Nearly 40 countries' ELTE students explored each other's cultures at the third Cultural Connection Day event on the Lágymányos campus.

The ELTE Student Government (EHÖK) and the university's International Student Advisory Committee (ISAC) held the Cultural Connection Day for the third time. In the Globe Aula at the Lágymányos campus, close to 40 countries showcased their traditional costumes, customs, and gastronomy, while visitors took part in programs organized by almost 30 embassies, cultural institutions, student and university organizations.

Diplomatic missions (including Algeria, Brazil, Cuba, Indonesia, Morocco, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, India) and cultural institutions brought art and sports programs, dance performances, exhibitions, and other interactive experiences. ELTE was represented by the department of Erasmus and International Programs, the Institute of Language Mediation, and the InSINC Office, among others.

The event reminds us year after year that ELTE is not only a place of academic excellence, but also a meeting point for cultures, ideas, and human connections that go far beyond the traditional boundaries of education – said Gábor Zemplén in his speech. According to ELTE's Vice-Rector for International Affairs, although dynastic rivalries and religious tensions affecting universities have eased over history, geopolitical conflicts driven by territorial and power ambitions still put many international students in difficult life situations. In such circumstances, it is almost a gift that at ELTE, we can work and study in a peaceful, inclusive environment that values diversity and supports learning and teaching.

The Vice-Rector emphasized that the university's more than five thousand international students represent some 120 countries, countless languages, religions, and diverse cultural backgrounds; all of which contribute to Eötvös Loránd University becoming an increasingly influential player in global higher education.

Réka Boros, Deputy Vice-President for International Affairs of ELTE Student Government (EHÖK), and Rita Albittar, President of the International Student Advisory Committee (ISAC), highlighted in their opening remarks: our culture is present in music, traditions, flavors, art, language and in the personal stories we carry with us, and the event creates an excellent opportunity to showcase and learn from each other. At ELTE, students from many countries study and work together, forging friendships which often last far beyond their university years; these experiences shape careers, communities, and sometimes even the future of nations – concluded the representatives of the student organizations.

The exhibitors' home competition was won by the Omani Student Association and Algeria's stand. The opening ceremony featured the ELTE Trefortissimo Choir conducted by Gabriella Báródi, and the event was moderated by Laura Alzmeter, staff member at the InSINC International Student Integration Knowledge Center.