Elene Navrozashvili, a graduate of Corvinus University of Budapest, reflects on her transformative academic journey in Hungary. Honoured with the prestigious Stipendium Hungaricum Excellence Award, Elene shares how her time in Budapest was defined not only by academic achievement but by connection, purpose, and a commitment to give back—both to her home country of Georgia and the global community she’s now part of.
From Arrival to Achievement
Two years ago, I arrived in Hungary with a suitcase full of dreams and a heart full of purpose. Today, I graduate with honours, memories, friendships across the globe, and one of the greatest honours I could have imagined - the Stipendium Hungaricum Excellence Award. Out of nearly 12,000 international students across 90 countries, I was the only master’s student at Corvinus University to receive this recognition in 2024. That photo - the one I’m sharing - is more than a moment. It’s a milestone. But this story isn’t just about awards. It’s about connection, growth, and what comes next.
Hungary: A Second Home
Hungary became more than my host country - it became a second home. At Corvinus University, I wasn’t just a student; I was a voice, a mentor, a bridge. As a Corvinus Ambassador and member of the International Students Advisory Board, I helped prospective students find their paths, spoke up for those who needed to be heard, and contributed to building a more inclusive, globally-minded university community.
Excellence Without Borders
Being supported by both the Georgian and Hungarian governments through dual scholarships reinforced a powerful truth: excellence has no borders. These opportunities gave me more than financial support - they gave me responsibility, drive, and a platform to make an impact.
“And now? Now it’s time to give back.”
My next step is to return to Georgia, carrying with me not only a prestigious degree in International Economy and Business, but a mission: to contribute to my country’s economic growth by attracting investments, building global partnerships, and shining a spotlight on Georgia’s potential in the international business landscape.
“But no matter where I go - Hungary will always travel with me.”
I plan to stay connected to my Hungarian experience through the global alumni network, by mentoring future scholarship holders, collaborating on international initiatives, and keeping the friendships that shaped my journey alive - not just through WhatsApp chats and reunions, but through shared dreams and future projects. I want to serve as a connector between Georgian and Hungarian academic and professional communities - and I’m ready.
What It Means to Be an Alumnus
It means honoring where I come from, carrying forward what I’ve learned, and making sure the doors that opened for me stay open for others. It means remembering the cafés in Budapest where ideas came to life, the professors who challenged me, and the peers who became family. It means knowing I belong - not just to a university or a country, but to a shared vision of progress, unity, and excellence.
We connect. We belong. We go forward - together.
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