Farah Ayed

Study program: Mechanical Engineering BSc

Country: Tunisia

Hi! I’m Farah from Tunisia. I come from a lovely city by the sea. In my free time, I love singing in my own language, listening to French songs (my playlist starts from the 1920s!), cooking, and reading about material science.

"ELTE stands out for its rich history, academic excellence, and vibrant international community."

WHAT STOOD OUT TO YOU ABOUT ELTE?

ELTE stands out for its rich history, academic excellence, and vibrant international community. It’s one of the oldest universities in Hungary, and its reputation for quality education and research is truly impressive.

WHAT MAKES STUDYING AT ELTE SO GREAT?

Studying at ELTE is a great opportunity because of its diverse programs, experienced faculty, and also the chance to meet people from all over the world. The university offers a mix of tradition and innovation, making it a unique place to grow academically and personally.

WHAT ARE / WERE YOUR CHALLENGES IN YOUR STUDY PROGRAM?

I had some problems adapting to a new academic system, especially with a grading system totally different from my home country. Managing time between studies and personal life during my first semester was also very hard for me. It’s true that you can survive studying without learning Hungarian, but when dealing with people, I faced a language barrier.

HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THESE CHALLENGES?

I overcame these challenges by staying organized. I also didn’t hesitate to ask for help from professors and peers, and I used resources like study groups or online tools. I tried to stay motivated and keep a positive mindset. For the language barrier, I learned some greeting words and basic phrases, which helped me communicate a little with locals. Translation tools were also a great solution for me. People here are very kind and helpful.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE ELTE IN THREE WORDS?

Historic, innovative, inspiring.

HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR DEGREE WILL HELP YOU IN YOUR LIFE AND CAREER?

A degree in mechanical engineering would open doors to global career opportunities in different engineering fields, it’s a very diverse major! I can do aerospace, aeronautics, vehicles and automatics, manufacturing, project management etc. I think it gives me the freedom to choose what I want to do with my career and to discover the engineering field that interests me the most.

DO YOU HAVE ANY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE STUDENTS AT ELTE?

Future students should embrace the experience fully get involved in campus activities, connect with peers, and explore Budapest. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed, and make the most of the resources ELTE offers. Balance hard work with fun, and enjoy the journey, it’s totally worth it.