My name is Hassan Tanveer Virk. I am studying International Relations at ELTE under the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship. I have a keen interest in diplomacy and International Affairs. When I arrived in Budapest from Pakistan, I was happy but uncertain. As with many international students, I was entering a completely new environment with a different culture, language, academic system and daily routines. Today, while looking back, I can say with certainty that my decision to study at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
My journey at ELTE has been more than just academic. It’s been about growth, community, and finding opportunities and new experiences. What impressed me most regarding ELTE was the remarkably international environment. Since my first semester, I have met students from different countries, cultures and backgrounds. These interactions broadened my perspective and created friendships that extend far beyond the classroom. Being part of such a diverse community has taught me the importance of intercultural understanding and cooperation, skills which are essential in today’s interconnected world.
As I got more involved in university life, I sought opportunities to give back to the student community. Then I joined the HÖOK Mentor Program where I help new international students to get used to life in Hungary and ELTE. I understand how daunting it can be to move to a new country, so to be able to help others through that transition has been especially rewarding. I have learnt how valuable peer support can be, whether it’s answering questions about university procedures or just helping someone settle into a new environment. Apart from student representation, ELTE has offered opportunities to develop practical skills and gain professional experience. For the past 2 years, I have worked as a Summer School Coordinator and organised activities and provided support to international participants. This experience enabled me to meet students from all over the world and to improve my communication, organisation, and problem-solving skills.
ELTE has opened doors for me beyond university activities. I am a Policy Intern at the Embassy of Pakistan in Budapest. My time at ELTE has been very helpful in preparing me for this opportunity, developing my communication skills, confidence and intercultural understanding
But then again, if I am completely honest with myself, some of my most cherished memories have been those which have been simple yet wonderful. The time I spent walking around the college campus amidst falling leaves. The discovery of hidden coffee shops in Budapest with friends after class sessions. Participating in various cultural festivals alongside international students. Watching the city change during the Christmas season. Sitting beside the Danube River and realising how much I have changed from when I first arrived there. And through all these experiences, I realised that studying abroad is more than simply pursuing a degree.
In retrospect, I see that ELTE has become much more than just my university. It is where I learnt to go out of my comfort zone, where I discovered the possibilities for myself in terms of giving something to the diverse community and where I realised that growth usually comes unexpectedly. That evening on the bank of the Danube River, amidst Christmas lights and the city that was gradually turning into home, I could not possibly imagine what was to come. But today, sitting in the same place, I do not consider myself to be a stranger anymore; rather, I am an active member of the community. This is the greatest gift I have received from my experience at ELTE.
As I pursue my education at ELTE, I bring not only academic knowledge, but also experience and memories which have made me who I am today. I thank the University for all the chances which it has given me and look forward to making my own contributions to its dynamic international student body. ELTE is not merely the place where I study, but also where I have matured and belonged.