Hassan Tanveer Virk
Study Program
Degree Program
Degree program
International Relations BA
Country
Pakistan
Scholarship
Stipendium Hungaricum
Period of studies at ELTE
-
Period of studies at ELTE - comment
(expected)
Area of interest
Social Sciences, Journalism and Information
E-mail: hassanvirk@student.elte.hu
Hello everyone, my name is Hassan, and I am from Pakistan. I love talking and reading about geopolitics and diplomacy. I like to meet new people from different cultures, countries and backgrounds and listen to their stories. In my free time, I walk around Budapest, play football or watch movies.
"Don't measure your experience only by your grades. Sometimes the most valuable lessons happen outside the classroom. ELTE gives you the platform, but it's up to you to turn your years here into a story worth telling."
WHAT STOOD OUT TO YOU ABOUT ELTE?
What stood out to me most about ELTE was its long-standing reputation for academic excellence combined with its welcoming international community. I was impressed by how students from many different countries come together to learn, collaborate, and share their cultures. The beautiful campus and the vibrant atmosphere of Budapest also made ELTE an easy choice.
WHAT MAKES STUDYING AT ELTE SO GREAT?
For me, ELTE goes beyond lectures. It challenges you to think critically while giving you the freedom to develop your own interests. The international environment means that discussions continue long after class ends; you learn as much from classmates from different parts of the world as you do from textbooks. Budapest itself becomes an extension of the classroom.
WHAT ARE / WERE YOUR CHALLENGES IN YOUR STUDY PROGRAM?
The biggest challenge wasn't the workload; it was learning to look at international issues through perspectives different from my own. Coming from Pakistan, I had certain regional viewpoints, but studying alongside classmates from dozens of countries meant constantly questioning assumptions and understanding how history shapes different opinions.
HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THESE CHALLENGES?
Instead of avoiding different opinions, I embraced them. I participated actively in discussions, listened more than I spoke, and tried to understand why people viewed the same issue differently. Over time, I realised that university isn't just about finding answers; it's about learning to ask better questions.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE ELTE IN THREE WORDS?
Transformative, Diverse, Timeless.
HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR DEGREE WILL HELP YOU IN YOUR LIFE AND CAREER?
This degree is helping me build a strong foundation for a career that requires thoughtful decision-making and a deep understanding of international affairs. Every course challenges me to think beyond the obvious, evaluate different perspectives, and connect theory with real-world events. More than anything, it is shaping the way I approach problems with patience, critical thinking, and a commitment to finding practical solutions.
DO YOU HAVE ANY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE STUDENTS AT ELTE?
Don't measure your experience only by your grades. Sometimes the most valuable lessons happen outside the classroom. Talk to your classmates from different backgrounds, join student events, take walks through Budapest or simply say yes to opportunities that seem unfamiliar. ELTE gives you the platform, but it's up to you to turn your years here into a story worth telling.