"I’m currently a student at Budapest University of Economics and Business, where I completed my bachelor’s degree in Tourism and Catering. After that, I decided to carry on studying here and went on to get a master’s degree in Tourism Management in the English language programme.
Thanks to this, I was lucky enough to get the chance to study abroad as part of the Pannónia Scholarship Programme. I had always thought how great it would be to travel around the world, so when one of my professors kindly helped me to apply for a scholarship, I was delighted to take the opportunity."
What made you choose this specific country and this university?
"I looked through all the universities I could choose from during the application process.
That’s when I found Spain and the University of Les Roches, which is well-known in the hospitality and hotel industry. You know, this was my top pick ever since I started out in this area, and I’m set to keep going down this path in the years to come.
So, it just seemed like the perfect opportunity to give my CV a bit of a boost! I’m currently studying here in the programme for International Hotel Management, and I’m loving it!"
What did you find most challenging at the beginning? How did you overcome it, if you did?
"The courses are all in English, and I am the only one from Hungary in my class, which is made up of people from all over the world. So, the biggest challenge was to find a way to fit in with a group of people who already knew each other. Also, I had no idea what to expect in terms of accommodation or my roommates, but fortunately everything turned out really well."
How studying there compares to your experience back at BGE?
"Courses can be a bit of a challenge, and there’s a lot of work to get through: groupwork, projects, individual assignments… Lectures move relatively quickly with the material, but lessons are still meaningful. I take lots of notes and try to pay attention in the classes because 45 minutes just fly by while the teachers are telling stories. Here, one class is 45 minutes long but sometimes there are two lessons in a row on the same subject. I have classes every day from 1 pm until 6 pm, and my weekends are free.
To my greatest surprise, I am having an exciting time, and I can’t think of anything negative so far. My first two weeks were absolutely fantastic, and I’m sure the rest of the semester will be just as amazing."
Where do you live? Do you have any roommates? Did you have any trouble finding a place, or was it smooth sailing?
"The place is excellent! The university owns three “student accommodation” buildings which are basically like four-storey residential blocks in Budapest. So, finding a place to stay was a breeze since the university offered this option. The flat has a living room, a kitchen, two bathrooms and two rooms for two students each. I share a flat with three other students from India who are also studying the same major. I am glad things turned out this way because they really helped me a lot at the beginning with everything: how things work here, what to pay attention to in school or what the rules are."
What is the best thing, the biggest positive surprise that has happened to you so far here?
"I feel so comfortable at the university, everyone is friendly, helpful, and welcoming. They made me feel at ease from the very first moment. I joined a close-knit group, but I settled into it very quickly and this was a great feeling. We go out, play tennis and work out together, if there is a party at the university, we also go there
together. I think the community is stronger here than at home."
What advice would you give to those who are thinking of studying abroad? What would you say to them?
"If you’re considering studying abroad and seeing the world, I’d really encourage you to apply! And don’t worry about being accepted or about people looking at you strangely. I’m sure you’ll find that you are made to feel welcome! My experience is that a new member is always welcome!
Take advantage of the opportunities offered by the Pannónia Scholarship Programme. It’s such an awesome experience.I am so grateful for how this turned out and I truly believe I made the right decision."