ISAS - supporting the international students’ community

Why did you decide to come to Hungary, and study here?

I decided to come to Budapest after I finished my first year of university in Texas. I graduated as Valedictorian in the high school, received a scholarship for my first year of the US pre-dental program. Although I am a United States citizen, I am Hungarian from Romania by origin. I was only 6 years old when we moved to the United States. I did not have a chance to fully understand the Hungarian, European culture and lifestyle. I knew the Education System in Hungary is excellent, and this was the perfect opportunity for me to learn about my heritage and become a dentist.

What are the specific goals of the ISAS?

This is my first year to be the chairwoman of ISAS, and since our group is much smaller than the previous years, we decided to reorganize the agenda of the group in order to be more successful. Our goals were and are to help enhance communications between students and the University faculty, have a stronger voice for international students, create opportunities for foreign students while they are in Hungary, rebuild the ISAS website, create a discount card for international students, and create University Hoodies as memorabilia of our student life at Semmelweis University. We also would like to integrate ourselves more with the Hungarian students and the people of this country.

Could you explain who are working for the ISAS?

There are 6 full time members, including myself, and a few volunteers. The primary group consists of: Nadav Pam (4th year General Medicine, from Israel, Webmaster), Sam Sadeghian (4th year General Medicine, from Iran, Vice-chairman/Educational Affairs), Charlie Attariani (2nd year, Dentistry, from Sweden, Treasurer/Market Affairs), Sina Kalantari Soltanieh (5th year General Medicine, from Iran, Extracurricular Activities/Student Affairs), and Yoav Litani (2nd year Medicine, from Israel, Graphic Designer). They are all unique and share creative ideas that help make ISAS successful.

How did you become a member and chairwomen of ISAS?

I became a member of ISAS during my second year in the University, after I was invited by the previous chairwoman, Alexandra Horvath. I only became the chairwoman this past October. I have been involved in student organizations and leadership committees in the United States, and I knew this would be a good way for me to learn about the Hungarian system and try to help it from an outsider's perspective. At the same time, I can develop as a person, and understand foreign perspectives. It is a win-win situation.

How does ISAS help students to integrate?

We have our student website and a group on Facebook, which are our 2 main gateways to reach all of the students. The English Secretariat also assists us when we need to reach the entire student body. Nadav Pam, the webmaster, continuously updates our homepage with new information about events, opportunities available and important information that regards the students. We are currently in collaboration with the College International and Professor Mark Kollai the English Language Director, developing ways to get students involved. We would like to find students to help with tutoring and giving language lessons. We are aiming to give something back to the country that we call home during our university years. We are constantly working to open more doors, opportunities, and create a more harmonious international community in Budapest.

Could you explain in some words the ISAS card? Is it available for Hungarian students as well?

The ISAS card is basically a discount card. We created the cards this year by hard work, collecting discount offers from local businesses that foreign students often purchase from, eg. book stores, coffee companies, restaurants, and more. Since we are students, expenses are high, anything that helps to cut our expenses is beneficial. We are continuously collecting additional discounts, so you must check our website to see where you can save! Currently the ISAS card is only available for the international students, but if Hungarian students are interested, we are willing to discuss how we can incorporate them into this project.

Do you receive invitations or do you have to search out opportunities?

When this year's ISAS group first formed, many students had lost faith in the organization and others did not know who we were. At first, we had to seek out invitations and opportunities, as well as re-establish the ISAS name by making the ISAS card, holding a USMLE lecture, helping out with the Hungarian Student Carnival event, and creating the Semmelweis Hoodies, similar sweatshirts like in American Universities. Professor Mark Kollai and the English Secretariat were a great support in helping ISAS get to where we are today. After regaining our stance amongst the students and faculty, we are pleased to say we are continuously getting new offers to expand ISAS and our ideas.