For the autumn semester of the 2022/23 academic year, the University of Pécs had the honour to welcome 46 students from Indonesia in the framework of the IISMA Excellence Scholarship Program. The Closing Ceremony of their semester in Pécs was held on 20 January in the Vargha Damján Conference Hall. Dr. Zoltán Vörös, head of the Internationalization Committee of the UP Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, and dr. Gyöngyi Pozsgai, head of the Study Abroad and Summer School Office greeted the students at the event on behalf of the International Centre.
"On behalf of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and the University of Pécs, I would like to thank you for choosing our institution! At the same time, I ask you to keep us in your memory as well as in your hearts and, if you can, to return to Hungary in the future.
We have received excellent feedback from your teachers on your performance"
– dr. Zoltán Vörös emphasized the outstanding academic progress of Indonesian students, and added: "we have also learned from you: your positive attitude is truly remarkable! We still have a lot to learn in this aspect."
The IISMA Excellence Program (Indonesian International Student Mobility Award) is one of the most significant scholarship programs in the world. In the current academic year, the Indonesian government provides scholarships for 1,000 students and then 5,000 in the next academic year to spend a semester at universities that rank high in international higher education rankings. UP welcomes one of the largest student groups in the program.
"We are very proud that for the second time at the University of Pécs, we were able to receive excellent Indonesian students within the framework of the IISMA program, who have already been able to participate in the courses offered by four of our faculties. We hope that during the six months spent here, you have expanded your knowledge of Hungarian culture and Europe in many interesting courses, and that you have also become acquainted with other cultures through the nearly 5,000 international students studying in Pécs" – highlighted dr. Gyöngyi Pozsgai, head of the Study Abroad and Summer School Office.
After the speeches, the IISMA students summarized their experiences in Pécs in a short video report that brought many smiles to the faces of those present. Following the heartfelt scenes, students were able to receive their certificates about the successful completion of the semester.
"At first I was a little nervous because everything was very new. Hungary is a beautiful and safe country. Life in Pécs is pleasant, transport is comfortable, the university, professors, staff and the international students are all very helpful. I am very grateful for this experience, which I think was a unique opportunity. I am glad that we were able to introduce Indonesian culture to those interested on several occasions, and they could also get to know our special spices and dishes.
For me, experiencing the weather in Hungary was surprising, as I come from a tropical island. When we arrived in the autumn, the weather was a bit windy and cool, and as winter came, we learned about the cold, the 2°C and the snow. I am very grateful to the University of Pécs for being able to spend a semester here. I also owe a debt of gratitude to the instructors who have always been very attentive. And to my fellow international students, I say: you are very lucky to be able to study in Pécs, and I am confident that everything will go well! I wish you every success!" – emphasized Adilla, a third-year BSc student in environmental engineering at Universitas Diponegoro Indonesia.
Photo: József Hubay
