It was one of those warm Budapest afternoons where the city seemed to slow down just enough for people to enjoy it. The air drifting through the streets carried the smell of blooming trees and cigarette smoke from crowded café terraces, and groups of tourists wandered lazily between sights with coffees in hand. I sat down with Ella Gunter and Kaitlin Krause just before Kaitlin’s shift at Ruin Brew, one of the bars frequented by McDaniel Budapest’s pub crawls. Music played quietly in the background while the remains of snacks and drinks cluttered the table between us. The conversation felt less like a formal interview and more like catching up with friends at the end of a long semester.

Ella, originally from Los Angeles but born in Georgia, transferred to McDaniel after attending community colleges in California, including City College of San Francisco and College of the Canyons. Like many American students who eventually find themselves in Budapest, her path here was not necessarily planned years in advance. “In all honesty, it was the cheapest option to go abroad,” she admitted. McDaniel offered something many European universities could not: access to American financial aid while still allowing students to live overseas.

Ella said the ease of moving to Hungary also appealed to her. “You literally just show up, bring a couple documents, and call it a day,” she joked while comparing the process to more challenging visa processes in other countries.

When asked what stood out most about living in Budapest, Ella talked about the city itself. “I love how tiny and close everything feels,” she said. Unlike Los Angeles, where the city is run by cars and driving dominates everyday life, to Ella, Budapest was designed for movement and interaction. Trams glide through the city every few minutes, metro stations connect nearly every district, and students can walk from cafés to bars to classes within minutes. “You can be almost anywhere in thirty minutes,” she explained.

But more than transportation or architecture, what Ella emphasized most was community. She described Budapest as a place where friendships can form naturally. “It’s so much easier to have community here than it is in the States,” she said. Public parks, student events, and walkable neighborhoods create opportunities to meet people in ways that feel rare in the United States. In Los Angeles, she explained, almost every social activity comes with a price tag. “Here there’s so much free stuff to do,” she said. “The parks are so nice, and there are so many public spaces.”

Much of Ella’s reflection centered around independence. Living abroad forced her to become comfortable spending time alone and navigating life without the support systems she had back home. While she first experienced independence while living in San Francisco, Budapest offered stability and confidence. “I feel very independent here,” she said. “It’s given me a sense of confidence in many ways.”

That confidence also came from having her own apartment and routine. She laughed while describing how stress-free life can feel as a student abroad compared to life in America. Without the pressure of working constantly to afford daily expenses, she found herself happier and more relaxed.

When discussing academics, Ella compared McDaniel Budapest to the colleges she attended in California. In some ways, she said, the experience was universal. But she felt that McDaniel’s smaller class sizes created a more personal environment. Some professors left a particularly strong impression on her, especially one literature professor, Molnár, whose classes changed the way she viewed reading and learning altogether. “I learned the most in his classes,” she said. “I didn’t think I’d care that much about literature, but it was so good.”

Psychology courses also shaped her perspective, especially developmental psychology. She laughed while explaining how the class completely changed the way she viewed children and learning. Before taking the course, she admitted she had underestimated how much infants absorb from the world around them. By the end of the semester, she found herself intrigued by childhood development and the psychology of growing up.

Like many students nearing graduation, Ella’s reflections eventually shifted toward the future. After years of moving between cities and countries, she said she’s looking forward to staying in one place for a while. “I think I’m looking forward to just staying in one place for a long time,” she said. Constant movement, while exciting, can eventually become exhausting.

As our conversation wrapped up, students continued to pass outside the café windows while the late afternoon sun settled lower over the city. Listening to Ella describe her years abroad, it became clear that her college experience was shaped by much more than lectures or assignments. It was shaped by trams rattling through Budapest streets, conversations in crowded cafés, long walks through unfamiliar neighborhoods, and the quiet confidence that comes from building a life far away from home. For Ella, college was not simply about earning a degree. It was about learning how to exist independently in the world, and Budapest became the place where that transformation happened.

Photo by Ella Gunter

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Alexa Bandura, leader of the McDaniel Art Club, is a junior student majoring in Psychology with minors in Marketing, Economics, and Art Therapy. We have sat down to have a chat about her motivation, love of art, and experience that comes with creating a club. She shares with us that she started the Art Club, “for art students and non-art students to have fun, create, and have a detox time in everyday stressful life”.

Her club, established two years ago in the Fall of 2024, brought a new and welcoming environment that enhanced student life on campus. She bravely wandered into a new territory, wanting to create a space where students could socialize and “find people who have similar interests”. She admits that her love for the workshops she attends around the world inspired her to take that step. As a psychology student, she naturally wanted to “gain more experience leading group work.”

Alexa, let us know what an Art Club session looks like for those who are out there, curious, and deciding whether to join. “Sessions are different every time, with a new subject, a theme, or a topic. There are things like Valentine’s Day postcards making or Christmas decorations crafting.” But this is only the art side of it; she tries to connect it with therapy based on hours of research she devotes to her passion, so “sometimes there are more introspective questions with background music and a group discussion after that”. She also emphasizes the importance of “talking honestly about everyday life with a deeper understanding of each other and oneself”.

She traces her creativity back to early childhood, when, at just four or five years old, she spent time at home with her grandmother. Together, they would bring plates from the kitchen, trace around them, and create mandalas. “Honestly, I always liked colors,” she recalls. Later, her mother gifted her first painting kit, encouraging that growing fascination with art. At school, a highly creative art teacher nurtured her imagination further through unique exercises and projects. Creativity also ran in the family: her father learned woodworking and became a cabinet maker, something she believes quietly influenced her own artistic path.

“Love after War” 120 x 120 cm, acrylic on canvas – Axlo Freefall

She describes her work as mostly abstract, usually created with acrylic paint, while also experimenting with mixed media and different textures. “I’m not a realist,” she says, explaining that she is drawn instead to “impressionism and anything fantastical — hippy colors, energy, and feelings.”

One idea she learned in high school continues to shape her understanding of art: “If from the start you know what the outcome will be, it is not art.” For her, art must be personal, something that “speaks to your soul and can speak to others.” She believes true art cannot be replicated in exactly the same way twice. When asked about what art means to her, she revealed that creating also serves as a form of healing during difficult moments in her life. “After it, I feel better,” she admits. “It’s a way for me to cure and nourish myself.”

“Movement”, 50 x 50 cm, acrylic on canvas – Axlo Freefall

The most important goal of the art club, she explains, is to help students feel less stressed in today’s fast-paced world. “Even if there is only one person coming in for the session, it is already a success,” she says. To increase involvement, she promoted the club through posters, Instagram, and direct conversations with students, while also receiving support from the SAC (Student Advisory Council). In the future, she hopes to host workshops and expand events beyond campus.

Although nowadays she feels more introverted, she says community is still essential to her. “I need community,” she admits. “I need to feel that I am doing something for society.” Inspired by artists on social media and by her father, who turned woodworking into a career, she believes passion can become purpose. At the same time, she recognizes that not everyone has the privilege to focus on art. “Art is the soul and heart of life,” she says, but adds that people struggling to meet their basic needs often cannot invest in creativity. Because of this, she believes art therapy can play an important role in helping people heal, including children growing up in war zones and soldiers returning from conflict. She encourages others to start their own projects: “You will never know until you try. If people don’t show up, it is okay, you are growing, and it takes time.”

Photos by Alexa Bandura

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It is so rare to meet people today who genuinely care about making a positive impact on people’s lives and on the world around them, especially with good intention being the first goal and not power or profit. Krisztina Géczi is one of those people, one of our outstanding students at McDaniel College Budapest.

She has completed several internships with non-profit organizations, has a strong background in competitive sports, and has built an impressive academic path. At McDaniel, she spent a full year working as a peer mentor and is now completing a year as co-president of the SAC alongside Anna Segesvári.

Today, I had the opportunity to interview her about her experience as one of the presidents of the Student Advisory Council: what motivated her to take on the role, the journey behind it, and the lessons she gained along the way. I also asked her what advice she would give to students interested in joining the SAC or taking on leadership roles in academic settings. Krisztina is currently majoring in Political Science and minoring in Journalism. Let’s read what she has to say.

Alexa: Dear Krisztina, what made you want to become the President of the SAC?

Krisztina: In all honesty, it wasn’t my idea. My dear friend Anna Segesvári came to me in our sophomore year, opening boat convocation, with the idea of us running together for SAC presidency next year. At first, I was really nervous and unsure whether I would go for it; I didn’t know if I was meant to be a leader. Then I decided I’ll go for it, for the experience and the fun.

Alexa: What is your role/responsibilities?

Krisztina: As a whole, the SAC president or presidents are responsible for almost everything when it comes to student life and related programs. My role is quite complex. I lead the SAC meetings, oversee the work of the peer mentors, schedule and manage events, and be ready in emergency situations. Ever since the SAC and the Peer Mentorship became one group, we are also responsible for certain aspects of the study abroad program.

Alexa: What do you think your work as a President has brought to the community? 

Krisztina: It was a pleasure and honor to serve the McDaniel community for a year as a peer mentor and a year as President. I think both Kócs & Trunecz’s SAC and our SAC with Anna brought a great change to the college. Kócs and Trunecz started new traditions as the Thanksgiving Gala, and we brought back old ones and took it to a new level, as the International Day. Anna & I started charity events, with which the student body had the possibility to give back to those in need. A recent tradition that was set is the Shark Tank simulation for business-minded students. But even the smaller things, like the “share one take one” board, which was specifically my idea, ended up being a huge success that made the community feel alive.

Alexa: In connection to that, what did this experience bring to you? 

Krisztina: It taught me how to be a good leader, yeah, I’m sure I have my faults, no one is perfect, but I learnt so much from the people I worked with. I always viewed them as equals. The only difference is that I had more weight on my shoulders if things were to go wrong. I learnt a lot from working with a partner, Anna & I. When it came to decision-making, we were always on the same wavelength; it truly felt like we were reading each other’s minds. I learnt that no matter how good an event is, like the International Dinner with the biggest turnout ever on an SAC event, there will always be people who will criticize you for the smallest of things. But people around me reminded me that that doesn’t take away from our success. It has given me a year to be proud of.

Alexa: What are the best unexpected parts of it? 

Krisztina: Hmm, honestly, good question, in the beginning, I dreaded the meetings. I was always nervous; I didn’t know exactly what to talk about and how. Then, after 1-2 meetings, I felt relieved, and since then, the weekly meetings where we brainstorm, create new projects, and check in with peer mentors became the most productive and meaningful part of it. Without those meetings, nothing would have come to life.

Alexa: What was harder than you imagined? 

Krisztina: I wouldn’t say overall it was harder than I imagined it. Definitely, there were times, events, weeks when there are midterms, or you get sick, or something personal happens, and you still have to show up and put up a Halloween game night, for example, because the date is on. But overall, I think Anna and I were quite prepared for what’s yet to come. The only thing that hit harder was when certain events or initiatives failed, like the Halloween scavenger hunt, even though I personally put hours of work into it to figure out games. For those failures I wasn’t prepared for, but I tried to still keep things bright, and as a lesson learnt in front of the team.

Alexa: Who do you recommend working in the SAC? 

Krisztina: Honestly, anyone who is interested in the college community and has an open mind. You can be an introvert or an extrovert, a team player or a loner. We will be able to find you jobs that fit your personality. The only thing that’s really important is communication; we always highlighted it as key to our success.

Alexa: What do you hope for the future of the SAC? 

Krisztina: I hope it’ll at least be as strong and high level as ours, however I wish for it to grow to new heights. For more people to contribute their ideas, and for more people to attend the events. The SAC should keep finding new ways to make money, and also for people to be willing to show up for events. It’s all about good advertising and people knowing you and the mentors.

Alexa: What did you guys accomplish this year with Anna? 

Krisztina: Besides the events that I already mentioned, I would say we accomplished bringing the SAC budget to such a height that it hasn’t been before. The initiative to collect 50 ft bottles ended up being a huge success alongside other forms of donation. We established a new position with the SAC, Art representative. We were also praised for collaborating more with the Pre-med and BSM (Budapest Semester in Mathematics) program.

Alexa: What’s the moral of the story?

Krisztina: It’s about caring for the community you exist in. It’s work, but the reward is an experience that’s hard to get elsewhere at such a young age. It’s bringing students together and helping out with whatever we can. I’d say the SAC is the heart of the college, and I am lucky to have been a part of building its environment for the better!

I would like to thank Krisztina for taking the time to do this interview with me and for sharing her experience as one of the SAC presidents during the 2025-2026 academic year.

If you have any questions about the SAC and its work, or if you are interested in joining this dedicated group in making our college community a better place for students, follow us on Instagram at @mcdanielbudapest and feel free to DM us with any questions.

Photos by FJ, Ali Gyuri

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An internship, some travel, and a surprisingly eye-opening learning experience, all in one. Through a youth mobility project in Georgia, I myself got to explore how CO2 emissions can be reduced in a more efficient and productive way, using an interactive simulator through collaborative activities.

It actually started with a message from the McDaniel College Budapest administration presenting an opportunity provided by the Proteus Foundation to join an internship in Georgia.

So, what was this training I was part of about?

It was an Erasmus+ “Training for Trainers” program focused on environmental education. The project, called Environer, aimed to equip youth workers with digital tools for teaching sustainability in more engaging ways. It took place between 24 and 28 March in Bakuriani, Georgia.

Around 20 of us participants joined from Slovenia, Georgia, and Hungary (our team members were also from Pakistan and Tunisia), while we also connected with people from Italy and Malta during our stay. A big part of the program was learning how to use the En-ROADS simulator, which shows how different decisions can influence global emissions over time.

Interestingly, the experience went far beyond just learning a tool. We worked in teams, took part in interactive sessions, and even explored how AI can connect to environmental topics. There was also space to experience the local culture, whether through conversations, shared activities, or exploring Borjomi’s thermal bath and natural mineral water that has historically cured multiple illnesses. One of the highlights was a hike in the mountains, along with tasting the typical food such as khinkali, khachapuri, and phali.

The internship did not stop there! Viktor Jósa (Co-Founder of Proteus and former alum of McDaniel College) and I brought the knowledge into the room. Quite literally, we brought the simulator, a presentation, and interactive scenarios where the students of the Environmental Problem-Solving class taught by Professor Cox could explore the topic and come up with excellent ideas and solutions.

Thanks to whom did the event take place?

The project was organized through the cooperation of Umbrella Youth Organization (Georgia), IZO Institute (Slovenia), and the Proteus Foundation (Hungary). Their focus is on developing practical thinking around environmental challenges and sustainability. Furthermore, thanks to the full funding of the project by the European Union’s Erasmus+ program and support from the Hungarian National Agency, this could not have happened.

Looking for similar experiences?

It’s worth checking your McDaniel email regularly. You can also look into the Proteus Foundation’s work or browse Erasmus+ programs to see what upcoming projects you can apply for.

Can anyone join?

These projects are open to a wide range of people, including students, volunteers, educators, and anyone interested in working with young people and engaging with topics like sustainability and climate change, and many more.

Takeaway

The biggest realization for me was that progress is possible, but only if we understand which actions actually make a difference. Tools like En-ROADS help make that clearer by showing the real impact of decisions.

I enjoyed the experience so much that I’ve already signed up for another program in July, this time in Slovakia. If something like this comes up, I’d definitely recommend giving such detoxing and inspiring projects that call to action a try.

Photos by Alexa Bandura and Tomaz Gorenc

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What began as a small gathering has grown into a lasting tradition. Instead of lectures and deadlines, right after the mid-term examination week, students found themselves in a relaxed space for creativity, discussion, and community. For one evening, the campus transformed into a space where art and conversation flowed as freely as the wine. The college marked the fifth annual wine and art event with the highest turnout thus far.

The event was organized by the Student Advisory Council (SAC), with the key support and a presentation from wine journalist and our college professor, Robert Smyth. Attendees had the opportunity to sample four carefully selected wines, two red and two white wines. An engaging presentation preceded the blind tasting, during which the atmosphere quickly became lively as guests tried to guess the wines they were tasting.

The evening’s selection of white wines offered both familiarity and discovery. The Irsai Olivér, a Hungarian cross known for its intensely aromatic profile, stood out with its floral and fruity character. Featuring pronounced aromas of citrus and tropical fruits, as well as floral perfume, followed by a soft, light palate, creating an easy-drinking style. In contrast, the Olaszrizling presented a more subtle and versatile expression. Widely grown across Central Europe, it reflected its terroir with delicate flavors of pear, apple, and white flowers, balanced by a fresh acidity. Together, the two wines highlighted the diversity of white varieties, giving participants a chance to compare both vibrant aromatics and more restrained elegance.

The red wines brought a deeper, more complex dimension to the tasting. Kadarka, a historic variety with roots in the Balkans, offered a lighter, more delicate profile, marked by its vibrant acidity. Its aromatic character stood out with notes of rose hip, raspberry, and spices, creating a lively and slightly zesty palate. In contrast, Cabernet Franc provided a more structured and full-bodied experience. It revealed layers of red and black fruit alongside subtle hints of tobacco and graphite. With its balanced tannins and refined acidity, it added an elegant depth to the evening’s selection, highlighting the contrast between lighter and more robust red styles.

As the evening progressed, the focus gradually shifted from tasting to visual expression, introducing the art portion of the event. Inspired by themes of Easter and spring, the students’ works were filled with soft colors and a vibrant sense of renewal, reflecting the season’s atmosphere. With the guidance and support of the art professors, students were given the opportunity not only to unwrap their creativity but also to contribute to the McDaniel community by donating selected pieces to the SAC. These artworks will then be featured in the art sale, adding a meaningful dimension to the event by combining creativity with a sense of contribution.

More than just an evening of wine and art, the event created a space for connection, creativity, and shared experience. As it continues to grow each year, it remains a highlight of campus life — one that students will likely look forward to long after this fifth edition.

For those who may have missed this event, there is no need to worry; the SAC still has several exciting programs planned for the second half of the semester. Among them is a brand-new Shark Tank–style event, offering business-minded students the chance to test their ideas and skills in a simulation inspired by the well-known show. In addition, a poetry competition will provide a platform for creative expression, while an upcoming charity event for Mother’s Day aims to support single mothers in need. The Council looks forward to seeing many familiar McDaniel faces at these events, as it continues to foster a strong and welcoming sense of community on campus.

Pictures by Krisztina Géczi

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In the heart of the Hungarian capital, an American professor by the name of Dr. Christopher Cox was interviewed by a once baffled student, amused by his striking convictions, stark against the normative positions of society. Identifying as both a Buddhist and a Marxist, a seemingly contradictory make-up worth investigating.

These two frameworks, one spiritual and contemplative, the other political and economic, offer distinct perspectives on life, ethics, and society. In conversation, Cox reveals how these seemingly divergent philosophies coexist within him, shaping his outlook on life. What began as a baffled curiosity on my part soon unfolded into an exploration of how one individual navigates such beliefs, balancing contemplation with critique, detachment with resolve, and how these perspectives ripple through every facet of his existence.

That balance extends beyond philosophy into his personal passions. Music, that passion which was once eclipsed for decades by activism and academic life, is now returning to the foreground. In recent years, having begun easing himself back into the artistic world he once lived inside so completely, his station at McDaniel has been a liberating retreat. “I’m not caught up in all the craziness of academic life… trying to get research grants, playing that whole game, trying to publish in journals, which I’ve done before and hated.” Going on to express how “This job allows me to have a little bit of flexibility so I can go on these little tours—five-day, ten-day tours here and there—and it allows me to establish myself as a musician. It’s been great.”

Thus, a man found in constant transition and reevaluation, a reliably mobile existence upon a spectrum in temperament and thought, passion and focus found in his person. Always seemingly capable of dismantling and restructuring a set of components in character that revitalize the life endured, his own subscription to Marxism and Buddhism being merely fractions of a greater whole being discussed. The critics that would cry out ‘contradiction’, pointing to how Buddhism’s detached, stoic-like approach to struggle will necessarily clash with Marxism’s striking resolve to attack and recreate, miss the human fractures that come to define us all. As Cox himself puts it, “I think everything is a balancing act… nothing is black and white… either-or thinking is one of the most destructive forces in human society. Everything is actually a scale, a spectrum.” Man’s consistent confrontation with his own contradictions, he suggests, is foundational to his human experience.

From the onset onwards through life, Dr. Cox exhibited a set of constants which varied in focus and value as his march through time unfolded. Despite feeling to have only become actively political in thought and action by his late twenties, his own left-wing political orientation in approach and attitude was ever-present starting from childhood. The family of Cox, having been clearly enveloped with 60s counterculture, rebelling against the status quo alongside the hippies and the Black Panthers, was already influenced by eastern philosophy and anti-establishment socio-political critique, even if it was so merely through aesthetic appeal.

One memory stands out sharply for him: “I went to a rally or a meeting or something with my parents, and Black Panthers were there. I was actually old enough to have had that experience of being a little kid and seeing Black Panthers—and that impressed me. Not politically, but socio-culturally. They looked so fucking cool. Big afros, black leather jackets, cool scarves, trippy tattoos… I just thought, ‘wow, who are these guys?’ It was burnt into my brain that they were cool.” Such features of his individuality, simply having been left in the foreground, were vastly overshadowed by his youth’s absorption into the world of music.

An odd middle ground I find him in now as he returns, discussing the spectrum in temperament and thought lived between the two pillars of Buddhism and Marxism. Simultaneously riled-up by the perceived injustices of the day, the destruction of the environment and cultures left wounded before us, whilst also welcoming a restrained detachment, a form of stoicism to the struggles to maintain a cautious peace in mind. Indeed, he recognizes a pacification by Buddhism in tandem with his aging, whereby a step back helps retain a level of sanity while still caring deeply about the world. “One of the main sources of suffering is attachment,” he reflects, “attachment to outcomes you can’t control.”

Marxism is now strictly an ideological framework, a theory to use in critique; its sophisticated intellectual make-up in terminology and approach is still regarded as adept at explaining with accuracy the social mechanisms and outcomes. In conversation, he grounds it not in abstraction but in the concrete, the material, there in his office: “The door is the door, right, it’s not a mystical being… for Marxism that is just a door, but within that door is evidence of the ‘materialist conception of history’. What material is that made with? What resources needed to be used to make that door? Where did it come from? How much did the workers make when they made the door?”

The theories of Karl Marx never left so securely between his ears; Cox is no longer willing to be kin to those called ‘Communists’, wishing to implement these ideas dogmatically upon the lived experience. The greys of the spectrum embraced for a flourishing intellectual life, distanced from those positions of power sure to corrupt, the privatization of ideology perhaps ironically bringing the man a most fulfilling march as a thinker.

In the end, Dr. Christopher Cox emerges not as a contradiction but as a testament to the complexity of the human intellect and experience. His life, rooted in counterculture, sharpened by political critique, softened by Buddhist reflection, and revitalized through music, illustrates how identities need not be confined to rigid categories. Instead, they can coexist, overlap, and evolve, naturally forming a spectrum that resists easy definition. For Cox, the balance between activism and detachment, theory and practice, passion and restraint is not a flaw but a philosophy in itself, an ongoing negotiation that mirrors the very contradictions of the world he seeks to understand.

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At a college where stepping into the building means encountering dozens of nationalities, celebrating our diversity is not just important — it’s essential. Before COVID-19, International Day was an annual tradition that brought the whole community together. This semester, however, the Student Advisory Council (SAC) reintroduced the event with a fresh touch. Students from the BSM (Budapest Semester in Mathematics), Pre-Med, and the four-year McDaniel Budapest program had the opportunity to connect beyond their fields of study, meet new faces, and, most importantly, have a blast.

The evening kicked off with an engaging presentation by our own Levente Laknerfi, who introduced the audience to the rich history of Zwack Unicum, Hungary’s iconic herbal liqueur. The legacy of Zwack Unicum holds special significance for McDaniel, as Sándor Zwack, heir to the Zwack family, is one of the college’s distinguished alumni. The session concluded with a tasting of three different varieties of Unicum, allowing participants to experience the tradition firsthand.

Without further ado, the evening continued with a captivating performance by the Igraj Kolo dance group from Érd. Dedicated to preserving and celebrating local Croatian ethnic traditions, the ensemble serves as an active guardian of its cultural heritage. In a dynamic fifteen-minute performance, the dancers mesmerized an audience of 120 attendees, taking the stage in beautifully detailed traditional attire. The rhythmic footwork, vibrant costumes, and powerful choreography drew enthusiastic cheers, with many in the crowd capturing the moment on their phones. This highlight of the evening was made possible thanks to Adriána Marton, Coordinator of Academic Affairs and a proud member of the dance group, whose efforts helped bring this remarkable cultural experience to campus.

The SAC deliberately built anticipation for the food. About an hour into the event, peer mentors began serving the delicious dishes brought by attendees, representing cuisines from around the world. As organizers, some of us were amazed that the food barely fit on the tables winding around the room. From Hungarian rétes (strudel) filled with poppy seeds and cherry to everyone’s favorite Persian sweet infused with rose water, the tables were overflowing with desserts and main dishes from China, Greece, and America, basically every corner of the globe, bringing International Day to its true focal point. Those who brought a home-cooked dish were exempt from the entrance fee. Each dish was automatically entered into a food competition, with the winner decided by student votes. By the end of the night, after the votes were counted, there was a tie between a traditional Hungarian fánk (donut) and the previously mentioned Persian sweet; the two lucky winners received a Zwack Unicum jacket.

The night wrapped up with more dancing and a fun Kahoot quiz created by Levente Lassú, featuring tricky trivia questions about our countries and their neighbors. Julius Hendricks won the game because of his outstanding knowledge of world history and geography. The friendly competition brought plenty of laughter and a final burst of energy to close the evening.

If you couldn’t join us this time, don’t worry — the SAC has many more events planned for the semester. From charity initiatives and pub crawls to poetry competitions and a Shark Tank–style simulation, there will be plenty of opportunities to get involved. Be sure to look out for our popular Art & Wine Night with Professor Robert Smyth, which will take place in the newly renovated art wing. This impressive art wing project, brought to life by the College, reflects Zsófia Görömbei’s creativity and strong design vision. The result is a bright, welcoming space with a wonderful atmosphere, perfect for future gatherings. To stay up to date, follow our Instagram account or feel free to reach out to the SAC presidents, Anna Segesvári and Krisztina Géczi, via email.

Instagram: @mcdanielbudapest

Email: sac@mcdaniel.hu

Photos by FJ, Instagram: miles4med

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Thanksgiving is a moment in the year when we pause, breathe, and remind ourselves of the power of gratitude. The American holiday dates back hundreds of years and remains highly cherished, with family at its center. Here at McDaniel, our small community offers a second family to its students.

In 2024, Kristóf Kócs and Nicholas Trunecz, then presidents of the Student Advisory Council (SAC), had the bright idea to celebrate this American holiday in our American college in the heart of Europe. As their successors, Anna Segesvári and I were fortunate enough to organize the Second Annual Thanksgiving Gala. This celebration has grown into one of the biggest and most popular events at the college, welcoming around 100 people. It is an evening where students, professors, and alumni can meet new faces and get to know one another outside the classroom. Each semester, we have a dozen to two dozen American Study Abroad students from our main campus in Westminster, Maryland, as well as from Gettysburg College. For them, the gala is more than an evening filled with laughter; it is a way to reconnect with their American traditions while abroad and to share the holiday with friends in the absence of their families.

Preparations for the event begin a month in advance. The dedication, planning, and countless hours of work of the SAC are woven into every detail of the evening. The decorations for the auditorium are carefully designed and set up just a day before Thanksgiving. The peer mentors are especially proud of the cardboard turkey they crafted last year, which allows participants to write their thankful notes on its feathers.

The Gala offers the attendees a wide variety of traditional Thanksgiving food, such as turkey with mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, gravy, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. The spirit of collaboration is visible from start to finish. The SAC works with staff members in ticket sales, a pre-med student serves as the photographer, and our talented student, Deniz Yeni, takes on the DJ-ing. A great addition this year was the karaoke; of course, people were shy at first, but once they warmed up, more and more joined in. The emotional highlight of the night was when Dean Frenyó joined Gettysburg student Elliot Wakefield in singing My Way by Frank Sinatra.

Stepping outside of our tiny college, the idea of gratitude celebrations exists in many countries. “In total, at least 13 countries have their own versions of Thanksgiving or similar harvest festivals, including Canada, Liberia, Germany, Japan, Grenada, Brazil, Korea, China, Ghana, India (South), Barbados, Malaysia, and more” (primarybeginnings, 2014). Interestingly, Canada celebrates its Thanksgiving in October, yet their holiday closely resembles that of the United States. In China, a form of Thanksgiving takes place in mid-August during a three-day feast called the Chung Chiu Moon Festival. “Family and friends share mooncakes… to signify unity and peace to come” (primarybeginnings, 2014).

I believe gratitude is important, no matter where we are from and no matter how we express it. Multicultural communities are rich but complex. Gratitude matters even more in multicultural environments because it is a universal language, we all understand. Everyone knows what it feels like to be appreciated and to appreciate those around you. Feeling seen and valued becomes especially meaningful when you are far from home or navigating a new culture. Gratitude acknowledges contributions that come because of someone’s culture, not despite it. That recognition forms the foundation of our community. The essence of Thanksgiving reminds us that gratitude is not passive; it is active. It is a choice we make every day to recognize the good, to appreciate the people in our lives, and to contribute something positive to the spaces we share. This gala is a celebration of that choice.

Photos by FJ & Ali György

FJ’s Instagram: miles4med

The post A new tradition at McDaniel: The Thanksgiving Gala appeared first on McDaniel College Budapest.

If you’re like me, and you can’t focus on schoolwork at home, cafés are the best place to study. Lucky for us, Budapest is a city abundant with cafés, so the perfect study spot might be easier to find than you thought. I ran a poll among 20 first-year McDaniel students where I asked them if they prefer to study at home or somewhere else. Out of 20 students, 17 said that they prefer to study somewhere other than at home. For students who can’t focus at home or would rather get out of the house to study, living in a city like Budapest is amazing. But where can you find good cafés to study or just grab a cappuccino?

The first spot I recommend is Csiga Café (Vásár street 2, 1084) near Rákóczi tér (Square). Csiga is the ideal place to sit for a quick coffee before school, lunch in between classes, or dinner after school. The atmosphere in the evening makes Csiga the best place to meet up with friends once school’s out. The eclectic decorations invite you inside to a beautiful room with tables, comfortable chairs, and a picturesque bar where the bartenders are always friendly. The hodge-podge of different styles and decorations in Csiga makes it feel like you’re visiting your “cool aunt’s apartment”. The atmosphere is extraordinary. Csiga is the type of café where the waiters will sit at your table to take your order. The friendliness and kind attitude of the wait staff are, in my opinion, unmatched. If you want to study in the evening, I’d recommend making a reservation first. If you go to Csiga after 6 pm, finding a table might be a challenge. With its proximity to the Metro 4 stop at Rákóczi tér, Csiga Café might be the ultimate spot for you and your friends to grab a coffee or a tea while finishing your homework.

If you’re into studying with great views, I recommend Kisperec Café at Bakáts tér. This café has a marvelous view of the church in the square, and the pastries are delicious. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, there will be a man playing the trumpet on a bench in the plaza. At Kisperec, the baristas always greet you with a smile on their faces. It has the exceptional ‘small city café vibe’, although there isn’t any indoor seating, which would be a problem when the weather gets bad. For that situation, I recommend Kelet, a café in Buda with bookshelves and plenty of tables, suitable for studying on a rainy day. While it is on the Buda side and pretty far from campus, if you live nearby, it could be your next go-to study café.

However, if you’re looking for somewhere near campus, I’d recommend the Turkish coffee spot: Coffee Terre (www.coffeeterra.net) on Rákóczi út (Road 71, 1081). It’s a quick 10-minute walk from McDaniel’s campus and has some of the best Turkish coffee in Budapest. I asked my classmate, Rana, who works at Coffee Terra, why it’s a lovely place to study, and according to her, “Terra is so inviting and warm. Whenever I study there, even when I’m not working, you can just feel the warmth from everyone”. We checked out Coffee Terra last week, and Rana’s testimony proved to be true. The menu has lots of options for food and drink, and there were plenty of tables in the back for people to sit (and study). My only gripe with Coffee Terra is the lack of outdoor seating, but since it’s situated on a busy street, I’ll let it slide. While at Terra, we sampled some of the coffee options. My friend and I each ordered a cappuccino and a Turkish coffee. The drinks were done remarkably fast by the expert barista, Rana, and were delicious. If you’re looking for a good place to study not too far from campus, Coffee Terra is the place for you.

So, if you’ve been in a slump studying at home and need a change of scenery, lucky you! You live in Budapest with cafés on every corner! While this list may be short, these cafés are top-notch options to consider. If you’re looking for a calm, picturesque spot to write a paper, look no further than Kisperec. If you’re looking for a warm and inviting environment, Coffee Terra is the spot for you. Looking for a fun café with a bar to grab some drinks with friends after finishing your homework? Csiga Café would be awesome! Lastly, if you’re in the market for a calm rainy day study spot with good matcha, head on over to Kelet. This city is chock-full of cafés to study in; these are just a couple of options that I would recommend.

Photos by Julius Hendricks

The post Local study spots for McDaniel students appeared first on McDaniel College Budapest.

We can all remember our first day at college, the day that marks a new chapter in our lives. There is a profound anticipation in facing the unknown, before stepping into the building that promises to open a gate of opportunities. Orientation week prepares you for what is yet to come and helps you situate yourself, whether in a new city or even country.

At McDaniel College Budapest, alongside the administration, the Student Advisory Council takes on a meaningful role in welcoming Freshmen Students, as well as Study Abroad Students from the United States. Our Peer Mentors initially meet with the students from Westminster and Gettysburg at the airport, greeting them with a warm handshake before accompanying them to their apartments. Right after, the real fun begins! The week is jam-packed with activities, ranging from meetings to city tours. Since we are in the heart of Europe, we could not miss the opportunity to show our new friends the historic and vibrant places of Budapest.

The Central Market Hall, the city’s biggest indoor market, at Fővám tér (square), offered them a glimpse into Hungarian customs and the lively atmosphere of local trade. Riding Tram 2 offers a magical journey, tracing the Danube riverbank with some of the city’s most breathtaking views. Within a few minutes, we arrived at Kossuth tér. We experienced the uniqueness of the Hungarian Parliament, which I believe is one of the most beautiful Parliaments in the world, with its neo-Gothic style.

After some quick refreshments, the Ronald Reagan statue at Szabadság tér (Liberty Square) was on the agenda. American students love to take photos alongside it. Last but not least, we took group pictures in front of Szent István Bazilika (Saint Stephen’s Basilica), Hungary’s third-largest church, decorated with magnificent mosaics and a collection of statues.

Of course, the biggest hassle of the week is usually the trip to the immigration office; however, this year we were lucky enough to have a smooth experience there as well. The week ended with a great activity organized by Professor Réka Ránky, Coordinator of International Students, at the Veterinary University. Through fun and interactive games, students could immerse themselves in Hungarian items, traditions, and famous figures. The official end of Orientation comes with the Opening Convocation, this year held during a boat trip along the River Danube that flows through our breathtaking capital. Speeches were delivered by the McDaniel College President, Julia Jasken, and László Frenyó, Dean of McDaniel College Budapest. Freshmen students rang the McDaniel bell to mark the commencement of their studies. Between good food, great people, and conversations that spark both friendship and new connections, the party felt vibrantly alive. By the next sunrise, McDaniel students were ready for their classes, and the real college experience began.

The SAC’s semester ahead

However, McDaniel and the SAC offer way more avenues to get to know the community and create memories, alongside broadening our horizons. Anna Segesvári, the SAC President, and I, the Vice-President, are passionate about helping and supporting disadvantaged and vulnerable humans and animals. Our vision is to hold a charity event every month. In September, we are going to support a local dog shelter, giving the rescued fur babies food, necessities, and toys. Feel free to join our pop-up events throughout the month and support a great cause by donating a meal or a few thousand forints. We’ve got plenty more in store for you, from Halloween Week and a guided tour of the Zwack Unicum Museum to our new tradition, the Thanksgiving Gala. These gatherings are not only fun but also bring the community together. In our small college, we strive to create a family-like environment.

Find the SAC in Room T2 during our office hours (information on Instagram: mcdanielbudapest) or contact us at sac@mcdaniel.hu.

Photo by Krisztina Géczi

The post From Orientation to Opening Convocation: the first week of Fall 2025 appeared first on McDaniel College Budapest.