Missed Part 1 of my journey? Read about what the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship means for me.

In Part 2, I’ve also collected a few tips on how to submit a successful application.

Do you have any questions? You can also email me.

My Experience So Far: Growth Beyond Imagination

Now, if you’re reading my blog and you want to inform me, “Sarah, I’ve already passed all these steps!” well then, congratulations! You must be wondering about my current experience as someone who has been a scholarship student for almost three years. I’m here to tell you that it has been a unique experience. Living in Hungary as a scholarship student has been a blessing.

Here’s a quick glimpse of how my life has been so far:

Academic Excellence at ELTE

I’m pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Kindergarten Education at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE), and the experience has been beyond what I imagined. Not only am I receiving world-class education, but I’m also growing in ways I never thought possible, and I am rediscovering my limits, boundaries and who I really am all over again.

The Hungarian Language Course

I must admit, hearing about the Hungarian language course at first sounded like a tough task. But let me tell you, that one-year mandatory language course was a game-changer for me. It gave me a deeper connection to the language and, even more importantly, to Hungary’s culture and traditions. While I’m not yet fluent (Not even near it to be honest), yet I somehow gained this random boost of confidence to use Hungarian in everyday situations, which is so stressful, funny but also rewarding. You’d be surprised at how much people appreciate it when I say, “Jó napot kívánok” (Good day). It’s small, but there is always a new reaction appearing on people’s faces that makes me even more excited and encouraged to use the language even more often.

Cultural Immersion

Living in Hungary for me feels like stepping into a postcard every day. The cobblestone streets, historic landmarks, and endless greenery make every day feel magical. As a nature lover, I can’t find words to truly capture its beauty. Winter, though, holds a special place in my heart. Growing up in Egypt, I adored the season but had never seen snow before. Hungary gave me my first snowfall, and with it, a moment I’ll never forget. That unshakable joy deepened my love for winter in ways I can’t explain and got me attached to being here. Thanks to the scholarship, I’ve had the chance to embrace this beautiful culture, landscape, grow as a person, and create unforgettable memories.

The Challenges: Every Road Has Its Cracks

Of course, things haven’t been completely perfect for me. Studying abroad comes with its share of challenges for me they were mostly cultural differences and having to adjust to them, managing academic pressure, and missing home and family. But instead of seeing these as setbacks, I’ve learned to embrace them as opportunities for growth. Each challenge has taught me something new about myself and helped me become more resilient and adaptable.

The global network of Stipendium Hungaricum scholars has been a huge support, too. Knowing that I’m not alone on this journey and reading their stories has been comforting and motivating. It’s also helped me form connections that I categorise as invaluable.

Final Thoughts: Your Story Awaits

If you’re reading this and wondering whether you should apply, my answer is simple: Do it.

This scholarship wasn’t just about financial assistance for me, it was my opportunity to:

• Earn a world-class education in the heart of Europe.
• Immerse myself in a rich and unique culture.
• Build a global network of collaborators and take on new roles such as my current international ambassador role
• Gain experiences that have shaped my future in ways that are unexplainable

The whole process may seem long and far but trust me, it’s an investment in your future. And if you’re willing to take that leap, the rewards are limitless.

As I reflect on everything I’ve learned and experienced, I’m constantly reminded of how life-changing this journey has been. Every step, every challenge, and every triumph has contributed to my growth. I’ve come so far, and I know the journey is far from over.

And who knows? One day, I might be reading your blog, a story about how the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship changed your life. Because that’s the beauty of this scholarship. Thousands of students embark on this journey, but each story is unique. Each story is worth telling, and each one leads to success.