diligence, helping others and testifying of the Lord’s work should I make it through, but if what people say is correct, then it would make for a wonderful preparation as well.

However, it is in Budapest. As someone from Germany, who has never ever been to Hungary, I worry about several things. I would have to live there for six years if I manage to pull it through. There is a language barrier and a cultural barrier (albeit a minor one as Hungary is very friendly towards Austrians and Germans). My main concerns right now is it to find a godly community, maybe finding a long-term relationship with a godly woman and glorifying God. The former two would be strongly impeeded by me moving there, as I do not think I would remain there after finishing the degree.

An alternative would be Vienna. They speak German there and I know the city and it would be a place/country I would be prepared to stay in. However, nothing in particular jumps out about the university and choosing it would be solely for convenience.

Having said all that, worrying demonstrates a lack of faith. God steers a moving ship, so I wish to be prepared. My main question is, should I move to Budapest, a completely strange and new environment, what do I have to do to achieve the things mentioned above, breach the cultural barrier and open new pathways to serve God?

Oh, and if someone has an opinion of Austria vs Hungary, that would be awesome, although not as pertinent to the topic at hand

God bless.

Have you spent much time in Budapest? It’s a lovely city, maybe spending a few weeks there would help you decide. German is fairly widely spoken, maybe not enough for it to be easy to get by in the long term though. Hungarian is a tough language to learn. Would you be studying in English?

frater_domus · Apr 1, 2018

@Tom Farebrother - Nope, never been to Hungary in general. But yes, studies will be in English.

Tom 1 · Apr 1, 2018

frater_domus said:
@Tom Farebrother - Nope, never been to Hungary in general. But yes, studies will be in English.

It’s a fairly cheap place for a short holiday, might be worth visiting if you’re thinking of living there. I would say you have as much chance meeting Christians and a future partner there as anywhere else.

Andrew77 · Apr 1, 2018

frater_domus said:
Here it is. The big one. I was urged by the Spirit to abandon economics after my degree. Ever since then I decided I wanted to go into medicine and work with terminally ill patients (palliative medicine). God must have had a hand in this, for not only did He help me overcome my laziness, but I was also able to learn all the things needed to ace various entrance exams, despite never learning any of it back in school. Praised be the Lord our God for His guidance and His mercy. Amen.

One university jumps out. It is a med school in Budapest. It seems to be well known, but what jumped out at me is how they value integrity, how professors mercilessly push the students for the first two years to filter out those who really have the drive to become doctors and then work with the students to achieve this goal. Not only does this challenge present a wonderful opportunity for glorifyig God by diligence, helping others and testifying of the Lord’s work should I make it through, but if what people say is correct, then it would make for a wonderful preparation as well.

However, it is in Budapest. As someone from Germany, who has never ever been to Hungary, I worry about several things. I would have to live there for six years if I manage to pull it through. There is a language barrier and a cultural barrier (albeit a minor one as Hungary is very friendly towards Austrians and Germans). My main concerns right now is it to find a godly community, maybe finding a long-term relationship with a godly woman and glorifying God. The former two would be strongly impeeded by me moving there, as I do not think I would remain there after finishing the degree.

An alternative would be Vienna. They speak German there and I know the city and it would be a place/country I would be prepared to stay in. However, nothing in particular jumps out about the university and choosing it would be solely for convenience.

Having said all that, worrying demonstrates a lack of faith. God steers a moving ship, so I wish to be prepared. My main question is, should I move to Budapest, a completely strange and new environment, what do I have to do to achieve the things mentioned above, breach the cultural barrier and open new pathways to serve God?

Oh, and if someone has an opinion of Austria vs Hungary, that would be awesome, although not as pertinent to the topic at hand

God bless.

I would go to Budapest. I could be wrong but.... I think G-d knows what you need, and will provide those things as long as you keep walking forward, in faith. If it is not meant to be, then you will find that out in due time.

NothingIsImpossible · Apr 1, 2018

Me personally, I thought I could relatively handle traveling to another country. I'm american BTW. When I went to my wifes country I had no issue with what I seen and the culture really. But what I was not expecting is how frustrating it was since being in america I am spoiled by so much of what we have and do.

I know that answer isn't probably that useful but I guess my point is if you want to go there maybe visit for awhile first to see what its like. If you can handle it then move there. Though if you feed God is leading you there then obviously you won't have anything to worry about. God often leads us into places we often see as a struggle at first.

BrotherDave · Apr 2, 2018

frater_domus said:
Here it is. The big one. I was urged by the Spirit to abandon economics after my degree. Ever since then I decided I wanted to go into medicine and work with terminally ill patients (palliative medicine). God must have had a hand in this, for not only did He help me overcome my laziness, but I was also able to learn all the things needed to ace various entrance exams, despite never learning any of it back in school. Praised be the Lord our God for His guidance and His mercy. Amen.

One university jumps out. It is a med school in Budapest. It seems to be well known, but what jumped out at me is how they value integrity, how professors mercilessly push the students for the first two years to filter out those who really have the drive to become doctors and then work with the students to achieve this goal. Not only does this challenge present a wonderful opportunity for glorifyig God by diligence, helping others and testifying of the Lord’s work should I make it through, but if what people say is correct, then it would make for a wonderful preparation as well.

However, it is in Budapest. As someone from Germany, who has never ever been to Hungary, I worry about several things. I would have to live there for six years if I manage to pull it through. There is a language barrier and a cultural barrier (albeit a minor one as Hungary is very friendly towards Austrians and Germans). My main concerns right now is it to find a godly community, maybe finding a long-term relationship with a godly woman and glorifying God. The former two would be strongly impeeded by me moving there, as I do not think I would remain there after finishing the degree.

An alternative would be Vienna. They speak German there and I know the city and it would be a place/country I would be prepared to stay in. However, nothing in particular jumps out about the university and choosing it would be solely for convenience.

Having said all that, worrying demonstrates a lack of faith. God steers a moving ship, so I wish to be prepared. My main question is, should I move to Budapest, a completely strange and new environment, what do I have to do to achieve the things mentioned above, breach the cultural barrier and open new pathways to serve God?

Oh, and if someone has an opinion of Austria vs Hungary, that would be awesome, although not as pertinent to the topic at hand

God bless.

How exciting! I lived in Switzerland for a couple years and have travelled to Budapest, Austria and Germany as well. Also Japan and China most recently. I speak some German and little French but found that most people speak English very well. Especially those younger than say 40. Most of the time had little communication problems. Most challenging though was at work discussing technical (engineering) things.

If I were in your shoes, I would do a lot of praying and research on the area. As mentioned, it’s a good idea take a holiday there if you can. Scout out the candidate communities, just walking around and checking out community events can tell you a lot. If you go, maybe rent a flat on a short-term basis so you can move around until you find an area you are happy with. Once in school I’m sure you’ll meet people who will be a helpful resource

Follow your heart, for me I’d jump at the opportunity God has brought you. And although you probably can’t imagine it, 6 years will pass pretty quickly. The key I think to breach the culture barrier is to be humble and respectful of the locals. Be interested in their ways… BUT, always keep God’s ways first. Don’t fall victim to enticing ungodly things that will present themselves.

I imagine your studies will keep you pretty busy but with regards to meeting a woman. I would not worry about it. God has plans for everyone and when the time is right you’ll meet her if it is meant to be. Just keep in mind that marriage is until death parts the couple (2 Cor 6:14-18, 1 Corinth 7:39) . So it is important that during the dating process you make sure your beliefs are the same. If they are not, do not count on reaching an agreement as the years pass. This rarely happens and what results could be you falling away as you try to please your wife. (Deut 7:3, 4). Also, keep in mind that while being married has benefits so does being single (1 Cor 7:26,27). God works in all situations.

As a skier, I prefer Austria but I think Budapest would be a great educational experience. Either way, God works in us to will and do of His good pleasure (Phil 2:13) so whatever decision you make, you can be sure God will be at work. Just be sure to keep him front and center.

frater_domus · Apr 2, 2018

Prayer is always a good place to start. You see, I lack discernment right now. However, it may also be the case that it matters little to God which way I choose. Both would lead to His glory.

The reason I am primarily focused on Budapest is because Vienna isn’t certain. I passed the entrance examination for Budapest, but Vienna is due in July. In fact, I tried Vienna last year with little hope of passing seeing as I was still at work with my previous degree. It was close, but I knew well in advance that I failed. God told me. However, the message wasn’t that Vienna isn’t for me. The message was that I was not spiritually prepared to leave. After examining my thoughts, He was right (duh!).
You see, I changed a lot since accepting Christ and many people I hang out with and many things I did I find downright repulsive and uncomfortable. I am looking for a new start. And God said I may, but not before learning diligence, accepting responsibility and fixing things up in my family. A year passed and now I do not get the feeling that I am fleeing, but that I am prepared to leave. This is probably also why God gave me the ability to work well and pass several exams with relative ease.

Maybe things will become apparent in some way, like me not passing the exam in Vienna. But for now, it is yet unclear, which is why I am asking about Budapest and generally about moving abroad, seeing as this would be a far bigger change for me

For now, I asked my parents for a trip to Budapest. They promised me a hiking trip upon completion of the examinations, but I’d rather go to Budapest and have a look at the university and city. This was great advice. I wouldn’t have thought of that

frater_domus · May 10, 2018

*sigh* I think I know God’s will and I know it to be right... but it makes me angry Oo

The way the deadlines are, I will know the results for Vienna one week before the payment deadline for Budapest and one month prior to the start of term. I could gamle to get to Vienna, but risk not getting a good accommodation in Budapest as well as not being prepared when it comes to studying.

But thinking about Budapest makes me angry. Why is that, I wondered. Well, it turns out that deep within me, I am not prepared to give up the conveniences of Vienna. I have already finished a degree in Germany and I know what universities in Germany and Austria are like, for the most part. Pretty lax.
Well, I just found out what univetsity in Budapest is like. Oath at the start of term, weekly tests on top of an examination and poor performance in those tests will get you excluded from the exam, compulsory attendance and other things. You know, how university should be.
I am lazy though, and doing well in a uni like that will be tough, on top of learning the language...

But I feel like it is the right way to go. I dislike that I am so lazy and undisciplined. What better way to become diligent and disciplined than to undergo such a drastic change in lifestyle.
I prayed for those traits and I feel like that is God’s answer. I may not like it, but I feel like it is correct.
So wouldn’t it be better to abandon the gamble for Vienna and instead start preparing for Budapest, learning Hungarian and start to get on with all the required paperwork? I believe it is.

The fact that this hurts so much tells me that it right. No way I can change myself while staying within my comfort zone

By the way, I have been doing research and found an International Baptist Church in Budapest. This makes me happy, as there will be no language barrier and I am positively inclined toward the Baptists

LoricaLady · May 11, 2018

frater_domus said:
Here it is. The big one. I was urged by the Spirit to abandon economics after my degree. Ever since then I decided I wanted to go into medicine and work with terminally ill patients (palliative medicine). God must have had a hand in this, for not only did He help me overcome my laziness, but I was also able to learn all the things needed to ace various entrance exams, despite never learning any of it back in school. Praised be the Lord our God for His guidance and His mercy. Amen.

One university jumps out. It is a med school in Budapest. It seems to be well known, but what jumped out at me is how they value integrity, how professors mercilessly push the students for the first two years to filter out those who really have the drive to become doctors and then work with the students to achieve this goal. Not only does this challenge present a wonderful opportunity for glorifyig God by diligence, helping others and testifying of the Lord’s work should I make it through, but if what people say is correct, then it would make for a wonderful preparation as well.

However, it is in Budapest. As someone from Germany, who has never ever been to Hungary, I worry about several things. I would have to live there for six years if I manage to pull it through. There is a language barrier and a cultural barrier (albeit a minor one as Hungary is very friendly towards Austrians and Germans). My main concerns right now is it to find a godly community, maybe finding a long-term relationship with a godly woman and glorifying God. The former two would be strongly impeeded by me moving there, as I do not think I would remain there after finishing the degree.

An alternative would be Vienna. They speak German there and I know the city and it would be a place/country I would be prepared to stay in. However, nothing in particular jumps out about the university and choosing it would be solely for convenience.

Having said all that, worrying demonstrates a lack of faith. God steers a moving ship, so I wish to be prepared. My main question is, should I move to Budapest, a completely strange and new environment, what do I have to do to achieve the things mentioned above, breach the cultural barrier and open new pathways to serve God?

Oh, and if someone has an opinion of Austria vs Hungary, that would be awesome, although not as pertinent to the topic at hand

God bless.

It would seem you are young and healthy. I would recommend a 24 hour only fast, therefore, with prayer for guidance.

Advice on moving abroad

frater_domus

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Tom 1

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frater_domus

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Tom 1

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NothingIsImpossible

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frater_domus

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frater_domus

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