Why a Cultural Festival Matters for International Students
For students who move across borders, language and customs are often the first hurdles in integration. A campus‑wide cultural festival gives students the opportunity to showcase their heritage and to learn about others in a relaxed, festive setting. At Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary, this tradition has grown into a vibrant platform where academic life meets global culture.
Event Overview: The 2025 ELTE Culture Fest
The 2025 Culture Fest, organized by the Faculty of Humanities and its international groups, was held on 6 November in the Faculty Council Hall. The event, titled “Kaleidoscope of Cultures”, ran from morning until late evening and attracted students from more than a dozen countries, including China, Egypt, Georgia, India, Russia, Senegal, Ukraine and the Netherlands. The festival combined exhibitions, performances and networking sessions, giving participants a day of cultural immersion and academic camaraderie.
Organizational Framework
Three key bodies coordinated the event: the International Relations Office, the Faculty Students’ Union (HÖK), and the Erasmus Student Network (ESN). Their collaboration ensured a smooth schedule and provided student volunteers with leadership experience. Vice‑Dean for International Affairs Orsolya Réthelyi opened the day, welcoming delegations and highlighting the university’s global outlook.
Main Akis: Exhibits, Food and Traditional Attire
Student‑run booths offered visitors a taste of national dishes, handmade crafts and traditional clothing. A Chinese table featured dumplings and a small display of calligraphy, while the Ukrainian booth presented embroidered garments and folk songs. The SNB’s own “Cultural Showcase” mini‑exhibition highlighted teaching methods for foreign languages and Hungarian‑student cultural projects.
Highlights of the Performance Line‑up
In a multi‑genre line‑up, the SEAS Singers choir opened the program with a mix of classical hymns. The NEDERzang choir followed, delivering a set of contemporary Dutch hymns that resonated with the audience. The Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music brought two former students, Soma Suhai and Ágoston Szendi, who delivered guitar solos that bridged Hungarian and world music traditions.
International Folk Showcase
Chinese performers from the Institute for Art Communication and Music introduced traditional folk songs such as “Gonghu” and played bamboo flute pieces, including the signature “Sheng”. A duet from the Institute for Art Theory and Media Studies played the guzheng, an ancient Chinese string instrument, underscoring the universality of rhythm and melody. The event also featured a vibrant Ecuadorian dance by Vanessa Cabrera Cárdenas and an energetic Indian dance by Akash Mishra and Aparna Jha, bringing Latin and South‑Asian rhythms into the Hungarian campus square.
Local Response and Audience Interaction
The final acts included the choir and folk dance ensemble from the Department of Russian Language and Literature. They closed the festival with an engaging Russian dance that invited audience participation, turning spectators into performers. The concluding moment was a shared celebration facilitated by the Students’ Union, which thanked guests with small tokens of appreciation.
What Students Gain from Participating
- Cross‑cultural Networking: Students meet peers from around the globe, forming study‑groups and future collaboration opportunities.
- Presentation Skills: Organizing booths and performing enhances communication and public‑speaking abilities.
- Academic Visibility: Faculty members and alumni observe students’ initiative, which can be beneficial for graduate‑program applications.
- Community Integration: Experiencing international culture in a familiar environment reduces homesickness and improves overall well‑being.
- Leadership Development: Roles in event organization foster project‑management and teamwork skills.
How to Get Involved in Your Own Cultural Festival
Universities worldwide can replicate this model. Follow these steps to launch a meaningful cultural showcase:
- Define a Clear Theme: Align the festival with the university’s mission (e.g., global citizenship or language immersion).
- Assemble a Core Team: Include representatives from the international office, student union, student clubs, and faculty advisors.
- Secure a Venue and Date: Choose a central location and a date that avoids major academic commitments.
- Engage Student Groups: Send invitations to international student associations and request booth reservations.
- Plan the Program Mix: Combine visual exhibitions, culinary tastings, cultural performances, and interactive sessions (e.g., language exchange corners).
- Promote Widely: Use university email lists, social‑media channels, and campus posters to reach a broad audience.
- Celebrate Participation: Offer certificates or small tokens to participants, encouraging future involvement.
- Document and Review: Capture photos, videos and feedback to refine the event for the next year.
Applying to ELTE: A Gateway for International Students
Eötvös Loránd University invites students worldwide to pursue a range of programs from humanities to science. The College of Humanities, for instance, offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in languages, cultural studies and philosophy. Recent scholarship opportunities such as Stipendium Hungaricum and Erasmus+ trainee schemes reduce financial barriers, while the campus’s cultural festivals demonstrate a supportive community for international students.
Academic Excellence and Cultural Life
The university’s emphasis on interdisciplinary research means that students often collaborate across faculties, leading to unique research projects. Participating in events like the Culture Fest gives students firsthand experience in cross‑disciplinary teamwork and demonstrates their initiative to admissions committees.
Steps to Apply
- Choose a Program: Browse the degree programs page for your field of interest.
- Prepare Documents: Collect transcripts, recommendation letters, language proficiency proofs and a personal statement.
- Submit Online: Use the university’s application portal to track your progress.
- Attend an Orientation: Join virtual “Explore ELTE” sessions to learn about campus life, housing and support services.
Moving Forward: Making the Most of Your Time at ELTE
In addition to academic coursework, international students should immerse themselves in the university’s extracurricular offerings. Joining cultural clubs, attending university festivals and volunteering for student projects enriches the overall experience and eases the adjustment to Hungarian life.
CTAs:
- Submit your application today – apply now.
- Schedule a free consultation to learn more about study options – contact us.
- Have questions? Write to us! – Email us.
- Share your experiences in the comments below; your story can inspire fellow students.
- Explore our related articles for further reading – Campus News.
By engaging with events like the Culture Fest, international students at Eötvös Loránd University not only honor their own heritage but also contribute to a vibrant, multicultural campus that supports learning, creativity and global connectivity.
