Gulsaule Kairat

Study program: Doctoral School of Education

Country: Kazakhstan

Period of studies at ELTE: 2016.09.05 - 2020.07.31

“ELTE will be the best choice: a wide range of degree programs, highly qualified lecturers and professors, excellent libraries, different sports and cultural events.”

Why ELTE?

"Learning is like food, ingest it and it will enrich the human being: unlike food, it is difficult to have too much", noted Peter Jarvis, Professor of Continuing Education. My purpose for seeking a doctoral degree was to broaden my knowledge of theory and research methods. And ELTE met all of my expectations.

ELTE is one of the outstanding universities in Europe, with its almost four century's rich and magnificent history. This University is among the top 500 higher education institutions over the world and among the top 250 higher education institutions in Europe. Unquestionably, your choice will be ELTE where you can find the widest educational programs and the largest scientific establishment in Hungary.

What do you like most about being a student at ELTE?

As ELTE is a research-based university, we had a variety of courses which dealt with main research methods and tools. That was a good opportunity and experience for the start of my early research steps. Apart from being a student, I'm taking great enjoyment in staying in the most amazing city in Europe: Budapest is a paradise for explorers. Each visitor will be enchanted by its splendid history and architecture, wonderful culture and people, and breathtaking nature.

What are the challenges in your study program?

I think that all of the international students, coming from different countries and cultures, with different backgrounds and contexts, face various kinds of challenges when arriving to quite a new country. First and foremost, there is the language barrier. Basic documents at the department, some of the regulations, guidelines, announcements in the Neptun system were in Hungarian which was a little complication. But every problem is solvable: coordinators, managers of the program and teachers at the department are really regardful, helpful and mindful.

How do you think your degree will help you in your life and career?

Studying abroad has the following benefits. Firstly, you develop significant cross-cultural communication skills, life experiences and personal developments which will expand your horizon. Secondly, you gain and elaborate your pedagogical and content knowledge in your research field which will be a source of wider innovation and economic growth in your home country. These are the main keys for landing a desirable job in the future.

Do you have any recommendations for future students at ELTE?

Dear Student, be confident, patient and positive! Don't be afraid to receive any kind of challenges in a new country. Fear is a limiting factor. Every challenge in our life is a big lesson.

Be motivated and persistent in order to achieve your goals.

ELTE will be the best choice: a wide range of degree programs, highly qualified lecturers and professors, excellent libraries, different sports and cultural events.

You will love studying at ELTE and enjoy Budapest! Good Luck!