The importance of intercultural connections, international community building, and maintaining relationships after graduation was at the center of the International Student Workshop: Cultural and Alumni Experiences, organized by the International Office of the Ludovika University of Public Service on May 6 in the university’s John Lukacs Lounge.
One of the main topics of the event was the role of alumni communities. Dénes Horváth-Hegyi, international alumni coordinator and staff member of the Tempus Public Foundation, presented the operation of Alumni Network Hungary. According to the speaker, the network, established in 2017, has become Hungary’s largest international alumni community, with more than 14,000 members and students from over 150 countries.
It was noted that approximately 87 percent of the members are current or former Stipendium Hungaricum Programme scholarship holders. “The network is much more of a community than simply a network,” the speaker emphasized. He explained that the system is connected to more than 80 university profiles, while embassies, companies, and professional organizations also participate in it. Participants can attend regular webinars, masterclasses, and alumni events covering topics such as personal branding and time management. According to Dénes Horváth-Hegyi, one of the most important goals of Alumni Network Hungary is to ensure that international students remain connected to Hungary even after earning their degrees.
Alumni volunteers promote Hungarian higher education in their home countries through social media content, events, and local meetups. At the end of the presentation, the motto of Alumni Network Hungary was also shared: “Let’s join, inspire, grow. Together”
The second speaker of the workshop was Belén Martinez Vives from Mexico, who spoke about the challenges of international student life and the importance of conscious career building through her personal experiences. The former Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship student emphasized that Ludovika shaped her both as a university and as an international community. According to the student, one of the university’s greatest strengths is its international environment and its continuous series of diplomatic events. She also spoke about her personal development, explaining that she used to be extremely shy, but during her master’s studies she consciously tried to step outside her comfort zone. She highlighted the importance of internships, volunteering, and networking as well. “The opportunities are there; sometimes we just don’t dare to seize them,” the speaker said. She also discussed the challenges of job searching and emphasized the role of LinkedIn, which she described as a “hidden treasure” in the world of professional connections.
The closing presentation of the event was delivered by Erasmus+ student Eman Dawit, who introduced the history, culture, and natural heritage of her home country, Ethiopia. The speaker described her country as one of the world’s oldest civilizations, where traditions are still alive today. She highlighted Ethiopia’s geographical and cultural diversity, the Blue Nile, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the country’s historical significance. Particular emphasis was placed on Ethiopia’s unique identity, and she also spoke about the traditional coffee ceremony, which she said is primarily a communal experience and one of the most important ways of maintaining relationships. At the end of the event, participants had the opportunity to ask questions to the speakers, after which the workshop concluded with informal discussions and a reception.
Text: Éva Harangozó
Photo: Dénes Szilágyi