Between 1–5 September 2025, our university organized its traditional Orientation Week, welcoming nearly 130 international students to Budapest. The aim of the event was to provide Erasmus+ and other exchange students, as well as full-degree international students with the opportunity to get to know one another, the university community, the city, as well as Hungarian culture and everyday life.
The opening ceremony was held by Rector László Trócsányi, who gave a formal greeting and also addressed the French students in French. He was joined by Péter Balla, Vice-Rector for International Relations, Gábor Szalai, Head of the International Relations Office, and Mózes Csoma, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, who welcomed the South Korean students in Korean. The festive atmosphere was enhanced by welcome packages prepared for the students, and the day ended with traditional Hungarian pastries. The evening concluded with the so-called BuddyBuilding icebreaker games, where newly arrived international students participated together with Hungarian volunteer mentors, the Buddies.
On Tuesday, participants attended a lecture offering an insight into Hungarian culture and history. Afterwards, one group of students joined a sightseeing bus tour, exploring Budapest’s landmarks from Heroes’ Square to Buda Castle. Due to the large number of participants, the sightseeing was organized in two groups, with the second group taking part in the same program on Thursday.
Wednesday’s programme introduced students to hungarikums (unique Hungarian products and traditions) and customs through interactive tasks. In the evening, another BuddyBuilding session was held, providing an opportunity for more informal networking.
On Thursday, students attended a Hungarian as a Foreign Language class, where they learned basic expressions. They quickly put these to use, cheerfully greeting administrators with “Jó napot!” ("Good day!") after the course. In the afternoon, the second group of students also took part in the sightseeing tour, admiring the capital’s attractions at sunset.
Friday marked the beginning of the course registration period, so no official programme was scheduled for that day. However, the Buddies remained available to assist students with administrative matters or to organize optional leisure activities.
The Orientation Week took place in a cheerful and welcoming atmosphere and contributed greatly to helping newly arrived international students feel at home at our university and in Budapest.
