Studies, Travels, and Challenges: A GSB Student’s Story of an Exchange in Hungary

Sofia Kostina, a 4th-year student in the "Marketing and Market Analytics" program, shares her fascinating experience of studying abroad at the University of Pécs in Hungary. Her choice was driven not only by excellent reviews but also by a desire to immerse herself in the vibrant student community and dynamic extracurricular life. In her story, she details the preparations for the trip, studying in an international environment, exciting travels, and the challenges that taught her resilience and adaptability.

I am a 4th-year student in the "Marketing and Market Analytics" program. Last fall, I decided to seize my last chance to study abroad and joined an exchange program at the University of Pécs in Hungary. I chose this university due to its excellent reviews, mentions of a strong student community, and vibrant extracurricular life. Moreover, Hungary attracted me as a country I might not have chosen for tourism at first glance. However, my expectations were exceeded: Hungary, and especially Budapest, captivated me with its architecture, museums, and atmosphere. I would love to return there in the future.

Preparing for the Trip

I traveled with a classmate, so we planned our journey in advance, including a connecting flight in Yerevan and a few days in Budapest before moving into the dormitory. We carefully chose our tickets to arrive on convenient dates and have time to explore the capital. Considering the unpredictable weather, I packed clothes for all occasions, from summer heat to December cold. For example, I decided to buy a coat on-site. As for kitchenware, I only brought basic items—a mug, spoon, fork, and knife—and purchased everything else there since it was quite affordable. The dormitory provided bed linen, which was changed every two weeks, making packing easier.

First Impressions and Adaptation

The city of Pécs turned out to be cozy, with a well-developed public transportation system: buses made it easy to get from one part of the city to another. Adapting to the new culture was relatively easy because Pécs is home to many international exchange students. During the first few days, we participated in integration events such as an orientation session and an international training. During the training, we completed various tasks in randomly formed teams. For instance, we discussed which items to choose from a list after a plane crash in the desert. There were also several other engaging activities. These events helped me meet people from different backgrounds.

In addition, events organized by ESN (Erasmus Student Network) facilitated interactions. Activities like Instant Connections, Country Presentations, Barbeque Night, and many more created a friendly atmosphere and made the adaptation process much easier.

Studying at the University of Pécs

I studied three courses: Marketing Calculations, Business Case Studies, and International Business. The professors’ level of English was excellent, which made both learning and communication comfortable. The topics were explained clearly and thoroughly.

The format of the classes was similar to what we have at HSE University. The focus was on group projects and practical assignments. For each course, we worked in international teams, solving business cases and completing various projects, large and small. This gave me unique experience in collaborating with people from different countries and a better understanding of cultural differences in work approaches.

Regarding the grading system, each subject had an assessment formula with continuous evaluation throughout the semester. Points were accumulated on a 100-point scale and later converted into a 5-point system. Exams started in early December, after which the university went on a nearly one-month holiday break. The retake period began in mid-January.

Travel and Challenges

During the first month, I traveled actively, visiting Lake Orfű, Lake Balaton, Brussels, and Vienna. Vienna left a particular impression thanks to its accessibility—a train from Budapest takes less than three hours. Airfare within Europe was also affordable, making it easy to plan trips.

However, at the end of September, I encountered an unpleasant situation: I left my bag with documents and a bank card on a train. Unfortunately, the bag was stolen. This marked the beginning of a real quest that included visits to the immigration center, student office, police (three times in Pécs and once in Budapest), and the Russian Embassy. It took two months to get a new passport. Without it, I couldn’t obtain a residence permit, and without that, I couldn’t leave Hungary. As a result, I spent the remaining time traveling within the country, visiting Kaposvár, Szeged, and attending a Bi-2 concert in Budapest in December.

Most Memorable Moments

One of the most unforgettable moments was BBQ Night. It was a very warm and welcoming outdoor event with music, food, and a pool. Among the events we organized ourselves, a hiking trip with friends from Indonesia, Canada, and Azerbaijan stands out. We hiked to a scenic viewpoint for over three hours, had a picnic with a breathtaking view of the city, and returned in the dark and rain. Despite the challenges, it was an unforgettable experience.

Of course, the incident with the lost documents also remains memorable, but in a different way—as a lesson in resilience and problem-solving.

Skills and Achievements

Studying abroad gave me greater self-confidence. I became more fluent in English, learned to connect with people from different cultures, and realized that any challenge can be overcome. This experience showed me that I can adapt to any conditions and solve problems effectively.

Conclusion

Despite all the challenges, my experience studying abroad was one of the most meaningful chapters in my life. It provided me with new knowledge, skills, and friends from around the world. I am grateful for the opportunity to see the world from a different perspective and encourage students planning to study abroad to prepare thoroughly—and, if possible, bring two passports just in case!