The time has come to introduce our international alumni volunteer team with 34 people from 17 countries speaking 23 different languages. In this chapter of our volunteer series, you can read Raghawendra Sisodia’s story from India! He did his doctoral research in Hungary between 2017-2021 at the University of Miskolc, and now he continues his academic carrier.
Why did you choose Hungary and the University of Miskolc?
From the beginning, my interest topic in the field of Mechanical Engineering was welding technology. I was searching for universities, where the research opportunities particularly focused on this field and the best laboratory infrastructure was available. I came across the call for Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Program, and I felt that the University of Miskolc is the best for my fields of interest, and it is the right place for my higher studies. I felt extremely honoured for receiving the scholarship which also boosts my confidence and inspiration to realize my dream. Also, the quality of the Hungarian higher education is one of the bests, the laboratory and the infrastructure are superb and the research opportunities are great. The living costs are relatively low compared to the rest of Europe.
My postgraduate study at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering & Informatics majoring in CAD/CAM, and the work in an advanced welding laboratory at this university was a very worthwhile experience for me. This helped me to decide to continue my studies on a PhD level (specialised in the field of high energy beam welding technology) in Hungary and to rediscover my strengths and skills for my professional career. The professors are highly qualified, research-oriented and helpful, they encourage the students for research. The Hungarian PhD course is unique and provides new perspectives on fundamental scientific issues, and contributes to sustainability and economic development. The institution provides good facilities: a great laboratory for experiments and research with lab staff support, and also the latest software and materials. We also had supervisor consultation on regular basis to review the progress in PhD research.
The dormitory facility on the university campus is incredible. I am fully pleased with all of the services that Bolyai Kollegium provides. The hostel is at a perfect location surrounded by hills and lush greenery and has all the necessities as well as the luxuries that one needs.
How did you like your studies?
It has been a wonderful experience studying in Hungary. The country has a high-quality higher education that is internationally competitive and meets the demand of highly qualified professionals. The Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship provides a unique and exclusive opportunity to meet people from different countries through various cultural traditions, events and programs. It provides a global platform for gaining an invaluable international experience and friends beyond the borders, from all around the world.
How did you like the country?
Well, it is so hard to describe the beauty of Hungary, but each word used for this gorgeous country stands true. The people, the culture, and the everyday traditions of this country are all unique. Hungary has brought a sense of curiosity, excitement, and happiness to each day while it has also strengthened my knowledge. Hungary has a diversity of beautiful architectural buildings (e.g. the Hungarian Parliament, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Széchenyi Chain Bridge), spectacular natural hot spring spa baths (e.g: Miskolctapolca Cave Bath, Rudas Bath), wine regions, the Lake Balaton, and mesmerizing natural parks (Bükk National Park, Aggtelek National Park, Lillafüred etc.) in the heart of Europe. This spectacular exquisiteness depicts the never-ending beauty of Hungary. People are so kind, helping and well-spoken.
Did you have any difficulties with the Hungarian culture? What was that and how did you handle it?
In the beginning, the International relation office (IRO) of the University of Miskolc provided huge support in the official paper documentation, and the mentors and colleagues at the university also help a lot in various things. The only difficulty I have faced during my studies is the language barrier. In the capital, Budapest, the vast majority of people speak English but further in other cities it is different. However, in the last 4 years, the situation has changed completely and has become quite easy to chat with locals in those cities too. I want to learn and speak Hungarian, but it is quite a difficult language, still, I try it.
How does the Hungarian culture differ from the Indian culture?
Both countries have their rich cultural heritage. I would like to give two examples of the difference in the cultures of the two countries. Firstly, in Indian culture, joint families are common however nuclear families are also there. Conversely in Hungarian culture, small families are more common. Secondly, we know that the exchange of gifts is a key part of many cultures. I observed that in Hungary people give wine on various occasions, while in India people usually give sweets when they visit someone or on any auspicious occasion. However, I would like to give one very common similarity: both Hungarian and Indian people are very warm welcoming to their guests, value hospitality, and pay the highest regard to their guests. Indian people live by the popular saying, “Atithi Devo Bhava” which means that the “Guest is God's guest” which is a mantra taken from one of the famous Indian holy books “the Taittiriya Upanishad”.
You are among the alumni volunteers. Why did you apply for that position? What's your task and how do you manage it? What do you think about the Alumni Network Hungary?
I like volunteering and had a great experience studying in Hungary, so I tried my best to take out time and to take up this challenging task in volunteering. Being an Alumni Volunteer, I have participated in the workshops organised by the International Alumni Network at Tempus Public Foundation. I was involved in several tasks, like blog writing short and long articles for “Study in Hungary” and for other social media platforms. I also conducted several interviews with notable alumni and helped to set up an international alumni network at the university.
Alumni Network Hungary is one of the best and unique initiatives that brings together all the old students, professors and staff, and promotes a sense of belonging to the Alma Mater among the Alumni. It helps to create a strong social bond, broadens opportunities for the incoming students, strengthens relationships with the university, and provides lifelong learning experiences, personal growth and development.
What's your plan for the future?
Since I have previous industrial experience abroad and teaching experience both in India and in Hungary with strong dedication in research, I have decided to continue my career in teaching and research at the University of Miskolc, Hungary. I would like to share specialised knowledge among students, encourage them to participate in research activities, and guide them to potential directions for research. Also, I would like to enhance my skills to understand and utilise new technologies and software in the field of high energy beam welding. I would like to continue my research activities, publish journals, and excel in my field of expertise. Besides being an international Alumni volunteer, I have been nominated for DOSZ (Hungarian PhD association for PhD/DLA) ambassador to represent Indian PhD researchers in Hungary. I appreciate that these platforms allowed me to share my experience, which would guide fellow researchers from India and from other parts of the world.