Sydykova Aidai Kalybekovna

Country: Kyrgyzstan

Period of studies at ELTE: 2023.09.01 - 2026.07.15

Hey, my name is Aidai (for you to remember it, it is pronounced as I die, which is very weird in English, but in my own language it means “like a moon”, so now it makes more sense). I am from Kyrgyzstan, a second year student studying psychology bachelors. I play piano and like to try different kinds of sports, currently I am trying myself in Goju-Ryu Karate, one of the most peaceful styles of fighting from my point of view:)

What stood out to you about ELTE?

Before my studies in Hungary I was studying in another university, so now comparing ELTE to my previous experience I definitely can say that ELTE is very diverse for different cultures and people from all over the world. Especially in my field of studies where human interaction is essential, it enriches my general worldview, and I learn a lot about how to communicate with different people.

What makes studying at ELTE so great?

Highly competent professors, social network, huge variety of extracurricular activities and well organized structures makes studying at ELTE so great.

What are / were your challenges in your study program and how did you overcome these challenges?

Since the program for local students and internationals is the same, some assignments may be not fully applicable towards internationals. For example this semester in Developmental psychology we have a project which is supposed to be done offline in interaction with a 4-11 years old child. And since I am an international student it was a bit challenging to find a child and parents agree to collaborate with a second year undergraduate student. However, it was the only challenge during my studies so far, and yet this challenge was very interesting to deal with, since I have made some new connections with Hungarian people. Great thanks is to how warm and welcoming Hungarian people are. They never make you feel left out and always there for help, that is one of the biggest reasons I love Budapest and Hungary.

How would you describe ELTE in three words?

I would describe ELTE as “Huge university possibilities”.

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

I have come to the choice of the field of my studies really really consciously, by going through mistakes and some years of thinking. Now I fully enjoy my major and every class I attend. Of course I would love it to be my future occupation, but I think psychology will help me regardless of my future career. It helps to analyze human behavior, and to better ability to listen in the world of technology and artificial intelligence.

Do you have any recommendations for future students at ELTE?

Dear future students, networking is really important nowadays. Surround yourself with good people, who match your ideas and make you better. Procrastination is bad, please try not to leave things to the last minute and last but the most important: LIVE. Make your student years full of smiles and unforgettable memories.