The time has come to introduce our international alumni volunteer team with 34 people from 17 countries speaking 23 different languages. In the third chapter of our volunteer series, you can read Busha Atfeh’s story from Syria! She is doing her PhD in Hungary at ELTE and now she’s in her last academic year to pursue the degree.
Why did you choose Hungary and ELTE university?
I have a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences from Damascus University. This branch was newly operated and due to civil war and sanctions on my country,and my opportunities to continue my studies abroad were limited. However, the Hungarian government gives us a chance with the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship. I chose to study at ELTE because I found the specialization which I was searching for. It was a master’s degree in Environmental Sciences in 2018.
How did you like your studies? What was your favourite memory during your studies?
Everything has pros and cons. Environmental Sciences Master's degree program was newly operated, so for some professors working with international students was so new that is why I was expected to have more practice and projects. My favourite memory during my master's study was when as a freshmen, we went for a five days scientific trip around Hungary.
How did you like the country?
Hungary is located in the centre of Europe. Budapest is really a charming city. The bridges, architectural landmarks, hills, and parks all these stunning landscapes take you to another world. What I liked the most in this country is public transport because you can move easily without any difficulties at any time of the day.
Did you have any difficulties with the Hungarian culture? What was that and how did you handle it?
Since the older generation in Hungary does not speak English very well, they cannot open for foreigners. However, I met sometimes with old people on the street who smile on me even though we did not talk to each other. Also, the new generation is very open-minded concerning different cultures.
How does the Hungarian culture differ from the Syrian culture?
Hungary is an Eastern European country that why it does not differ from my culture too much. Sometimes I feel myself at home.
You are among 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 love volunteering and I love to meet people from different countries and to discover more about other cultures that is why I have chosen to volunteer at the Alumni Network Hungary. My role is to help in organizing events and write some content about the alumni networks on social media but in the pandemic season it was challenging to do it and many events cancelled. But I hope for next academic year everything will be better.