Filipino alumni prepared scholars for their study in Hungarian universities

By Andrea B. Ramos

Stipendium Hungaricum Scholar alumni guide over 50 scholars interested in studying at Hungarian universities, sharing personal experiences and practical advice from their time studying in Hungary.

Speaking at the Stipendium Hungaricum Orientation and Alumni Day organized by the Embassy of Hungary in the Philippines, doctorate alumnus Joseph Yap shared student life insights while Association of Filipino Students in Hungary (AFSHu) treasurer Vea Valdez highlighted AFSHu’s mission for Filipino scholars in Hungary.

One of the highlights of Yap’s personal experience studying in Hungary is homesickness, especially during the holiday season like Christmas or New Year’s Day. With Hungary being predominantly Catholic, he assured incoming scholars that the tradition of exchanging gifts and going to church is still there despite being far from home.

“Visit the church, and then bond with fellow students. So if you are here, and if you don’t have any other person, please get to know them,” he said.

Concluding his points, Yap encourages students to experience the best of Hungary while they have the chance: “Finally, build memories. This is an experience you will never forget.”

Valdez on the other hand, introduced the youth organization AFSHu where its mission is to bring Filipino students from all over the Hungarian universities across Hungary where Filipinos can support each other, establish connections, and promote Filipino culture.

“Most importantly, we want to be a home away from home for new scholars, Filipino students, and the Filipino community,” she said.

AFSHu strengthens the Filipino community in Hungary by offering academic guidance, disseminating scholarship opportunities, supporting research, and organizing social and cultural activities.

Valdez specified various activities such as the welcoming where Filipino students can meet one another for the first time and familiarize the Filipino community in Hungary, helping them adjust to the new environment.

Another activity mentioned was the Brown Bag session where students can share and learn experiences through presenting their thesis, dissertation, and research of various topics.

Kumustahan on the other hand allows students to visit different universities in Hungary as a way to catch-up and share experiences with each other.

The Parangal event is an activity that celebrates each Filipino students and scholars’ achievements: “I just want to emphasize, not just scholars, even self-made Filipino students also recognize their achievements.”

Last on the highlighted activities by AFSHu is the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Promotion where they share information about the scholarship to encourage Filipinos to study in Hungary’s universities.

The orientation and alumni day not only served as an event sharing the official and step-by-step process of applying for scholarship, but also an assurance that there is a piece of home for Filipino scholars and students in Hungary.