Luis Alberto Velasco Ruiz

Country: Mexico

Scholarship:

self-funded

Period of studies at ELTE: 2012.09.03 - 2014.07.04

“Having a decentered life experience usually helps you to break the vision of the world as you knew it before, allowing you to find brotherhood and cultural parallelisms out of your comfort zone. In my case, I can say that I had an unusual pathway on re-reading my own national consciousness as Mexican through the understanding of the Magyar ethnic, historical and political consciousness (interwoven between East and West). I guess that such innovative learning experiences, hand in hand with linguistic and intercultural competences, are highly appreciated in comprehensive working environments.”

Why ELTE?

I came across ELTE while searching for a suitable program to fit my academic interests. ELTE was the headquarters to the Erasmus Mundus Program I was focusing on. So, even if it was by hazard, I did not think twice about it. Budapest was already one of my favorite cities in Europe, which I had the chance to visit while being an exchange student at a French university. For some reason, I was particularly impressed by (what I call) “magyarness”, and unintentionally developed a feeling of nostalgia that I would keep with me without knowing that life would bring me back as a student a few years later.

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

What I liked most was the cozy and intimate environment held by the Atelier Franco-Hongrois. We were fortunate to receive a personalized follow-up according to our research subject and our cultural and academic background. In addition, professors and coordinators nourished an atmosphere of confidence that made the first contacts easier. Everyone was willing to share a piece of advice on anything other than academic issues, like finding where to live, getting a visa issued and useful daily tips.

What were the challenges in your study program?

As an anthropologist dealing with the spatial framework of social phenomena, the greatest challenge was to look at my usual academic topics through the eyes of new concepts and distant geographies. That is to say as well, trying to convey my vision of the world within an intercultural arena permeated by a vast array of civilizational and linguistic backgrounds.

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

Having a decentered life experience usually helps you to break the vision of the world as you knew it before, allowing you to find brotherhood and cultural parallelisms out of your comfort zone. In my case, I can say that I had an unusual pathway on re-reading my own national consciousness as Mexican through the understanding of the Magyar ethnic, historical and political consciousness (interwoven between East and West). I guess that such innovative learning experiences, hand in hand with linguistic and intercultural competences, are highly appreciated in comprehensive working environments.

Do you have any advice for future students at ELTE?

I think that Budapest and ELTE are privileged standpoints where diverse international -cultural and academic spheres come together. Otherwise, I would suggest you to try everything that Budapest offers as a vibrant city and hotspot for international tourism, without letting that said expat atmosphere deprives you from getting a simpler approach to the daily life of a good deal of Hungarians, situated one step aside this bubble. So, get some Hungarian friends, go to the Buda side beyond the Castle district, travel around Hungary, taste the food of your friends’ grandma and learn properly at least some Hungarian phrases. Viszlát!