Please, welcome our two interviews with international students making their MSc and PhD in Veszprém.
An interview with Yusufbek Sulaymonov – a graduating student from Uzbekistan
Questioner: Can you tell us some words about your background?
Yusuf: I came from Uzbekistan, a beautiful country located in the middle of Central Asia. My hometown is called Andijan, it is the smallest industrial town but the largest by population. I got my bachelor education in Uzbekistan and came to Hungary to do my masters in 2021. It was my first ever travel to abroad.
(Image licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license. Source: M.Bitton)
Questioner: Why did you choose Hungary and the University of Pannonia to begin your higher education? What was the decisive factor?
Yusuf: First and foremost, I was drawn to Hungary because of its rich cultural heritage, central European location, and its reputation as a hub for academic excellence. Hungary has a long history of producing world-class scholars, and I wanted to be part of this vibrant academic community.
The University of Pannonia, in particular, stood out due to its high-quality academic staff and research opportunities. The faculty members were not only experts in their respective fields but also approachable and supportive mentors. This was crucial for me as I sought a nurturing environment that would foster my academic growth. One of the decisive factors was the abundance of research opportunities available at the University of Pannonia. The institution was known for its active involvement in cutting-edge research projects across various disciplines. This appealed to me greatly, as I was keen on gaining practical research experience alongside my academic studies.
Questioner: How did you know about the University of Pannonia?
Yusuf: During my search for suitable universities, I came across the University of Pannonia while browsing through international university educational websites. Additionally, I reached out to current or former students who had experiences at various universities.
Questioner: What out of classroom support is there at the university?
Yusuf: The university emphasized collaborative learning through group projects and teamwork. This not only helped me integrate into the academic community but also provided opportunities to work with peers from different cultural backgrounds, enhancing my interpersonal and problem-solving skills as well as the university offered a mentorship program, where incoming international students were paired with senior students or mentors who were familiar with the academic system, campus life, and the local culture. These mentors were instrumental in helping newcomers adjust to university life, providing guidance on course selection, and offering insights into the local community.
Questioner: What programme do you study? Which courses did you like the most and why?
Yusuf: In my MSc in Computer Science program, I had the opportunity to explore a wide range of courses that contributed to my overall understanding of the field. Among these, a few courses stood out as my favorites: Software Engineering and Project Management: This course was not just about coding but also about the entire software development lifecycle. I enjoyed learning about project management methodologies like Agile and Scrum, as well as the importance of writing clean, maintainable code. It provided a holistic view of software development. Computer Security and Ethical Hacking: This course was both exciting and eye-opening, as it taught me about various security threats, penetration testing, and ethical hacking techniques. Understanding how to protect systems and data was both practical and relevant. Each of these courses had its unique appeal, but what made them my favorites was their real-world applicability and the opportunity to tackle challenging problems. They not only expanded my knowledge but also prepared me for a rewarding career in the dynamic field of computer science.
Questioner: What was your first impression of Veszprém city and social activities of the University?
Yusuf: My first impression of Veszprém, the city where I pursued my higher education, was overwhelmingly positive. Veszprém exuded a warm and welcoming atmosphere that made it feel like a second home. The city had a close-knit community, and this sense of togetherness extended to the university as well. The university's community felt like a family, and this was particularly comforting for international students who were far from home. Veszprém's smaller size had its advantages. It was easy to navigate, and everything was within reach. The city had a relaxed pace of life, making it conducive to studying and enjoying a stress-free environment. Additionally, the natural beauty of the surrounding area, with Lake Balaton nearby, offered opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation.
Lake Balaton
Questioner: Was it easy to find friends?
Yusuf: Yes, it was. The University had a diverse international student body, creating an enriching and cosmopolitan environment. This diversity was reflected in the social activities organized by the university, where students from various backgrounds came together to celebrate their cultures and share their experiences. It was an excellent opportunity to learn about different cultures and make friends from around the world.
Questioner: What recommendation or advice can you give to those who would like to apply for Master's studies at the University of Pannonia?
Yusuf: Start by thoroughly researching the Master's programs offered by the University of Pannonia. Understand the program's curriculum, specializations, and prerequisites. Ensure that the program aligns with your academic and career goals.
Don't wait until the last minute to submit your application. Applying early gives you ample time to address any issues that may arise during the application process. Keep track of all application deadlines, requirements, and communications with the university. Create a checklist to ensure you've completed all necessary steps.
Questioner: Was it easy to submit the application?
Yusuf: The ease of submitting an application to the University of Pannonia, like any university, can vary depending on your preparedness and familiarity with the application process. For me it was quite easy, thus as a Stipendium Hungaricum alumni I applied via Dream Apply Portal and provided documents that reflects academic background, language proficiency. If your application is successfully passed from the first round of checking, you will be invited to interview with academic staff of university for the final round of selection.
Questioner: How is the accommodation?
Yusuf: The accommodation options are generally well-regarded, offering a range of choices to suit different preferences and budgets. I stayed in Hostel Magister. Facilities are usually well-maintained and provide essential amenities for comfortable living. You can expect furnished rooms with basic furniture, including a bed, desk, and wardrobe. There are also common rooms where residents can socialize, study, or relax.
Hotel Magister
Questioner: How have you found the workload of the courses? Have you encountered any challenges?
Yusuf: The courses are designed to provide a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the subject matter, which often requires a significant amount of time and effort. One of the challenges I've encountered is managing my time effectively. Balancing coursework, assignments, and other responsibilities can be demanding, especially during peak periods like midterm exams and project deadlines.
Questioner: What is your favorite memory at the uni so far?
Yusuf: One of my fondest memories at the University of Pannonia was when I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the cultural show called 'Taste of Pannonia.' During this event, I had the chance to showcase my traditional food, 'Palov,' to a diverse and appreciative audience. Preparing for the event was a labor of love. I wanted to ensure that 'Palov,' a cherished dish from my home culture, was not only delicious but also authentically representative. I spent hours perfecting the recipe and even received guidance from family members to ensure it was just right.
The Faculty of Information Technology thanks for this interview, being part of our community, and wishes Yusuf a successfull carieer wherever Yusuf decides to go in his life!