Starting life in a new country comes with excitement, curiosity, and the promise of new experiences. But for many international students, the first reality they face is simple: arriving in a city where they know almost no one. In these moments, building a network becomes more than just making friends. It becomes a key part of feeling supported, staying motivated academically, and slowly finding a sense of belonging in a new culture.

One of the easiest ways to meet people in Budapest is through shared activities. Sports communities are especially welcoming to newcomers. Groups like the Budapest Running Latte Club bring together people from different countries who simply enjoy running and exploring the city together.

For those looking for girly social clubs and relaxed ways to meet people, Budapest also offers a variety of unique social experiences. Spaces such as La Maison d’Art, along with communities like Art Island and You Project, regularly host creative and community-focused gatherings designed to bring women together in comfortable and welcoming environments. These events often include activities like painting sessions, “sip and paint” evenings with wine, creating vision boards together, or wellness gatherings such as Pilates accompanied by a DJ. Events like these create a relaxed atmosphere where conversations start naturally, and new friendships can form easily.

In Budapest, yoga and outdoor wellness activities have become a popular way for students to manage stress and maintain balance during the academic year. During the spring semester, when the weather becomes warmer, outdoor yoga sessions allow students not only to relax and recharge but also to explore the city, meet new people, and naturally build their network in a calm and welcoming environment.

Some of the most unique experiences include SUP yoga on the City Park lake, where participants practice yoga on paddleboards while floating on the water. Those who prefer quieter green spaces often visit Philosopher’s Garden on Gellért Hill, which offers peaceful surroundings and beautiful views of the city. Weekend morning sessions also take place along the Danube at Jane Haining quay as part of the “Flow to the People” initiative, while Margaret Island remains one of the most popular locations for community yoga, welcoming both locals and international residents.

Gym centres are another great way to stay active while also meeting new people in Budapest. Popular fitness spaces such as Go Active Fitness and Life1 Fitness attract many international students and young professionals. Among them, Go Active is often considered one of the most international and English-speaking gym environments in the city. These gyms offer modern facilities and group classes that naturally bring people together, making them a great place not only to maintain a healthy routine but also to meet others and expand your network.

Language schools are also a great option for students who want to improve their language skills while studying in Budapest, especially for those who may be thinking about doing a master’s degree in another European country later. Budapest is not only an academic city but also a very international and tourist one. Students and visitors from all over the world fill the streets, and during the spring and summer months, the city almost feels like a celebration of different languages and cultures.

In this kind of environment, practicing languages and meeting new people happen very naturally. Places like Instituto Cervantes, where you can learn Spanish and explore Spanish culture. Students who want to improve their language skills while expanding their network can find that these schools can be a very enjoyable and valuable part of the experience.

One of the most memorable experiences is joining a boat party on the Danube. While the music is playing and everyone is dancing, the boat slowly moves along the river with a beautiful view of the city at night. Seeing the Hungarian Parliament and the historic buildings of Budapest while enjoying the party creates a unique atmosphere. Moments like these allow students to experience the city differently, combining Budapest’s stunning views with the fun and energy of student life.

Photos by Cansin Erdogan

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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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Along the coastline of the Adriatic Sea lies one of Croatia’s most underrated cities: Zadar. Known for its ancient streets, crystal-clear water, and laid-back atmosphere, Zadar provides a lifestyle that feels both peaceful and lively at the same time.

Just outside the city is the small coastal village of Sukošan, a quieter destination where locals and visitors enjoy a slower pace of life surrounded by beaches, boats, and traditional Croatian culture. Together, these two places show what everyday life in coastal Croatia is truly like.

Life in Zadar blends history with modern living. Walking through the city feels almost like stepping into a different period because Roman ruins, medieval churches, and old stone streets are everywhere, and they create a fantasy feeling. At the same time, cafés, restaurants, bars/clubs, and busy markets keep the city feeling modern and energetic. One of the most famous attractions is the Sea Organ, an art installation that creates music from the movement of the waves. Nearby is the Greeting to the Sun, a solar-powered light display that glows at night and attracts people watching the sunset. In fact, sunsets in Zadar are considered some of the most beautiful in the world, with locals often gathering in the evenings just to relax and watch the sky change colors.

The lifestyle in Zadar is much slower and calmer than in many large cities. People value spending time outdoors, whether it is swimming in the sea, sitting at cafés for hours, or walking along the promenade. Family is very important in Croatian culture, and many businesses close earlier on Sundays so people can spend time together.

Food also plays a major role in daily life. Fresh seafood, olive oil, grilled meats, and local cheeses are common dishes, while bakeries and coffee shops are always busy throughout the day, and let me just say it’s some of the most delicious food I’ve ever had, just because of its freshness. Coffee culture is especially important in Croatia because meeting friends for long conversations over coffee is considered part of everyday social life rather than just a quick stop.

Only a short drive from Zadar is Sukošan, a small seaside village that gives an even more relaxed look into Croatian coastal life. Unlike larger tourist cities, Sukošan feels more personal and quieter. Many people know each other, and life revolves around the marina, beaches, and local restaurants. The village is famous for having one of the largest and most beautiful marinas on the Adriatic coast, making it popular for sailing and boating. During the summer, tourists arrive from all over Europe, but even with visitors, Sukošan still keeps its peaceful charm.

Living in Sukošan often means spending most of the day outdoors. Residents swim, fish, bike, or simply enjoy the warm Mediterranean climate. The weather is another major reason why people love the area. Summers are hot and sunny, while winters are mild compared to much of Europe. Because of this, outdoor dining and evening walks are common throughout most of the year.

There are also a few things visitors should know before traveling to Croatia. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, especially by younger people, making it easy for travelers to communicate. Croatia uses the euro as its currency, and tourism is one of the country’s biggest industries, especially during the summer. Despite the popularity of tourism, many smaller towns like Sukošan still hold onto strong local traditions and a close-knit community feeling.

Overall, Zadar and Sukošan represent the beauty of everyday life in coastal Croatia. From the historic streets and waterfront sunsets of Zadar to the peaceful beaches and village atmosphere of Sukošan, the region offers a balance of relaxation, culture, and natural beauty. For many people, life there is not about rushing but about enjoying the moment, appreciating family and community, and staying connected to the sea that shapes daily life along Croatia’s Adriatic coast.

Photos by Viktoria Kiss

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Within the world, there are many different facets of nature that are beautiful and helpful in their own ways. One of the most common types of beauty from nature that humans interact with is flowers. The estimated number of different species of flowers is somewhere between 250,000 and 400,000. Obviously, there is no guaranteed way to measure every single different type of flower, as they grow in all corners of the world, which is why this estimated range is the closest guess. With the hundreds of thousands of flowers come many different cultures using flowers for different religious, medical, social, and traditional reasons. For this reason, flowers have always had an importance within society.

In different ancient cultures, different types of flowers were used to symbolize different things. In Victorian England, society used Bluebells to show kindness to their loved ones or even strangers meeting for the first time. Lotuses were used to show new creation and rebirth in Ancient Egypt. Similar to today’s society, in Ancient Greece, roses were used to show love to the recipient.

Along with their symbolism, flowers were heavily used in ancient times for medicinal purposes. For example, the Early Purple Orchid was grown and turned into a traditional medical beverage called “salep.” This medicine drive was used to soothe coughs and dull stomach aches. Like that, primrose was used for basic first aid. The flower petals were turned into an ointment to dress and heal wounds. To enhance mental abilities and health, rosemary has been used for centuries. However, the best flower/herb being used to heal people for many centuries is sage. According to the Lindley Library, “sage aids in digestion, helps wounds heal, can relieve period cramps, fights colds, kills unwanted bacteria, and can aid in the reduction of inflammation and swelling. In simple terms, sage does everything to heal people.” Flowers and plants have been doing so much for cultures all over the world for centuries. From being able to tell someone how you feel to being able to heal, flowers were very important to ancient cultures. Then, what about today…are flowers still as highly regarded as they were centuries ago?

The simple answer is yes; flowers are still very important in many different cultures all over the world. In ancient times, flowers could be used to show love; this is why they make the best gifts.

Another reason they are highly regarded in society is that they can immediately boost one’s mood. Flowers are colorful and vibrant; because of this, we immediately feel less tension and more happiness when seeing flowers in our vicinity. “According to scientific studies, the presence of flowers in and around hospitals can help with patients’ stress levels and reduce anxiety,” says Floweraura. Even more than that, receiving flowers can be the biggest mood booster for everyone because they can make the recipient feel loved and appreciated. “All study participants expressed ‘true’ or ‘excited’ smiles upon receiving flowers, demonstrating extraordinary delight and gratitude.” This reaction did not only happen for men or only women, or only certain age groups- the true excitement occurred in everyone.

Overall, flowers have long-standing traditions and medical purposes in many cultures, even ancient ones. They have been used to show the way one can feel about people in their lives. My favorite example is the Bluebells being used to show kindness to strangers or loved ones. Along with that, flowers can instantly boost the mood of most people because of their bright colors, aromatic presence, and the belief that if you are receiving flowers, it means you are appreciated. All in all, flowers have always been something that, as humans, we have admired. Flowers are beautiful, and they can heal us, why wouldn’t we adore them.

Photos by Riley Moore

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Switzerland is one of those places that almost doesn’t feel real. You’ve got mountains that look like wallpaper in the background everywhere you look, super clean cities, and everything works in unison. Right in the middle of all that is Zurich, a city that mixes nature, culture, and everyday life in a really effortless way.

Zurich is the biggest city in Switzerland, but it doesn’t feel stressful or crowded like other big cities, like Rome or Paris, for example. It’s very calm, organized, and honestly just easy to be in. It’s the kind of place where you can explore a lot without feeling overwhelmed.

One place that also adds to Zurich’s cultural side is the Kunsthaus Zürich, one of the most important art museums in Switzerland. It features a huge collection of artwork ranging from classic European paintings to modern and contemporary pieces. Even if you’re not into art, the museum itself is beautiful and worth visiting because of the atmosphere and architecture alone. It gives the city a more creative and artistic feel and shows that Zurich is not just about business, shopping, and nature, but also has a strong cultural identity.

One of the best things about Zurich is how balanced it feels. You can walk through the Old Town (Altstadt) with its small streets and old buildings, which still keep the city’s older characteristics, and then five minutes later be in a very modern area with shops and cafés and so much to see.

Bahnhofstrasse is the main shopping street, and it’s known for being one of the fanciest in all of Europe. Even if you’re not buying anything, it’s fun to walk around and see the vibe (I personally love window shopping there).

If you’re into culture, you can check out places like the Swiss National Museum, but honestly, just walking around the city is already an experience that allows you to learn a lot.

And then there’s the lake. Lake Zurich is where everyone hangs out, especially during the summer. People swim, sit by the water, talk with friends, or even boat around! It’s relaxing and probably one of the best parts of the city, not only because of the view that speaks for itself, but it also cools down the air when it’s hot.

At night, Zurich has a fun but not crazy nightlife. Areas like Zurich West have bars, music, and places to just hang out, but it’s never overly crowded or too overwhelming.

Transportation in Switzerland is honestly next level and very modern. Everything is on time, clean, extremely simple to use, and cool. Most of it is run by Swiss Federal Railways, which connects basically the whole country and even trains to neighboring countries in a very short amount of time.

In Zurich, trams are the main way to get around, and they come often, so it’s not too difficult to figure out that having a car is not necessary if you live next to any form of public transport. They do take checking tickets very seriously, though, so make sure to have one if you go on them!

The main station (Zurich HB) connects you to everywhere, like other cities, lakes, and even the mountains. You can wake up in Zurich and be in the Alps not long after. It is a huge benefit and keeps you refreshed with new views in a short amount of time.

Switzerland is pricey. But here’s a quick breakdown of the most common things bought. Public transport is about CHF 3–5 (€3.28-5.47) per ride or a day pass, which is around CHF 8–15. Meals at restaurants range from CHF 20–40+, but cheaper options are fast food spots ranging from CHF 10–15, and a coffee run can go from CHF 4–6.

It can add up fast, but there are ways to save, like if you travel around often, get a travel pass, buy food from supermarkets instead of eating out all the time, which is also healthier, and since Zurich is a walkable city, walk where and when you can.

Zurich isn’t loud or flashy, but that’s kind of the point. It’s clean, beautiful, easy to explore, and everything just runs smoothly. It’s a place where you can chill by the lake, explore cute streets, hop on a train, and see mountains all in the same day. Even though it’s expensive, the overall experience makes it worth it.

Photos by Viktoria Kiss

The post A deep dive into Switzerland’s effortlessly cool city appeared first on McDaniel College Budapest.

Morning coffee & slow starts

For many international students, mornings in Budapest begin with a coffee and a quiet moment before classes. Since our school is located near Keleti, at Bethlen Gábor tér (square), many students grab a coffee from one of the cozy cafés just outside the metro station before heading to class. These cafés have become favorite spots for studying, catching up with friends, or just enjoying a slow start to the day before busy lectures begin.

Between classes: life around the city

Student life in Budapest is not limited to the campus. From our school, students can reach the metro within a five-minute walk, making it easy to explore the city between lectures. Many students take the M2 line toward Deák Ferenc tér and the city center, while others head to Kalvin tér or Fővám tér with the M4 line.

These areas are known for their beautiful cafés, views of the Danube, and lively student atmosphere. Since other Hungarian universities are nearby, cafés are often filled with students studying, socializing, and enjoying the city between classes.

Walking through Városliget

For students who prefer staying closer to campus instead of going into the city center, Városliget is a perfect escape. Located only a short scooter ride away from school, this huge park becomes especially popular during spring. Sitting by the lake with ducks, walking through the greenery, or simply relaxing in nature offers students a peaceful break from the stress and fast pace of everyday life.

Visiting the Budapest Zoo

Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden is one of those places that can feel like a small break from everything. For some students, it might even be the first time seeing certain animals up close. It’s not just about the animals, though — walking around the greenery, hearing the birds, and spending a few hours away from the usual city rhythm makes it a really calm and different experience in Budapest. I personally had the chance to see an elephant for the first time in Budapest.

Evenings by the Danube

Walking along the Danube River is something that quickly becomes part of everyday life in Budapest. The city lights, bridges, and calm atmosphere make it one of the most peaceful spots after a long day.

Many students also like to end their evenings here — sometimes grabbing a pizza and sitting on the bridge to watch the sunset. It’s a simple routine, but one of those moments that makes the city feel a little more like home.

Weekends at Margaret Island 

Margaret Island is a small island in the middle of the Danube and one of the most loved weekend spots for students. It feels completely separate from the busy city, even though it is right in the center.

From Keleti, you can easily get there in around 20–25 minutes by metro and tram, and from the city center it’s even quicker — just a short ride or walk depending on where you are. On weekends, people go there to run, cycle, have picnics, or simply lie on the grass and relax. Some students spend the whole day there with friends, playing music, eating, or watching the sunset by the river. It’s one of those places where time slows down a bit, and you forget you’re in a capital city.

A cultural stop near campus: Fine Arts Museum

Another interesting place for students in Budapest is the Museum of Fine Arts, located close to the city park area and easily reachable from our school. It is especially popular among art students because of its rich and inspiring collection. The museum includes works from many European masters, but it also features Hungarian artists such as Mihály Munkácsy, one of the most important Hungarian painters. His dramatic and detailed paintings are among the highlights of the collection. Inside, you can find a wide range of artworks. For students studying art or anyone interested in creativity, it’s a great place to visit.

Photos by Cancin Erdogan

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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

The post From drawing mandalas with her grandma to being the leader of the McDaniel Art Club: Alexa Bandura’s story of devotion appeared first on McDaniel College Budapest.

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

The post The voice of a leader, behind the work of the McDaniel Student Advisory Council: interview with Krisztina Géczi appeared first on McDaniel College Budapest.

Each second year in New Brunswick, Canada, members of the Hungarian American community gather for a cultural event: the Hungarian Scout Ball, organized by the Hungarian Scout Association. The ball serves as both a formal social event where Hungarian traditions are practiced and celebrated, and a meaningful fundraiser supporting Hungarian scouting programs across North America. 

The Hungarian Scout Association was founded after World War II by Hungarian refugees who sought to preserve their language, traditions, and identity while living abroad. Today, the organization works with scout troops throughout the United States and Canada, focusing not only on outdoor skills but also on cultural education, folk traditions, and leadership development. The ball plays a key role in sustaining those efforts.  

At the center of the evening is the welcoming of debutantes. Young women, often active within the scouting community, are formally introduced to society in a tradition rooted in European customs. Accompanied by escorts, they perform rehearsed dances, most notably the palotás, a 19th-century Hungarian court dance that has become a defining feature of the event. The choreography reflects elegance and discipline, symbolizing both cultural continuity and the transition into adulthood.  

Beyond the debutante initiation, the program usually includes a formal dinner, live music, and open dancing. Traditional Hungarian melodies often blend with classical ballroom selections, reflecting the dual identity of the community: rooted in Hungarian heritage while shaped by American life. “Reconnecting with old friends from Hungarian school makes the experience even more meaningful for many attendees. Seeing everyone dance with tradition sometimes without even realizing it creates a beautiful sense of community that is impossible to ignore,” said Julius Hendricks, a participant. Guests range from local supporters to attendees traveling from other states, demonstrating the ball’s wider regional significance. 

Financially, the event serves an important role for scout camps, educational programming, leadership training, and the publication of Hungarian-language materials used within scouting circles. Maintaining heritage abroad requires consistent effort and funding, and the ball provides both community visibility and practical support for those initiatives.  

The choice of New Brunswick as host city is also notable. The area has long been home to a strong Hungarian American presence, with churches, cultural organizations, and community centers forming an established network. Holding the ball there reinforces the region’s historical connection to Hungarian immigration and settlement in the United States. 

While the evening is defined by formal attire and structured tradition, its broader significance lies in preservation. Culture survives not only through memory but through events, institutions, and shared experiences that keep language, music, and customs active rather than symbolic. The Hungarian Scout Ball fulfills that role by creating a setting where heritage is not only displayed but practiced. 

In this sense, the ball represents more than elegance or ceremony. It reflects a community’s long-standing commitment to identity, education, and intergenerational connection. Through dance, fundraising, and shared celebration, the New Brunswick Hungarian Scout Ball continues to sustain a tradition that extends far beyond a single evening. 

Photos by Viktoria Kiss

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Address: Budapest, Thököly út 18, 1076                   Menu: asianstreetfood.hu               Hours: Open · Closes 9 pm

If you’re anything like me, sometimes a craving for a good wonton soup kicks in on a chilly day, or a savory fried rice craving at lunch time sounds perfect, or maybe a sweet boba craving to finish off a hard school day. Well, with our campus location, we are in luck! There is a marketplace about a 10-minute walk from our school, and inside it houses individual stands that sell their own variety of Asian food. You’ll find places that specialize in pho, sushi, Thai food, dumplings, Vietnamese recipes, boba, and more. 8 individual stalls are guaranteed to deliver delicious delicacies.

I’m not going to lie to you, this place can feel a bit hectic sometimes, so possibly brace for that to be your experience as you walk through the doors. The first two stalls will be a boba drink place called Addictea to your right- and trust me when I say that every drink here is good. They have dozens of different flavor options guaranteed to satisfy whatever craving you are having that day. Personally, my favorite is the brown sugar tapioca drink, but sadly, they have been out of tapioca every time I visit recently. I tried asking if they would be getting any more eventually, but there was a bit of a language barrier, and I’m not sure we understood each other properly. But anyway, there are still dozens of flavors to choose from, and every time it is a delightful drink.

On the right side of the entrance is a restaurant that offers some comforting flavors in its soups and good dumplings, but make sure you bring cash! I would say that every time I buy from there, it is a 75% chance that their machine isn’t working and can only accept cash payments, so be prepared for that if your heart is set on eating here. One time when my family was visiting me here in Budapest, my little cousin tried the fried rice from this stall, and well…it wasn’t particularly checking off the boxes for us. It seemed a little burnt, and the flavors weren’t our favorites. However, I got bao dumplings from there, and they were some of the best I’ve ever had. So sometimes you might be ordering the wrong thing, it’s important to keep an open mind when trying new places.

To continue into the marketplace, you will have to go up a set of about 5 steps that will lead you to a little seating area and the third stall in this market – Tai He Lou. This one is one of my favorites, particularly one dish- their pork and green onion fried dumplings. One order of them costs 1900 forints, and you get about 10 dumplings that are extremely filling. Between that and maybe a side of rice, and a boba drink, I’ve had a delicious and filling meal with a sweet treat all under 3500 forints. Besides the appealing price range, these dumplings are just hands-down delicious. As I mentioned before, my family visited me, and of the four people visiting, everyone loved them so much that we had to get another order before the rest of our food even came out. If I’m going to recommend one food item, it would probably be this one from all the options.

Continuing from that stall and the little seating area, you will walk into the main seating area of the market. Above you is a massive skylight window that makes this place wonderfully lit up during the day. Decor is all around you, with fake vines scaling from the walls to the ceiling and parasol umbrellas placed to be looked up at. There are a few tables that are small and designed for one or two people, but as you continue, you’ll come upon the larger, high-top tables that can hold up to six people. In this open area, is where you’ll come upon most of the stalls and a much wider selection of food options.

The first restaurant is YY LiangPi, which specializes in Pho recipes. By just briefly scanning the menu, they have dozens of different options. Some with pork, some with chicken, some with sesame sauce, and others with hot and sour noodles. Just from the looks of it, this stall is the place to come if you’re craving any sort of soup. Directly across from that is Thai Food- the stall where you guessed it- get your Thai food cravings met. A quick glance at their menu and I see classic Thai dishes like Pad Thai, Pad Khi Mao, and even more options that look delicious as they hand them off to customers. Adjacent to the Thai stall is Sushi Yitian. This stall has dozens of different sushi rolls but also fried dish options like spring rolls or shrimp tempura. This stall also has a deli case out in the front that holds yummy Asian sweets like mochi, crepe cakes, and even more unique sweet treats. I talked to the store worker, and she told me the mochi is made fresh every day, and from my experience, it is very flavorful and extremely delicate. I got their mixed flavor pack one day, and it was delicious. It came with matcha, mango, chocolate, and strawberry as the flavors, and each one was good in its own way. My favorite was the mango because it tasted so fresh, with the matcha flavor coming in as a close second.

Next to the sushi and dessert place I just mentioned is a Korean BBQ-style place. They offer up a selection of different skewers of squid, prawns, beef, chicken, and more! The chicken fillets are one of my favorite quick bites here that always leave me feeling perfectly full. My boyfriend really enjoyed the beef skewers, and he said he would be coming back for them, so I think that means they’re pretty good.

Across from the BBQ place is Desi Flavors, a restaurant that has a more Indian based menu, with Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Korma, veg biryani, and more stars on the menu. I never grew up eating Indian food, so it always felt a little out of my wheelhouse, but my friend got Veg Biryani one time, and one bite of that seriously changed my life. Such a unique blend of flavors and spices, and the naan on the side just sent it right to the top of one of the best meals I’ve had at this marketplace. I now love trying new Indian foods, so I think this place is a great restaurant for anyone.

Desi Flavors is the last of the restaurants in the main seating area, but there is one more back room that houses a more laid-back atmosphere and one more food stall. Now I will say, there used to be two more stalls back here, but one has just recently shut down, which is why I think it is super important to support this place and these local vendors! The last stall standing in this backroom is the Vietnamese stall here at the Asian market. I personally haven’t tried this restaurant yet, but they are always making a meal, helping a customer, or sending a meal off. I think that because this is the only Vietnamese place within this market, it does well as it can offer a new type of food and flavors for people. One day, I will order from this stall, and I implore you to as well.

All in all, if you ever do make your way over there, you will realize there’s no proper way to summarize this market. It’s bustling and hectic, yes, but it also offers up just about any flavor or spice your mind could dream up and a real sense of community within its confines. Now, with today’s ever-growing world of big corporations taking over, I think it’s extremely important to be mindful about what we are supporting. When you go there and support these businesses with your money, you can tell that it’s going somewhere meaningful. The workers are all so kind and willing to help anyone with an open mind, and I can always tell that they want to have customers. They want to have customers, not just to get their money, but so that they can make good meals for the people around them. They want to care for the community, just as the community continues to care for them. So, if you ever find yourself craving any sort of Asian food, I highly recommend this as the place to fulfil your every craving.

Photos by Riley Moore

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