Joren Brouns
Country: Belgium
Home Institution:
Scholarship:
Period of studies at ELTE: 2013.09.01 - 2014.01.31
“I was intrigued by the Hungarian high-qualified professors who all had their own way of conveying their knowledge. ELTE gave me the opportunity to enrol in courses I had never even heard of and were surprisingly eye-opening.”
Why ELTE?
The first time I visited Budapest was during a city trip in February 2013. I instantly fell in love with Hungary’s most authentic metropolis. I simply cannot explain the major impact this short journey has made on my entire life. Once I set foot on Belgian ground again, it did not take long time before I started my research to study abroad. Since my current university did not have any agreements with academic institutions in Budapest, I reached out to one of my Hungarian friends. After a more than decent conversation about various universities along the Danube, I chose ELTE. Eötvös Loránd University immediately caught my eye since it is ranked as the best university in Hungary. Besides, it seemed to be the only institution offering a user-friendly English website related to my study field. The Faculty of Social Sciences at ELTE provided me with all the information that was required in order to satisfy my home university. Moreover, I must specify that the obliging international coordinator rapidly anticipated to successfully set up a bilateral agreement with superb excellence.
What did you like most about being a student at ELTE?
The chance to get a taste of a totally different education system. This combined with being surrounded by a wide gamma of talented students from all over the world. I enjoyed group works with classmates of diverse academic backgrounds, something I had never experienced in Belgium. Furthermore, I was intrigued by the Hungarian high-qualified professors who all had their own way of conveying their knowledge. ELTE gave me the opportunity to enrol in courses I had never even heard of and were surprisingly eye-opening. Lastly, Eötvös Loránd University foresees its international students with a broad range of student activities organised by ESN ELTE. As a new student in an unfamiliar environment, I cannot emphasize enough how much the Student Network has facilitated me to adapt.
What were the challenges in your study program?
The communication between professors and their students was dissimilar for almost every course. Some used Google Docs, others Neptun or e-mailing. This was confusing for me, since I was not completely aware of some of these working methods.
How do you think your degree will help you in your life and career?
It made me more aware of the cultural differences amongst people around the globe. It is one thing to see a video clip about diversity, but experiencing it yourself gave me a totally shifted view on my degree. My semester at ELTE contributed to my personal development as well as my professional accomplishments. It has acquired me with the right competences that altered me to the Social Worker I am today. It made me aware of who I am, what I want and where I stand for.
Do you have any advice for future students at ELTE?
Be aware that studying abroad brings along some paper work. Go to the Orientation Day of ELTE and listen carefully. If you have any problems, don’t be afraid to contact one of ELTE’s international coordinators or any of your professors and fellow students. Attend activities organized by ESN ELTE to network with other international students. Don’t get lost in the university building of ELTE, it tends to look similar to a labyrinth. Ask Hungarian students what kind of meals you can get at the school restaurant.