The Welcoming International Talent project focuses on welcoming international students and expats in medium sized European cities. Aim is to improve welcoming policies of six cities with various projects. But how do internationals themselves experience living in these welcoming cities? In this column, an international from each WIT-city will share their experiences. This time: Cynthia Guerra from Debrecen, Hungary
From Brazil to a Master’s degree in Debrecen.
Well, Debrecen is a small and charm city in Hungary. The things I like the most here are the green areas, the pet-friendly environment and the thermal baths. The best way to get around the city is by bike. Personally I believe, biking is the best transportation ever! There are plenty of bike lanes and you can easily go anywhere!
I've found a nice apartment with very kind Hungarians landlords, who always brings me fruits (like cherries, apple and tomatoes). Also, I'm living with amazing multicultural flatmates, allowing me to learn a lot about their culture and expand my horizons.
I am studying my Master’s degree at the University of Debrecen, which is well known for its education quality. There are many international students here, so you can easily communicate with them in English. Unfortunately, many Hungarians do not speak English, thus the language could be a barrier to get in touch with some of them.
I have chosen Debrecen because it is the second largest city in Hungary and there are many international students living here. So, I thought that it would be an interesting experience. By the way, if we compare with other cities in Europe, Debrecen is very affordable. Thus, the perfect match between lifestyle and quest for knowledge took me to fall in love with the city!
There are many small markets everywhere in the city, post offices, pubs, shopping malls and so on. Those things are really nice and ease my life a lot in Debrecen.
The thing of my country I miss the most is the food. Even though Hungary has a unique cuisine, with lots of paprika and many other spices, the taste is totally different from Brazil, where I come from. Personally, I miss the South American culinary here.
Another consequence is the development of the city, allowing the citizens to get used to communicate and be more open to foreigners.
Frankly, to integrate with the city was not hard at all, although it took me some time to get used to speak basic words and know the city's important places. In the beginning you will probably struggle a lot, but after you familiarise with the language, it'll be a piece of cake or Kürtös kalács, if you have experienced the Hungarian delight.
