2024-10-24
Welcome, 2024/2025 Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship Holders! On 17 October 2024, we greeted new students at Novotel Budapest Centrum, kicking off their journey with speeches, activities, and a guided tour of Budapest's historic palace district.
Greeting the New Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship Holders for the 2024/2025 Academic Year!
On 17 October 2024, we welcomed the class of 2024/2025 Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship holders at the Novotel Budapest Centrum. This event marked the beginning of their exciting journey in Hungary with a programme that included insightful speeches, interactive activities and a guided tour of Budapest’s historic palace district.
The Welcome event is a huge milestone for Diaspora Scholarship holders—consider it your thrilling initiation into the incredible adventure that’s about to begin. With this scholarship opportunity, dozens have arrived in Hungary to start their studies so close to their familial roots, allowing them to experience what it’s truly like to live in Hungary. For the 2024/2025 academic year’s Welcome event, close to 80 scholarship holders attended the activities from more than 20 countries where the Hungarian diaspora resides, joining a vibrant and diverse community.
The event commenced in the early afternoon at the Novotel Budapest Centrum, where Tempus Public Foundation’s team warmly greeted both freshmen and senior scholarship holders. Distinguished guests included Miklós Lengyel, Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, who officially opened the event. In his speech, he welcomed the students, offering kind words of encouragement as they embarked on their academic and cultural journey in Hungary.
Miklós Lengyel opened the event with his speech
Dr Marcel Pop, member of the Tempus Public Foundation’s Board of Trustees and Head of the Directorate of International Relations at Semmelweis University, followed with an inspiring speech, encouraging the students to network with previous scholarship holders, to build meaningful relationships within the Hungarian diaspora community and to embrace the cultural richness that surrounds them during these pivotal years of their lives.
Dr. Marcel Pop urged urging the scholarship holders to connect with Hungarian culture
A current Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship holder, Emese Róza Márka also greeted the freshers by sharing her personal journey with the audience. Growing up in New York with Hungarian parents, she is a third-year medical student at Semmelweis University. As a recipient of the 2023 Diaspora Excellence Award, she shared her unique experience of moving from the United States to study in Budapest, emphasizing the diverse opportunities Hungary offers. Emese, who speaks perfect Hungarian, encouraged freshers to make the most of their time in Hungary by exploring its culture and landscape.
“Hungary’s beauty, history, and lively atmosphere make it a wonderful place to live and study, and I hope you all get to experience exploring the well-known sights and the hidden gems during your time here.”
Emese Róza Márka addressed her fellow students in her speech
After the speeches, guests were invited to a delicious lunch with various dishes to suit every palate. The afternoon continued with an interactive teambuilding workshop, which gave the scholarship holders a chance to introduce themselves and engage with their peers through fun activities centred around Hungarian songs, culture, and traditions. Laughter and camaraderie filled the room, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all.
In the afternoon, scholarship holders joined a guided walking tour through the Palace District on the Pest side of the city. They discovered captivating aspects of Pest’s history, visited monuments dedicated to historical plagues, and delved into the legacies of aristocratic families that have shaped the city’s rich heritage. The tour offered many interesting stories and scenic spots along the way, providing a glimpse of what to explore in future visits.
With many scholarship holders already fluent in Hungarian, conversations seamlessly flowed between Hungarian and English. For most, who had arrived in Hungary just a month ago, the day was a whirlwind of new experiences, excitement, and a profound sense of belonging. It was truly a privilege to witness the emergence of a supportive and vibrant community.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all guests and participants for making this event so memorable. To the new Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship holders, we wish you an enriching experience in Hungary, filled with new friendships, meaningful studies, and deep connections to your heritage.
Don’t miss the photo gallery from the event below—take a moment to relive the memories!
Photo credit: Tamás Lékó
