Syrine Jerbi

Study program: Doctoral School of Literary Studies

Country: Tunisia

Period of studies at ELTE: 2019.09.02 - 2023.07.31

"At ELTE, I feel I am a part of an environment which will help me contributing in the future. So never hesitate to be part of this environment."

Why ELTE?

I have chosen to study at ELTE because it is a prestigious university in Hungary. As it exists since 1635, I felt excited to be part of history. When I came here, I never felt distant from people. ELTE even cooperates with embassies in organizing cultural events. I had the chance to introduce my Tunisian culture as well as to discover other cultures. It is such a beautiful melting pot.

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

What I like most about being a student at ELTE is the cooperation of professors. They are so helpful and they are a good guide for me either inside or outside the university.

I also love that the students take care of their outfit in order to respect the educational environment. Unlike other Hungarian universities, at ELTE a lot of students attend classes wearing formal clothes such as suits for guys. For me it is very impressive to be respectfully dressed at university.

What are your challenges in your study program?

The Ph.D. program itself is challenging. Every time I met my supervisor, I used to be scared of her evaluation of my work. After some consultations, I figured out that a Ph.D. supervisor is there to help me attain the goal of my dissertation rather than change the direction of what I want to write about. It took me time to push my fear out of the way, after which I gained confidence.

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

My degree will help me become a political administrator. It will give me the opportunity to work at the U.S. Embassy. As I am working my thesis around the American identity, it would help me be part of the Embassy of the Republic of Tunisia in the U.S. to serve the international relations between both societies and sovereignties.

Do you have any recommendations for future students at ELTE?

At ELTE, I feel I am a part of an environment which will help me contributing in the future. So never hesitate to be part of this environment.