Studying Abroad Made Me More Independent
Studying Abroad Made Me More Independent
An interview with Yana Konovalova, a University of Tyumen student and participant of the Stipendium Hungaricum program
— Yana, why did you decide to take part in a student mobility program?
— I had always dreamed of studying abroad and practicing a foreign language in everyday life. Moving to Hungary gave me the opportunity to make new friends and become more independent.
— Do you have to be a state-funded student to participate in international mobility programs?
— No, that is not required. I was a tuition-paying student when I applied.
— What skills or qualifications are needed to join such a program?
— Primarily, you need a certificate proving your knowledge of English and a good academic record. Volunteer experience or participation in social projects is also an advantage.
— Why did you choose Hungary?
— Hungary is located in the heart of Europe, with a mild climate, a friendly mentality, and many opportunities for travel and career prospects after graduation. Moving here made me much more active: there are countless opportunities for hiking, running, and enjoying a vibrant student life.
— Which university did you choose, and was there much choice?
— I am studying at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) in the English and American Studies program. However, there were more than 200 universities in Hungary to choose from.
— Did you face any personal fears about moving, even temporarily, to another country? How long did it take to adapt?
— Yes, at first I was afraid of losing contact with my friends and not making new ones. However, Budapest is such a youthful and lively city that it is impossible to feel lonely here.
— What was your favorite subject?
— My favorite subject was, and still is, English phonetics. The professors have beautiful British pronunciation and teach us to acquire it as well.
— How does studying at a Hungarian university differ from your experience at the University of Tyumen?
— It is a little more challenging in Hungary because everything is in English. There are more assignments, readings, and projects. But this only makes the process more engaging: you begin to understand what truly interests you in your field.
— Have you had the chance to interact with international students?
— Yes, I communicate daily with classmates from France, Italy, the United States, Jordan… Many of them have become my friends.
— Were there any Russian students in your program?
— Yes, there are four other Russian students in my field of study.
— Did your study abroad experience meet your expectations? Were there any challenges?
— Absolutely! It was the best experience for anyone who has ever dreamed of living abroad and broadening their opportunities. Of course, there were temporary challenges with paperwork and occasional homesickness, but I can confidently say that it was worth it.
Background
Stipendium Hungaricum is a state scholarship program launched by the Government of Hungary in 2013. It provides students from more than 80 countries with the opportunity to pursue bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees at Hungarian universities. The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend.
Why is academic mobility important?
Academic mobility programs help students adapt to multicultural environments, develop intercultural communication and critical thinking skills, and increase their competitiveness in the global job market. Studying abroad fosters open-mindedness, flexibility, and the ability to work effectively in international teams.
— I had always dreamed of studying abroad and practicing a foreign language in everyday life. Moving to Hungary gave me the opportunity to make new friends and become more independent.
— Do you have to be a state-funded student to participate in international mobility programs?
— No, that is not required. I was a tuition-paying student when I applied.
— What skills or qualifications are needed to join such a program?
— Primarily, you need a certificate proving your knowledge of English and a good academic record. Volunteer experience or participation in social projects is also an advantage.
— Why did you choose Hungary?
— Hungary is located in the heart of Europe, with a mild climate, a friendly mentality, and many opportunities for travel and career prospects after graduation. Moving here made me much more active: there are countless opportunities for hiking, running, and enjoying a vibrant student life.
— Which university did you choose, and was there much choice?
— I am studying at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) in the English and American Studies program. However, there were more than 200 universities in Hungary to choose from.
— Did you face any personal fears about moving, even temporarily, to another country? How long did it take to adapt?
— Yes, at first I was afraid of losing contact with my friends and not making new ones. However, Budapest is such a youthful and lively city that it is impossible to feel lonely here.
— What was your favorite subject?
— My favorite subject was, and still is, English phonetics. The professors have beautiful British pronunciation and teach us to acquire it as well.
— How does studying at a Hungarian university differ from your experience at the University of Tyumen?
— It is a little more challenging in Hungary because everything is in English. There are more assignments, readings, and projects. But this only makes the process more engaging: you begin to understand what truly interests you in your field.
— Have you had the chance to interact with international students?
— Yes, I communicate daily with classmates from France, Italy, the United States, Jordan… Many of them have become my friends.
— Were there any Russian students in your program?
— Yes, there are four other Russian students in my field of study.
— Did your study abroad experience meet your expectations? Were there any challenges?
— Absolutely! It was the best experience for anyone who has ever dreamed of living abroad and broadening their opportunities. Of course, there were temporary challenges with paperwork and occasional homesickness, but I can confidently say that it was worth it.
Background
Stipendium Hungaricum is a state scholarship program launched by the Government of Hungary in 2013. It provides students from more than 80 countries with the opportunity to pursue bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees at Hungarian universities. The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend.
Why is academic mobility important?
Academic mobility programs help students adapt to multicultural environments, develop intercultural communication and critical thinking skills, and increase their competitiveness in the global job market. Studying abroad fosters open-mindedness, flexibility, and the ability to work effectively in international teams.