Maria Akhtar Abbasi

Study program: Environmental Science MSc

Country: Pakistan

Period of studies at ELTE: 2016.09.12 - 2018.07.31

“Having teachers so friendly and peers so co-operative, I am enjoying being a student at ELTE. I am experiencing a challenging learning journey here.”

Why ELTE?

In this world which we live today, whenever we have to search about anything new, we google it, and google tells about the most prominent and best option first. So when I searched for unis in Hungary, ELTE was the standout. Plus I had to study Environmental sciences, and for it ELTE is the best in Hungary and among the best in Europe. So, why not?

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

Mmmm, that’s an interesting question, because since being here, I have got to know about so many things, I have learnt a lot. Having teachers so friendly and peers so co-operative, I am enjoying being a student at ELTE. I am experiencing a challenging learning journey here.

Apart from studies, I’m volunteering for different places within the framework of ELTE and this gives me more practical experience. I consider myself lucky to be part of ELTE because I see doors open to different opportunities, and this is what I like the most being part of ELTE.

What are the challenges in your study program?

I am studying environmental sciences and the beauty of this subject is its multidisciplinarity. But this multidisciplinarity can give a little bit of hard time to the people studying it because you have to study all the subjects, actually bits of all the scientific and social fields.

At the beginning, it was a bit hard, we started with different subjects. Studied the basics needed and we stepped to advanced approaches gradually. So initially it seemed quite complex and confusing. But the people here at the department, all the teachers and everyone else is really helping and they are trying to get us all on one page. They understand our problems and try to solve them. So this helping behavior makes us feel optimistic and confident that we can do it. And by the end of this master’s program, I hope I’ll be a more professional and competent individual with the necessary knowledge in hand.

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

Since I have just started with it, I am hoping to get the practical knowledge of the subject as much as I can. Along with that my plan is to extract as much as I can during my stay in Budapest and ELTE either circularly or extra-circularly. I am trying to open myself to different experiences and working environments. So by the end of this degree, I am positive that I’ll be ready to kick-start a better career in my field of studies.

Do you have any recommendations for future students at ELTE?

Yes, for sure I have!

So my dears! First of all, Come with a clear mind that is open to challenges and start to work on yourself. Study sincerely rather than seriously. Understand the fact that nothing comes in hand easily and remember God helps those who help themselves. Try to learn what is being delivered to you, don’t be afraid of asking questions, keep trying and never lose hope. Learn as much as you can so you come out as a better professional.

And I will also say that don’t just think that taking classes at the university is the biggest you can do to yourself; instead, engage yourself in different extra-curricular activities. Enjoy the beauty of Budapest, make new friends and be positive all the time, it will help you become a better individual. Good luck!!