Unique beverages, delicious foods, good cheer, and a true sense of community — perhaps this is how we could best describe this year’s annual International Day at McDaniel College Budapest, which was organized by the SAC on Thursday, May 8. With over a dozen nationalities represented, the event drew a much larger audience than expected, and the nearly 60 participants quickly turned it into a lively celebration of cultural diversity and unity. The overriding theme was clear: cultivating curiosity and respect for one another’s cultures.

Due to the windy and rainy weather conditions, the event was held in the college’s grand Auditorium (Room 100) – for the first time since 2019 – offering a nostalgic reminder to the predecessor of International Days, the once-highly successful “International Dinners.” Similar to previous years, the organizers welcomed students from all programs at the institution, including the four-year BA, Pre-Med/Pre-Vet, and BSM programs, therefore increasing the diversity of the represented countries. In addition to the United States and Hungary, attendees represented (among others) the United Kingdom, Romania, France, Greece, Namibia, Nigeria, Venezuela, Russia, Turkey, and Palestine, and there were even students from Nepal and Myanmar.

The event’s main highlight was undoubtedly the free presentation and tasting session hosted by Zwack Unicum, a distinguished and historic Hungarian spirits producer. This occasion provided a unique opportunity for students to learn about one of Hungary’s most successful and historic liqueur companies. Participants also had the chance to sample five distinctive flavors of Zwack’s flagship brand, Unicum: besides the classic version, attendees could enjoy the coffee, orange, plum, and premium varieties. The idea to organize such an extracurricular activity at the International Day first came up in March, when one of our students, Levente Laknerfi, who works at Zwack Unicum, approached SAC to share details about this exciting opportunity. The organizers quickly embraced the initiative and immediately began collaborating with Levente to coordinate the event. “It was a great experience working with SAC to bring this event to my fellow students,” Levente remarked. He also expressed his hope to make this tasting session an annual tradition for International Days, promising that next year’s event “will keep the high standards” that were set this year.

Zwack’s close relationship with McDaniel College Budapest added an extra layer of significance to this collaboration. The company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Sándor Zwack, is an alumnus of the college, while students enrolled in Professor Robert Smyth’s popular “From Garden to Table” gastro-journalism course have also previously visited the Zwack factory in Budapest. Although Dean Frenyó had invited Sándor Zwack to the event, he was unable to attend, due to other commitments. Nonetheless, he sent his best wishes to those present.

Following the tasting and presentation, the event entered its second phase: a relaxed, picnic-style gathering, that transformed the auditorium into an informal and lively atmosphere. Many attendees brought special dishes from their own cultures, such as Greek moussaka, American blueberry muffins, Hungarian palacsinta (pancakes) with homemade jam, túrógombóc (cottage cheese dumplings), and German pastries. In addition, the organizers ordered pizza, ensuring a laid-back culinary experience for all attendees. SAC members also acknowledged that next year, they plan to prepare even more food options in order to better meet the growing level of interest.

Participants overwhelmingly shared a positive feedback when asked by our student newspaper. A Study Abroad student, Amiya Daye, commented: “Although I wasn’t there the entire time, I saw that it was lively, and everyone seemed excited to share cultural experiences with their friends and even strangers.” Freshman art student Lilla Sándor described the event as “really enjoyable and entertaining.” Levente Laknerfi also emphasized the significance of the occasion, stating, “It was a unique opportunity not only to learn about cultural diversity but to experience it firsthand.” This enthusiasm was reflected in the large number of students who participated in the Kahoot game, featuring fun facts about various nations. Many students also enjoyed the selfie wall, which was created by the Art Club under the leadership of Alexa Bandura.

The International Day also marked the SAC’s final major program of the semester, making it especially gratifying to see such a large turnout, shared unanimously by several organizers with our newspaper. Indeed, this event not only signaled the conclusion of the semester, but also brought the academic year to a close, serving as a positive example of the increasingly vibrant student community that has been building since 2024.

Photos by Krisztina Géczi, Anna Horváth, and Kristof Kocs

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The McDaniel Budapest Campus is revitalizing its student-run podcast that goes by the title MCDB-Clock It n’Go. It can be found on Spotify and other audio streaming apps and platforms. The organization is run by co-producers and editors Nicholas Trunecz, (who is also a peer mentor and co-president of SAC) and Anna Horváth, a McDaniel Budapest alum. Dr. Christopher Cox, professor and director of academic and institutional development, acts as the overseer of the club.

Four students in total are being featured in front of the camera and over the sound waves this semester: Lilla Fekete, a second-year student and native Hungarian; Vera Timothy, an international student from Nigeria and fellow second-year; Jasmine Artis, third-year and study abroad student from the Westminster campus; and myself, second year student and fellow study abroad participant.

While reflecting on previous years, Nicholas comments, “this project usually draws a disproportionate amount of study abroad students,” but despite the high number of study-abroad students, this is an open and non-exclusive club where any and everyone is encouraged to join. There is no application process, and the emphasis is on creating a space where all conversations are welcome. The motto for the podcast this year is to “Make of it what you will” because those in front and behind the camera are always looking for innovative ideas that are important and interesting to fellow students.

The club not only gives people the chance to discuss things that are important to them but also to learn how to operate equipment, use audio and visual software, and post content on social media. Meetings take place each Monday (except Spring Break) in Room T2 where an episode is recorded, then the topic for the following week’s episode is discussed. The plan is to shoot and edit an episode each week until the end of the semester to produce five episodes with visual, audio, and short-form content.

Plans to continue and expand this project on the main campus in Westminster have been vaguely discussed. According to the producers of the podcast, higher-ups on both campuses are open to the idea and many students traveling to and from Budapest are intrigued as well.

Follow the link below to listen to older Clock It n’Go content and prepare for upcoming releases:

https://open.spotify.com/show/7p9CwxKt4HL665QPPJzf2u?si=fTQHBxsMS8qfSWUO1Fwe2Q

The Interrogation, which is another podcast that has content from previous McDaniel Budapest students: https://open.spotify.com/show/5usZfd7dNun9BLtWPlHlZQ?si=rvwQBHvKRaWsmC3mg5DSFw

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As acknowledged by the SAC, the event had a dual purpose: on one hand, to host a delightful and easy-going community-building evening centered around wine tasting, and on the other hand, to encourage participants to express their thoughts creatively in the form of paintings. Incidentally, the organizers provided all the necessary artistic supplies. Some attendees created landscapes, others chose to depict their beloved pets, while another participant rendered a figure study of a female nude. In the meantime, Professor Smyth – who is also the faculty advisor for McDaniel Budapest’s online student newspaper The Messenger – delivered a captivating lecture on the true art of wine tasting, emphasizing the importance of engaging all our senses. 

“For me, it was wonderful to talk about Hungarian wine to young people because we hear so much about how young people are not drinking wine these days; that it is a dying product,” Professor Smyth told our newspaper, adding that “it was really nice to see the joy in people’s eyes and the enthusiasm.” When asked if this year’s event differed from those he had attended in the past, he responded, “Not really.”

“Every event is unique,” the wine journalist continued, and Art & Wine Nights are always popular because “they’re really fun,” which is why he hopes to organize the event again next year.

The selection of drinks, similar to previous years, has been centered around traditional Hungarian vintages, aiming to provide both Hungarian and international students with a glimpse into the region’s rich and high-quality wine culture. This year, the choice has fallen on two exceptional Hungarian wines that truly represent the country’s exclusive winemaking heritage: the BÖJT winery’s Egri Bikavér Superior red wine and the Balassa winery’s “duck-themed” dry Furmint from Tokaj.

All participants unanimously expressed their enjoyment of the event. “The Art and Wine Night was such a fun experience, and I’m so glad I got to be a part of it,” remarked Savannah, an art major and one of the attendees. She emphasized that the purpose of the event was not “to see who could drink the most wine or whose painting was the best, but [rather] to connect with fellow students while enjoying some wine and making art!” Hope, another participant, echoed similar sentiments, describing the event as “an incredible night, filled with creativity, joy, and fun.” According to the Study Abroad student who arrived from the Westminster campus only for this semester, the Art & Wine Night also provided an excellent opportunity for community building. “It has inspired my friends and I to organize a picnic by Parliament during sunset and paint,” Hope continued, emphasizing the importance of “taking advantage of the beautiful city we are in” and creating artwork that will last forever.

In a continuation of past traditions, the Art Exhibition celebrating the works created during the Art & Wine Night has been organized on the second floor of the college. Due to significant interest, the exhibition was open for viewing until April 18, and visitors will have the opportunity not only to admire the stunning creations of our talented artists but also to purchase reprints in postcard, A4, or A3 sizes. Similar to previous events, the donations collected during the Art & Wine Night and the Art Exhibition will go to SAC, who will utilise the funds to support the costs of such programs and activities. After being delighted by the event’s success and large participation, the SAC has made several important announcements regarding a number of other exciting student life activities that will be held in the coming weeks. In addition to the Art Market, McDaniel Budapest will host an all-college basketball tournament on April 30 (the first such event in years), a hiking excursion during the first weekend of May, and many minor activities planned by the school’s Art Club. Furthermore, organizers have confirmed that the semester’s most highly anticipated event, International Day, will take place on Thursday, May 8, during the late afternoon and early evening hours, with an array of exciting surprise activities for attendees to enjoy. As a teaser, the SAC revealed that, following the success of the Art & Wine Night, representatives from Zwack Unicum – a prominent Hungarian spirits company where McDaniel alum Sándor Zwack is the chairman of the board of directors – will be invited to deliver a presentation about their products, which will include a free tasting experience.

If you are interested to learn more about McDaniel’s Student Life activities, please make sure to follow their Instagram page (@mcdanielbudapest), or reach out to any of the Peer Mentors/SAC Officers.

Photos by Alex Contreras, Krisztina Géczi, and Kristof Kocs

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The advice in this article is specific to living in Budapest, Hungary, as a first time international traveler, but includes quotes and pieces of advice from study abroad professor and McDaniel College’s Communication and Cinema Department Associate Chair Dr. Erin Watley along with fellow first time study abroad student and Communication major Isabelle Diffendal along with frequent international traveler and Spanish, Kinesiology, and Psych major Hope Safia.

1. Don’t pack like you’re (only) going on vacation

There will be plenty of places to travel and buy new clothes if that’s what you like to do. However, you will be living here so bring clothes you wear every day like lounge wear or pajamas, a jacket and coat; pack for cold and warm days, regardless of what time of year you plan to stay.

“It’s important to bring things that are really unique to your comfort,” explains Dr. Watley. For instance, for myself as a woman of color, there are certain things I must take into consideration when traveling, even within my own country, let alone another one. These things include certain hair and body products that may not be widely available like leave-in conditioners for my hair and cocoa butter for my skin, and more just based on my preferences.

The same can be said for all kinds of experiences, so if you prefer certain textures for sleeping, specific brands of snacks, spices, or sauces that you know you will miss, or anything (within reason) that brings you comfort, bring it with you. Also, the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) has a website where you can check which items can and cannot be brought on planes.

2. Travel in a group if you can

Unless you are a frequent international solo traveler or just enjoy solo travel, going to a new country alone can be overwhelming so choose a travel buddy from your program if you can; book flights together and stay connected throughout the trip. Once you arrive, it is safe to travel alone (with caution of course) but traveling in a group can lead to more interesting experiences and provide more assurance and safety.

“If you are traveling alone, stay in crowded areas and remember, it’s okay to walk away from uncomfortable situations,” recommends Isabelle. “Be aware of scam ATMs. Do not use the ones outside of discount shops, only those attached to banks or those recommended by trusted individuals.”

“Though it may be obvious to say, be conscious of your surroundings as well,” Isabelle adds, “Cars will not stop for you even when pulling out of car garages. There are bike lanes on sidewalks and bikers who make sidewalks their road, look out for them too.”

“Also,” Isabelle says, “Do not go to places with only an English menu out front. Or places with names that are not unique. For example, a pizzeria that only has the name ‘Pizzeria’ and not its own unique brand is a tourist trap.”

3. Remember, you are still in school:

Though it may be encouraged to not bring much school supplies, if you are like I am, bring paper and pencils with you. Yes, it may be more convenient to only use electronic devices but if you know you work better with physical materials, then don’t be afraid to make room for them. Some classes may even require it.

When it comes to school advice, Dr. Watley encouraged students to go further into their educational exploration. “If you have some McDaniel plan credits to fulfill or have room for an extra course, take a class that intrigues you but has nothing to do with your major. Everything is a part of the experience.”

Here at the Budapest campus, you can jump into a badminton class, take the Music from the Margins course where you listen, dissect, and learn about music from marginalized communities, and much more.

4. Watch your money

“Be mindful about your spending,”says Dr. Watley. “There is a cultural element to spending money and spending lots of it can draw unwanted attention to you.” I would also add that budgeting is important for any trip but when living specifically in Budapest as an international student from America, it can be easy to overspend once you realize how inexpensive things are in comparison to back home.

I recommend making two lists of what you expect to spend monthly, then weekly. With all your numbers laid out, you can spend without stress. Make sure to consider monthly subscriptions, recurring payments, and bank fees. Most American banks have a 2-3% international fee every time you use your card, so using cash has been best for me. You can request Hungarian money from your bank at home before you leave or use the local and trusted ATM which is just a block over from the McDaniel Budapest school building. These transactions also come with a fee.

If you don’t like to cook, consider having a bigger “spending” or “going out budget” than a weekly/monthly grocery budget. Also, cheaper doesn’t always mean better when budgeting, sometimes it’s nice to spend a little more on necessary products like cleaning supplies for example.

5. Create some Lore! And explore!

Hope likes to go by a saying while living and studying abroad here in Budapest: Y.O.L.I.B.O. “The YOLIBO (You Only Live in Budapest Once) concept came about during my last semester spent in Madrid, Spain,” Hope explains. “During study abroad, you must take advantage of all the opportunities presented to you because you only have this chance once. So, say yes to everything, enjoy every moment, and take it all in.”

Personally, I couldn’t agree more. Do all the things you may have been putting off or haven’t had the opportunity to do for assorted reasons. Visit those quaint coffee shops and try new and exotic foods. Take the inexpensive and easy to use public transportation to visit different cities (or even countries) and explore different sites. Book concert tickets, go to museums, and more. Also just enjoy a trip to the park or the market and take it easy. It’s fun to do these things on your own, but it can be just as fun to do it with the new friends or travel companions you’ve made along the way.

“Different people will give you different opportunities to do different things so embrace the newness of it if you are there, just be present,” Dr. Watley says, “Don’t compare the version of fun you will experience here to the one that you are used to, it won’t look the same. And, at the very least, you can say you did it.”

Photos by Amiya Daye

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Emotional Intelligence refers to the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and influence one’s own emotions and the emotions of others. In the context of relationships, emotional intelligence plays a pivotal role in fostering healthy, supportive, and communicative connections between individuals. Psychologists have long emphasized how the skills associated with emotional intelligence contribute to better conflict resolution, empathy, and overall relationship satisfaction.

Emotional Intelligence in Relationships

1. Self-awareness: Recognizing one’s own emotions is the first step in emotional intelligence. In relationships, being aware of your feelings helps you communicate effectively and prevents unnecessary emotional outbursts. This is especially important when navigating disagreements or stressful situations, where emotions can run high.

Self-awareness is the ability to recognize and understand your moods, emotions, and drives, as well as their effect on others,”says Daniel Goleman.

2. Empathy: A key component of EI, empathy allows individuals to understand and share the feelings of others. In relationships, empathy is essential for connecting with your partner or loved ones on a deeper level, providing emotional support, and building trust. Empathetic individuals are better equipped to validate the emotions of others and respond with compassion.

“Empathy is the ability to feel with another person. It means to sense the hurt in another person and respond with care,”says Carl Rogers.

3. Emotional Regulation: Managing one’s emotions in healthy ways is vital for maintaining positive interactions in relationships. Individuals with high EI can calm themselves in stressful moments, avoid escalation during conflicts, and communicate their feelings constructively. Emotional regulation is essential for reducing tension and promoting emotional stability.

”The ability to manage your emotions in healthy ways is essential for maintaining balance in relationships,”says Daniel Goleman.

4. Social Skills: Effective communication and the ability to manage social interactions are fundamental aspects of emotional intelligence. Strong social skills help individuals express themselves clearly, listen actively, and respond appropriately to the needs of others. These skills are critical in maintaining harmony, especially in intimate relationships where misunderstandings and miscommunication can cause significant strain.

“The key to managing conflict in a relationship is not avoiding it, but how you handle it when it arises,”says John Gottman.

5. Conflict Resolution: Emotional intelligence provides individuals with the tools to manage and resolve conflicts constructively. People with high EI are more likely to approach disputes with a problem-solving mindset rather than becoming defensive or aggressive. They understand the emotional undercurrents of the conflict and work collaboratively toward a solution, fostering greater understanding and connection.

“In relationships, the ability to negotiate and resolve conflicts is one of the most important skills we can develop,”says Daniel Goleman.

Emotional Intelligence in Romantic Relationships

In romantic relationships, emotional intelligence is particularly important because it affects how partners connect, communicate, and manage challenges together. Couples with high EI tend to have healthier relationships, marked by greater intimacy, understanding, and a deeper emotional connection. They are more likely to resolve disagreements calmly and constructively, without resorting to toxic patterns like blame or defensiveness.Studies on Emotional Intelligence and Relationship Satisfaction have shown that individuals with higher levels of emotional intelligence tend to experience greater satisfaction in their relationships, whether romantic, familial, or professional. These individuals possess the emotional awareness and communication skills needed to navigate difficult situations with empathy, mutual respect, and problem-solving strategies.

Emotional Intelligence and Parent-Child Relationships

Emotional intelligence is also important in parent-child relationships. Parents with high EI are more likely to understand and validate their children’s emotions, fostering a secure attachment and emotional resilience in the child. By modeling emotional regulation and empathetic communication, emotionally intelligent parents provide children with the tools to navigate their own emotions and relationships. “Emotional intelligence begins with self-awareness, but it develops through nurturing, positive relationships, especially with caregivers,”says Daniel Goleman.

Emotional intelligence is integral to the success of relationships, whether romantic, familial, or professional. The ability to be self-aware, empathize with others, regulate emotions, communicate effectively, and resolve conflicts in a healthy way are all skills that contribute to the overall health and satisfaction of relationships. Psychologists like Daniel Goleman, Carl Rogers, and John Gottman have highlighted the importance of these emotional competencies in creating strong, supportive, and lasting connections.

Overall, emotional intelligence is not only important for individual well-being but is also for building and maintaining meaningful relationships that thrive on mutual respect, understanding, and emotional connection.

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Kristof Kocs, Co-President of the Student Advisory Council, is a senior student majoring in Political Science with minors in Journalism and History. Alongside him is his long-time friend and Co-President, Nicholas Trunecz, who is also in his final year, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Economics.Both served as Peer Mentors in the past, inspiring them to aim for a higher leadership role in the spring of 2024. In this interview, we will explore Nicholas and Kristof’s experiences and motivations as SAC Presidents, as they believe that “the best you can do is just do things” while delving into their plans for the year, their goals for the student body, and the personal backgrounds that shape their leadership style.

Géczi: Why did you choose to run for SAC presidency?

Trunecz: I was the one who started that process at the end of last fall (2023). Originally, I just thought it would look good on a resume, and then we received more motivation and convinced him (Kocs) to join.

Kocs: That’s true. I was studying at the Westminster campus last fall, and I became involved in helping people there, study-abroads, and advertising the Budapest campus. When I returned, I just loved this sort of position, and I instantly became a peer mentor. He (Trunecz) convinced me that’s true, to run on a joint ticket for the presidency.

Géczi: How come you ran for the position together?

Trunecz: The tradition has been for a while that there are two SAC presidents, and experience shows that one person cannot do this job.

Kocs: I absolutely agree with Nicholas. It was two years ago that the Vice President and the President became two Presidents. They could divide the tasks equally, they are two different people, just like Nicholas and I. He has slightly different views on things; he’s the German calmness, I’m a little more Eastern European sometimes, and of course, the American. It’s kind of an interesting mix, and we thought it was better.

Géczi: It was the first time that you did the campaign together, right?

Kocs: Yes, this was the first time when it was instantly two people aiming for the presidency.

Trunecz: Chances are this will be the new standard.

Géczi: How would you evaluate the work of the SAC this semester (Fall 2024)?

Kocs: I think we had a fantastic and pretty successful semester. We had the fascinating Thanksgiving Gala, we successfully created a SAC Constitution, we have policies laid down, and we have people attending the events.  We organized smaller and larger scale events, and students suddenly became interested in joining the SAC and participating in the events. I’m really proud of the SAC Team we have this semester; I think we all are fantastic people. We treat everyone as equal. Even though there are Presidents and Communication Officers, I think everyone is equally important, and everyone has an equal voice in the decisions.

Trunecz: It has to be admitted I believe the workload has been a bit more than what we expected. It is a bit difficult to manage.

Géczi: Paperwork? Or what type of workload?

Trunecz: All of it, in general.

Kocs: Yeah, the paperwork is a little more, too. The SAC that we know today is completely different than it used to be before Covid, especially. There were three different positions: SAC, Peer Mentors, and Student Ambassadors.

Trunecz: But the borders between these were very vague, to put it mildly.

Kocs: Since the end of Covid, these emerged into one, which we know today as SAC. We have more responsibilities, not to mention the number of duties that we receive from the administration, specifically Henrietta, working with the study-abroad students.  Next semester is going to be a little easier now that we know what to expect and how to handle things.

Trunecz: Given the fact that we are both graduating, as well as 2-3 other members of the SAC, it will be an interesting semester.

Géczi: How could you increase student involvement in activities/programs?

Trunecz: The best you can do is just do things; you know. If we start a tradition, for example, the art club that Alexa (Peer Mentor) started if you just give up because the first time around, two people showed up only, you’re not going to get far. Of course, advertising is very important, and we have some good communication people now who are doing a great job. Putting up posters in the classroom has proven effective.

Géczi: Which is better: social media advertising or posters?

Kocs: I think both are equally important, but with the posters, the good thing is that you instantly see them. What I would also add to Nicholas’ remark is approachability. SAC members should be approachable from the very beginning, so what we did was we were really approachable during the first weeks for Freshmen and study-abroad students. They obviously got to know us very well; we built trust with them. This way, they have more willingness to participate in the events. With the upper-class students, it’s the same; we are approachable whenever they have any questions.

Géczi: I think it comes down to the fact that you guys are very open, so people aren’t afraid to ask. Moving on, for the Spring 2025 semester, what are your main goals?

Trunecz: We haven’t looked too far into the future, however,of course, we ought to organize another event on the scale of the recent Thanksgiving Gala. We could organize more trips outside the campus, within Hungary, as well as outside. Perhaps going to Croatia, Italy, or somewhere in May.

Kocs: Also, for the smaller scale events, we’re definitely going to have Art & Wine Night and organize something for the International Day that has been a great tradition. We want to bring back a tradition, the seniors/graduates dinner. There is a little personal motivation behind it. It’s been a tradition that existed for many years; it’s important for the graduates.

Géczi: Is it hard to tackle being president as well as your final years of studies?

Trunecz: Not yet we’ll come back to that next semester.

Kocs: It can be sometimes stressful, but I like it. Especially orientation week, which is a lot of work. I remember one-day last year, we worked 16-18 hours straight. After you finish the event and you have this fantastic product that you’ve created, it feels great.

Géczi: Kristof, you have been to the American Campus, as far as I know, you (Nicholas) didn’t go, right?

Trunecz: No, well, while the original plan was to go in my junior year, which is now, but then I had a bunch of entanglements here like the SAC, and I decided to finish a year early, so that doesn’t work out.

Géczi: How was your (Kocs) experience there at Westminster?

Kocs: I really loved it, thank you for the question. I feel like if students have the opportunity and resources to travel there and study there, even if it’s just one semester or a year, they should definitely take this opportunity. That’s a different campus; it’s bigger, more professors, and it’s more American, to say the least. It’s located in a rural area. Ultimately, it’s a great way to extend your view and learn about things that you might not be able to learn here at the Budapest campus, though we still have a lot of visiting professors. We will have a visiting professor next semester, take that class!

Géczi: You both study political science, what aspects of politics or international relations are you interested in?

Trunecz: Currently, given that we are at an American College, US foreign policy, and also domestic politics, you might as well.

Kocs: Honestly, I’m also a little interested in US politics but more Central European politics. We are living in the heart of Europe since I grew up in Hungary, I’m interested in what will happen to this country. I’m going to do my thesis on nationalism in Central Europe.

Géczi: Lastly, what are your plans after graduating?

Trunecz: There are two institutions that are my top two: the School of International Studies in Vienna and the University of Lucerne in Switzerland. Now, the Vienna program is specifically tailored to train people for the foreign service, which would be excellent because that’s step three: joining the foreign service in Germany. In Lucerne, they have a political science master’s dual program together with the University of Carleton in Canada.

Kocs: Previously, I was also leaning towards going for a master’s, but now I’m more and more interested in starting to work instead. I’ve been looking into several job opportunities in multiple fields. The US embassy, I did an internship over there if they had an opportunity, I’d instantly take that also NGOs. Maybe later on, do a master’s.

Géczi: Thank you guys so much!

Kocs & Trunecz: Thank you!

Note: This interview was conducted in December 2024.

Photo by Anna Horváth

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Hallucinations, sensory experiences that appear real but are created by the mind, are often associated with mental illness, drug use, or neurological disorders. However, they are more complex than simply being symptoms of pathology. The psychology of hallucination delves into how and why these experiences occur, how they are interpreted, and what they reveal about the brain’s perception and cognition processes.

Hallucinations are defined as perceptual experiences that occur without an external stimulus. They can involve any of the five senses, like auditory hallucinations (hearing voices or sounds that aren’t there), which are the most common; visual hallucinations (seeing things that don’t exist); Tactile hallucinations (feeling sensations that have no physical source); and Olfactory and gustatory hallucinations (smelling or tasting things that aren’t present), which are less common but still significant. These experiences are often vivid and seem entirely real to the person experiencing them, creating a challenge for both the individual and those around them in distinguishing between reality and the hallucination. “Hallucinations could be expressions of repressed desires or unconscious thoughts,” said Sigmund Freud.

At the core of hallucinations lies the brain’s complex mechanisms of perception and interpretation. The brain continuously processes information from the senses, creating a seamless experience of the external world. However, hallucinations disrupt this process. There are several potential causes for this disruption, which are:

1. Sensory deprivation: When sensory input is limited or cut off (e.g., in darkness, isolation, or under extreme stress), the brain may “fill in the gaps” with internally generated imagery or sounds. This can explain why solitary confinement or prolonged sensory isolation can lead to hallucinations.

2. Neuro-chemical imbalance: Hallucinations are often linked to changes in neurotransmitters—chemical messengers in the brain. For example, dopamine, which is associated with pleasure and reward, has been implicated in the hallucinations experienced by those with schizophrenia. Similarly, drugs like LSD or psilocybin alter serotonin pathways, which can lead to vivid visual hallucinations. Research has shown that psychedelics can produce similar effects in healthy individuals, leading scientists to investigate their potential for unlocking new insights into consciousness.

3. Brain areas involved: Brain regions such as the temporal lobes, parietal lobes, and prefrontal cortex are involved in perception, reality testing, and cognitive processing. Activity or dysfunction in these areas—whether due to neurological disease, trauma, or drug use—can lead to the generation of hallucinations. Studies using imaging technology, like fMRI, have shown increased activity in the auditory areas of the brain during auditory hallucinations in individuals with schizophrenia.

4. Memory and expectation: Sometimes, hallucinations can be influenced by a person’s expectations or prior experiences. The brain might rely on past memories or cultural influences to create vivid sensory experiences that seem to correspond to a perceived threat or emotional need. For example, individuals under extreme stress may hallucinate a loved one’s voice or presence, providing comfort or a sense of control in a frightening situation.

Hallucinations are of different types, and they have some psychological implications, which are mostly categorised based on the underlying cause, which include:

• Psychotic Hallucinations: These are typically seen in conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression. In these cases, the hallucinations are often not just isolated sensory experiences but part of a broader disruption in reality perception. People may hear voices that command them to act in certain ways or experience paranoia. The psychological impact can be intense, causing distress, confusion, and a loss of connection to external reality.

• Hypnagogic hallucinations: These are sleep-related hallucinations that occur when falling asleep (hypnagogic) or waking up (hypnopompic). They often involve vivid imagery or sounds, and in some cases, people might confuse them with reality. They are not necessarily pathological but can be distressing. These types of hallucinations are particularly interesting from a psychological perspective, as they suggest that the boundaries between waking and dreaming states are more fluid than typically thought.

• Substance-induced hallucinations: Drugs, particularly psychedelics (e.g., LSD, psilocybin, and mescaline), as well as certain medications and alcohol withdrawal, can cause hallucinations. These experiences may alter perception, induce a sense of altered reality, and provoke intense emotional responses. Though these hallucinations may not always reflect underlying psychiatric pathology, they highlight the mind’s malleability and the brain’s capacity to distort sensory input.

• Cultural and religious hallucinations: In some cultures, hallucinations are considered spiritual or mystical experiences. People might report seeing or communicating with deities, spirits, or ancestors. While these experiences might be interpreted as religious or supernatural, from a psychological standpoint, they offer insights into how culture and belief systems can shape the content of hallucinations. In this sense, hallucinations may not just be random misfirings of the brain but reflections of deeply ingrained cognitive frameworks.

The emotional and cognitive responses to hallucinations can vary widely, and they depend on the context in which they occur. For some individuals, hallucinations are terrifying and disorienting, leading to anxiety, confusion, or distress. In other cases, they can be benign or even pleasant experiences—such as in the case of some mild, non-psychotic hallucinations that are triggered by sleep deprivation, fever, or meditation. The psychological impact is often tied to whether the individual believes the hallucinations are real and whether they have the cognitive ability to “reality test” their experiences. People who experience hallucinations often struggle with distinguishing between what is real and what is imagined.

Conversely, individuals with a higher degree of insight into their condition may experience their hallucinations with more curiosity or detachment, trying to understand or interpret them rather than being overwhelmed by them. This suggests that psychological resilience, coping strategies, and even one’s belief systems can play a key role in how hallucinations are experienced and interpreted.

Hallucinations can be treated by addressing the underlying cause, whether it is a mental health disorder, neurological condition, or substance use. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often employed to help individuals develop skills for managing distressing hallucinations, especially in conditions like schizophrenia. Medications such as antipsychotics are frequently prescribed to help regulate neurotransmitter imbalances and reduce the frequency and intensity of hallucinations. However, the psychological nature of hallucinations means that treatment often also involves helping individuals rebuild their sense of reality. Reality testing techniques can be used to help patients assess whether their experiences are consistent with external reality, and mindfulness practices can help reduce the emotional distress that often accompanies hallucinations.

In conclusion, hallucinations represent a fascinating intersection of perception, cognition, and psychology. While they are often seen as abnormal or pathological experiences, they reveal much about how the brain constructs reality. Whether caused by sensory deprivation, chemical imbalances, or intense psychological states, hallucinations challenge our understanding of what it means to perceive the world around us. By studying the psychology of hallucination, we gain a deeper insight into the intricate and mysterious workings of the human mind.

Photos by Ameerah Auwal Muhammad

The post The psychology of hallucination: understanding the mind’s illusion appeared first on McDaniel College Budapest.

As some of our readers may have already noticed, the Student Advisory Council (SAC) of McDaniel College Budapest has relaunched its official TikTok channel, after several months of hiatus. The first video – which at the time of this report has already garnered over 1,200 views – features short interviews with students about Valentine’s Day. Lorainne Del Nogal Campos, the SAC’s Communications Officer and TikTok-manager, believes that the social media platform is essential for connecting with both current and prospective students. “Having a TikTok page can significantly help us engage with the younger generation,” she explained, adding that the site can be used “to [accurately] present student life at McDaniel,” and “show the different international cultures our student body is exposed to.”

Although there have already been attempts last spring to launch a student-run TikTok page for the Budapest campus, the production of further content came to a halt, after posting two short videos. The primary reasons for this interruption were likely due to a lack of interest, insufficient time, and limited human resources within the SAC’s Communications team. Nevertheless, Lorainne’s current enthusiasm remains boundless; in fact, she feels even more committed to the project since the release of the first video. When asked why she believes her approach will be more successful, than that of her predecessors, she laughed and replied, “It’s [gonna be] different because I’m doing it now.” She believes that an outgoing personality and a willingness to engage with fellow students through thought-provoking questions are the two secret keys for a successful TikTok-campaign. “But” – Lorainne continued – “generational differences” may also play a role in the platform’s appeal, noting, “The perspective from kids born after 2000 is very different from that of ’90s kids.”

As Lorainne explained, “The first video is always the hardest [to create]. But once you start, you can easily get passionate about it,” adding that she is excited about the possibilities available for creativity and hopes that her pioneering effort will make the lives of future SAC TikTokers easier. Her strategy is clear: “My goal is to create content that invites both students and non-students to feel welcome and motivated to participate in the activities at our school.” When asked about her future plans, Lorainne revealed that in her upcoming video, she intends to interview seniors about their experiences at McDaniel. She also remains open to content suggestions from the students – who may also contribute to content creations – and continues to study the TikTok accounts of other universities as inspiration. 

One thing she is certain of, however, is her desire “to create something unique” that resonates with the essence of McDaniel Budapest and the SAC. As a last thought, she stated that she hopes “to produce at least 5-6 videos by the end of the semester,” but given the excitement generated by the first video, “filming and editing them will be much easier.” It’s no surprise that Lorainne feels this way, as the response from students has been overwhelmingly positive. One student remarked, “I think it’s great that we finally have our own TikTok for the Budapest campus,” while another follower enthusiastically commented, “I’m living for this content.” Students who had like to collaborate with Lorainne can contact her at ldd002@mcdaniel.edu. Incidentally, the videos are also posted as stories on Instagram.

For those interested to follow our official TikTok channel, be sure to check out the following link: https://www.tiktok.com/@mcdanielbpc

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Preceding the start of the 2025 spring semester for the McDaniel Budapest campus, study abroad students participated in a mandatory week of Orientation to become acclimated to their new, unfamiliar surroundings. I spoke with four students about their experience, starting with their favorite part of the first week:
Third year student, Graphic Design major, Art History and Cinema minor Kate Heard said, “I really liked that we got to hit major landmarks within the first week and did it together as a group while also learning how to use the public transportation.” Second year student and Psychology major Serenity Moseley-Few agreed. Locations like Arena Mall for shopping, the Hungarian Parliament, and eventually Heroes’ Square, Városliget and the Hungarian Agricultural Museum, Fisherman’s Basin, and more were all visited within the first week and accumulated in the form of a site-seeing scavenger hunt on the final day.
Third year student and Philosophy major Jasmine Artis said, “Meeting all the peer mentors and doing activities with them was really fun. They were nice and engaging.” Second year student, Communications major, Isabelle Diffendall agreed, saying, “The dynamic between SAC (Student Advisory Council) Co-Presidents Kristof Kocs and Nicholas Trunecz, and the Peer Mentors, was entertaining to see.” Kristof and Nicholas, along with the mentors, encouraged questions about Hungarian sites, practices, and culture and answered them with kindness and understanding.

While traveling to a foreign country and being in a different environment can be exciting, it can also be difficult. Jasmine expressed, “There wasn’t enough downtime to settle in when we arrived, and activities were scheduled early without time to truly rest.” Isabelle mentioned that the directions for travel were a bit difficult to follow without help from the mentors and Serenity agreed saying, “We would arrive at a location and at the end, we were left with no directions on how to get back to our apartments.”

Along with traveling around the city with peer mentors, study abroad students were required to attend informational sessions led by Director of Academic and Student Affairs Professor Matthew Adamson, Director of Academic and Institutional Development Professor Christopher Cox, and peer mentors.
Current staff, students, and faculty members share an interest in wanting an insider’s opinion about what this part of the program is like for students. All four students agreed that improving the residency permit process would be the most helpful thing to do. All international students are required to complete a residence permit application. This application is then used by the Immigration Office to officially issue students their residence permits which take a few weeks to arrive. It is used to justify the legal stay of the resident along with their valid travel document. Kate admitted that it was stressful, “I was in the first group to go as it seemed that those helping may have been unsure of what to do so it was a very long process.”
Isabelle commented on the processes once arriving at the Immigration Office the following day, “Almost everyone had something wrong with their documents.” Serenity agreed, saying, “I was one of the last people to go because something was wrong with the pictures of my documents.” Jasmine also wished the process was smoother for all involved, including those helping.
There is quite a small staff here at the McDaniel Budapest campus, but they have proven to be a dedicated team that works hard to provide a safe and inviting environment for the study abroad students. All the interviewed students agreed that though things may have started rocky, everything worked out in the end, leaving them with good stories to tell.
After a week of traveling, attending info sessions, and adjusting, these students were able to give some advice to those who want to study abroad at the Budapest campus in the future. “For the first week of orientation, make sure all your important documents are in one folder, digitally and physically, and always bring them with you,” advised Kate and the others agreed. Though bed linens are provided, Isabelle suggested bringing your own if you prefer certain textures. “Bring your own washcloths if you prefer to bathe with those,” Jasmine added, “Also if you enjoy a particular brand [of cosmetics, snacks, etcetera] from home, bring it with you.”

Serenity encouraged students to stay true to their personal style. “Don’t stress too much about wearing sweatpants. The dress code here is like being at home. Just don’t wear pajamas.” Kate also added, “Bring more cash than you think you need. Cash is better to have here and there is typically an international fee each time a credit or debit card is used.”
While there may have been a few stumbles throughout this week, there was charm that could not be replicated. These four first time international travellers have made it through their first week here in Budapest and they are looking forward to experiencing more of the city, culture, and changes.

Pictures by Amiya Daye

The post Settling in appeared first on McDaniel College Budapest.

By Kristof Kocs

Many of our students and professors may be unaware that our Budapest campus building embodies the captivating history of a bygone era that is built into its brick structure. Located in a historic former Jewish school building, McDaniel College Budapest today is nestled in the heart of what was once known as the renowned – or, due to its high criminal rates and fast-paced urbanization, rather infamous – “Csikágó” (Chicago)area of the Hungarian capital. But, in order to understand why this district was named after the Windy City, let us take a step back in time and see how this new neighborhood came to be, from its initial design to reality.

Our story begins during the era of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, specifically the 1880s, a time when Budapest had already outgrown its city limits and was embarking on a journey of territorial expansion. As part of this growth, a new central railway station was designated for the increasingly metropolitan capital, to be built on the previously undeveloped agricultural lands that marked the city’s border – what is now known as the Keleti Railway Station. With the opening of the new train station, the surrounding area also experienced a remarkable surge in urbanization. In fact, contemporary accounts indicated that “no other part of Budapest had ever experienced such an accelerated development” as this district saw, currently bordered by Thököly út, Dózsa György út, Damjanich utca, and Rottenbiller utca.

Here, rows of newly erected apartment buildings mirrored the Art Nouveau architectural style of the era, characterized by multi-story residential structures colloquially known as “gangway houses.” These typical Budapest apartment complexes had a distinctive feature that set them apart: while they appeared to be simple 3-to-5-story residential buildings from the outside, by stepping through the entrance they revealed a vibrant internal courtyard surrounded by walkways, or “gangways,” that provided access to each apartment. At the time, the residents of Budapest believed that the emergence of these tall buildings – often regarded as impressively high for that period – combined with the dynamic surrounding urban development, closely resembled the contemporary growth of Western metropolises, especially Chicago in the United States. According to local author Pál Békés, renowned for his popular novel Csikágó: Gangregény, which is set in the area, the name ‘Csikágó’ (as pronounced in Hungarian) was selected by the public “because postcards at the time only celebrated Chicago, the overseas prairie-metropolis, as the peak of modern urbanity.”

Typical gangway house in Budapest

However, this was not the only reason why the area earned this nickname. As it is often the case, the wave of infrastructural development spurred not only the revitalisation of the area but also led to its subsequent decline. Csikágó’s unprecedented level of population density – unlike anything previously experienced in Budapest – had soon turned the area into a stronghold for the most impoverished communities and a hotbed for criminal activity. One of the most notable examples of this transformation was Százház utca, a densely populated street on the outskirts of the neighborhood. As a news report by Lydia Kovács at the time indicated, this street became widely known as “a gathering place for suburban vagabonds.”

This situation persisted until the end of the 20th century, and over time, the place was overwhelmed by the homeless, drug lords, and prostitutes. Notably, a nearby street – Nefelejcs utca – had become one of the most infamous red-light districts in the country. At the same time, a large influx of people from rural areas, living in difficult economic circumstances, began to move in and inhabit the local residences. This transformation led to a very diverse mix of residents – ranging from country folk, who kept chickens and roosters as pets, tomysterious figures with questionable backgrounds, and everyday individuals that were just grappling with poverty, as is famously noted by Pál Békés in his novel. However, as time passed, the area has undergone a complete revitalisation, and today, Csikágó presents a vibrant new face of Budapest, welcoming a diverse community of Hungarian and international university students, young couples, and small family businesses.

McDaniel College Budapest

Throughout this evolution, various eras have left their imprint on what is perhaps the most beautiful – and yet tragically significant – edifice on Bethlen Gábor tér: the campus ofMcDaniel College Budapest. Originally founded as the Budapest National Institute for the Deaf, this historic building later became a wartime Jewish hospital under the protection of the International Red Cross, during the occupation of Nazi Germany, in 1944. After the war ended, the building housed the Hungarian Jewish National Committee for Attending Deportees (DEGOB), an organization funded by the American Joint Distribution Committee.

From 1957 until 2000, it once again served as a school – this time as the home of the Bárczy Gusztáv College of Special Education, an elite college for psychology students. Notable figures, including Flóra Kozmucza, the renowned psychologist wife of the famous Hungarian writer Gyula Illyés, were among those who taught and led the institution. Since the beginning of the new millennium, the building has been utilized by McDaniel College as well as several other international college programs. The property has also been since returned to the Jewish community of Budapest, who were the original owners. Today, the Bethlen tér building with its unique architectural outlook and colourful legacy, continues to serve as a symbol of education and history, in the heart of the Csikágó neighbourhood.

Photos by Kristof Kocs

The post Chicago in the heart of Budapest?! Unveiling the history of a forgotten neighborhood appeared first on McDaniel College Budapest.