On the 16th of October we greeted the new Diaspora Scholarship Holders with a gathering at the D50 Hotel, in the heart of Budapest. The new students started their journey with exciting workshops, exploring Hungarian slang and taking part in a drama session focused on adapting to life in Hungary. The event brought together scholarship holders and distinguished guests for an afternoon of learning, networking, and cultural celebration.
New academic year, more success & connection!
This event marked the beginning of an exciting journey in Hungary for the scholarship holders, featuring a program filled with insightful speeches and meaningful reflections. The evening opened with a welcome address by Levente Magyar, Parliamentary State Secretary and Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, who extended warm wishes to the newcomers and emphasized the importance of Hungarian roots in shaping identity and belonging. His remarks were followed by a heartfelt greeting from Dr. Károly Czibere, President of the Board of Trustees, Tempus Public Foundation. Representing the student community, Victoria Leiti from Semmelweis University shared her personal reflections, achievements, and enthusiasm for the journey ahead, encouraging fellow students to embrace their time in Hungary with joy and curiosity.
Language, Drama, and the Hungarian Spirit
The program featured two parallel workshops designed to foster creativity and linguistic confidence among participants, a slang language course and a drama pedagogy workshop. These interactive sessions encouraged students to explore Hungarian expressions, famous sayings, and traditional word use, while the drama pedagogy workshop focused on adapting to life in Hungary and deepening their connection to the local culture. The students explored new scenarios, their experiences of integration, and their shared heritage.
The evening program welcomed regional presidents of the Hungarian Diaspora Council, whose presence added a distinguished and international dimension to the event. The official proceedings began with a speech by Dr. Ádám Imre Szűcs, Deputy State Secretary for Training, Scholarship Programs, and Science Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. In his address, he emphasized the significance of cultural exchange and highlighted the vital role that diaspora youth play in preserving and strengthening global Hungarian identity.
Following the keynote speech, regional presidents of the Diaspora Council shared their greetings, such as Károly Jankovics, President of the Federation of Hungarian Organizations in Latin America, Ildikó Mónika Pataki, President of Hungarian Organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, Anna Szenthe, President of the Hungarian Cultural Council of Canada, and lastly László Zennyessy, President of the Swiss Hungarian House Foundation. Their heartfelt messages highlighted the diversity and unity of Hungarian communities worldwide.
The evening concluded with a festive dinner and a special Diaspora beer tasting, where the guests had an opportunity to enjoy a flavourful experience and sample the official Diaspora beer, Roots—a unique brew thoughtfully crafted by scholarship students. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, lively conversation, and shared stories, marking a joyful start to another inspiring academic year for the Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship community.
We extend our gratitude to all participants and guests for making this event a memorable celebration of heritage, learning, and community.
Here is to new beginnings, adventure and special connections, —welcome home, students!
