The Stipendium Hungaricum Mentor Network was established in 2018 by the National Union of Students in Hungary (HÖOK). The programme supports international students who come to Hungary through the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship. Their everyday work involves assisting these students with administrative tasks, helping them integrate into the educational and cultural environment, and providing a safety net for navigating life in Hungary. Mentors, typically senior students, offer personalized guidance and friendship, ensuring newcomers can focus on their studies and enjoy their time in Hungary. The network aims to ease the transition for international students by providing reliable support and organizing various cultural and educational programs. Ultimately, HÖOK SHMN strives to create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for students from around the world, enriching both the students’ experiences and the local community.
HÖOK MentorFactor event on the A38 ship
To delve into why joining this mentor network can be a transformative experience, we spoke with Éva Vincze, Executive Officer of HÖOK SHMN. Éva highlighted that joining the mentor network not only offers the chance to meet new people and make friends from various cultures but also provides opportunities to practice English and participate in free cultural and educational activities. Additionally, it serves as a safety net of support throughout their time in Hungary.
How does being part of this mentor network help both mentors and mentees grow?
The network helps mentors improve skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and intercultural communication. Mentees benefit from guidance on administrative and cultural integration, helping them settle into life in Hungary more smoothly.
Mentors and mentees meeting
Are there specific examples of how mentoring has helped mentees in their studies and careers?
Yes, mentees have benefited from assistance with administrative processes and cultural adaptation, which has helped them focus on their studies. Mentors who were once mentees themselves have stayed connected with their mentors, finding their guidance invaluable.
Exploring Budapest with students from the Hungarian University of Sports Science
Do you have a favourite moment or story from your time working with people in the network?
A memorable moment was when our community organized an international dinner night, where mentees from different countries shared their traditional foods, music, and stories. The event turned into a night of bonding, where everyone learned something new about each other’s cultures and formed lasting friendships. This experience highlighted the unique and enriching cultural connections that the mentor network fosters, making it a favourite memory for those involved.
Hiking with the students of the University of Sopron
What impact does the mentor network have on host institutions and local communities?
The mentor network supports the integration of international students, helping them become more comfortable in their new environment, which, in turn, fosters a more inclusive and culturally diverse community within host institutions.
The network offers cultural trips, educational programs, workshops on intercultural communication, money and time management, and learning strategies besides community engagement activities. There are also special events like the Annual Stipendium Hungaricum Banquet and Mentor Factor.
Tour of the capital with mentors and mentees from the Budapest University of Technology and Economics
If you found this interview interesting and would like to join the Mentor Network, either as a mentor or a mentee, visit their website to find out more about how you can be part of the community.
