One Degree, Two Countries, and a Plan to Connect Them - A story by a Stipendium Hungaricum graduate

Branislav may have just graduated from ELTE, but his connection to Hungary is far from over. Now being an alumnus, he wants to use his experience to support future Serbian students and build academic and cultural bridges between the two countries. Finishing his master’s in Cultural Anthropology, he shares how he is planning to turn his time in Budapest into a roadmap for his peers to follow – a perfect example of how alumni can be powerful agents of connection and collaboration.

„As a fresh graduate of the MA in Cultural Anthropology at the Faculty of Social Sciences in Budapest, my next big step is to pursue PhD studies and continue my academic journey. The experience I gained through the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship has shaped me intellectually and personally, and I now feel ready to take on new challenges and deepen my research in a global academic environment.

As a new alumnus, I hope to contribute actively to the international alumni community by sharing practical advice and support, especially for students from my region. I know what it means to adapt to a new country, a new university system, and to manage your time between studies, friendships, and the rich cultural life Hungary has to offer. I look forward to offering guidance on how to stay focused academically while also enjoying the Hungarian way of life—whether that means tasting new foods, exploring city libraries, or simply having a coffee at Művész Coffee House on Andrássy út.

I plan to stay connected to Hungary, my university, and my friends here long after graduation. I will return regularly to Budapest, visit my professors, meet old classmates, and stroll through familiar places like Szerb utca, where my thoughts often return to the early days of my studies. These small but meaningful routines are how I will keep Hungary a part of my life—both personally and professionally.

In five years, I see myself as a scientific researcher applying the knowledge and experience I gained in Budapest to international projects, while also helping to strengthen academic ties between Hungary and Serbia. As a Serbian, I’ve always felt Hungary to be both close and inspiring—a country with deep cultural roots, proud traditions, and a strong educational legacy. I carry that inspiration with me, and I am committed to being a bridge between our nations in every way I can.

Hungary has left a lasting mark on me. It has shown me the value of open thinking, academic rigour, and cultural pride. I will always speak of my time in Budapest as a turning point in my life, and I hope to give back by staying connected and engaged as a lifelong ambassador of this experience.”

Your connection to Hungary doesn’t have to end with your graduation either. Do you wish to collaborate across borders, or simply stay in touch with the university community that helped shape your journey?

Join the Alumni Network Hungary, the largest alumni community of international students currently or formerly studying in Hungary!

Take the next step—connect, contribute, and create with fellow alumni. ✨

Source: www.stipendiumhungaricum.hu