Lais Trajano Mendes

Study program: Cultural Anthropology MA

Country: Brazil

Period of studies at ELTE: 2021.09.01 - 2023.06.30

"Studying at ELTE is great because, beyond the courses offered by the programs, you can explore other areas and institutes, carrying out interdisciplinary projects."

WHAT STOOD OUT TO YOU ABOUT ELTE?

ELTE is one of the most relevant and well-developed Hungarian higher education institutions. In addition to its well-structured study programs, the university has a range of international connections that facilitate exchanges between students, professionals, institutions, and ideas.

WHAT MAKES STUDYING AT ELTE SO GREAT?

Studying at ELTE is great because, beyond the courses offered by the programs, you can explore other areas and institutes, carrying out interdisciplinary projects. Moreover, the faculty and students are very cooperative in supporting native and international students to integrate into Hungarian society in terms of social and working life.

WHAT ARE / WERE YOUR CHALLENGES IN YOUR STUDY PROGRAM?

The biggest challenges of the program are conducting fieldwork and following up on readings. Anthropology is a complex field and requires the student to work extensively with interdisciplinarity and ethics.

HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THESE CHALLENGES?

To overcome these challenges it is necessary for students to be open to discussion, broadening their background in relating societies and cultures. Speaking of fieldwork and readings, the student needs to organize the readings and define a focus of studies to follow during the course, even though this focus may change during the study period.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE ELTE IN THREE WORDS?

Promising, open-minded and welcoming.

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

Anthropology is a highly interdisciplinary field. In this sense, it is a fruitful discipline for all academic areas. In addition to academic research, the course provides a background relevant to social and international relations. The anthropological point of view approaches the humanities, hard sciences, and biological sciences in what is associated with the field of ethics and culture.

DO YOU HAVE ANY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE STUDENTS AT ELTE?

Be passionate about the field you study! Take advantage of the course to explore topics you find interesting and intriguing. Hence, you can write and read more. One of the strengths of the program is that you are free to develop articles and research in your area of personal interest. It is more fruitful and easier to organize readings and absorb the content when you admire what you study. At the same time, you have to be open to understanding other points of view.