Raissa de Oliveira Negrao
Study program: Doctoral School of Psychology
Country: Brazil
Scholarship: Stipendium Hungaricum
Period of studies at ELTE: 2020.09.01 - 2024.07.31
"The professors are renowned experts which gives us many possibilities to succeed in our career."
What stood out to you about ELTE?
The national prestige of the university. For being one of the oldest universities in Hungary and having 5 Nobel laureates; also, the high number of programs offered in different languages together with many international students and accomplished researchers.
What makes studying at ELTE so great?
The university is really international and organized. The Faculty of Education and Psychology, specially, has competent and helpful staff. The resources that ELTE offers, including international collaborations and dynamic programs, such as webinars, is of huge assistance for international students. The professors are renowned experts which gives us many possibilities to succeed in our career. The environment in my research group is really collaborative, where we are always assisting each other’s research. Also, the other researchers from the psychology departments in general are always ready to assist you if needed - this sensibility towards others makes the learning experience smoother.
What are / were your challenges in your study program?
The main challenge is the Hungarian language. However, it is only related to the research itself, since it involves older Hungarian individuals outside of the institution. Another challenge can be transferring materials within the institution, since the university has different departments in different districts, and some classes can be assigned in different buildings.
How did you overcome these challenges?
Regarding the Hungarian language barrier, I have amazing Hungarian students and supervisors who assist me when I need so I can collect data for my research or complete administrative tasks where the Hungarian language is needed. And regarding the transferring of materials between departments, after a while and with good communication between the students and the professors it is easy to get acquainted with the locations of the different departments and the buildings you need to go to.
How would you describe ELTE in three words?
Competence, Research, Collaboration
How do you think your degree will help you in your life and career?
At ELTE, I’m constantly learning how to become better at dealing with people and the environment. How to communicate better, teach better and learn with efficiency. This training is really beneficial for developing my skills as a researcher and future professor. The program has a dense and complete curriculum in terms of the classes’ content and research and teaching credits. Therefore, I feel I am being prepared and growing as a professional and as a person to be more sensitive to others and to knowledge in my daily life.
Do you have any recommendations for future students at ELTE?
Come with an open heart and engage in everything you can that ELTE has to offer, because there are a lot of great programs: extracurricular activities, sport events, webinars, and others. And do not be afraid to ask questions, since every opportunity is a chance to learn, including learning about yourself. Lastly, welcome to ELTE. Enjoy your time here.