Aizhan Zhalel

E-mail: zhalel06@bk.ru

Hello! My name is Aizhan and I’m from the heart of Central Asia - Kazakhstan. I’m currently studying Sociology at ELTE, which has helped me see the world through a more critical and thoughtful lens. I’m particularly drawn to gender studies and how social structures shape our daily experiences.

"You’re encouraged to explore different topics, take courses from other faculties and develop your own interests."

In my spare time, I enjoy listening to music and playing on ukulele my favourite songs. I’m a big fan of Chapell Roan, Adrianne Lenker and Lorde. I also enjoy watching a wide range of media – from movies to korean & american TV shows to anime. I’m always up for adventures like hiking and traveling. I speak Kazakh, Russian and English, and I have been learning Korean for three years and Hungarian for one. Although my hometown and Budapest share a similiar climate, I’ve fallen in love with Budapest’s architecture because every building feels like a piece of art. 

If you think I might be helpful to you, don’t hesitate to send me an email <3

What stood out to you about ELTE?

When I was researching universities in Hungary to apply through the Stipendium Hungaricum Program, ELTE stood out to me because of its strong focus on Social Sciences. So I chose it without hesitation. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the entrance exam involved creating a 5–6 minute video about social issues we observe in our surroundings. As someone who enjoys being creative, I fully immersed myself in the process. Making that video wasn’t just a task, it was the first time i actively connected my creativity with social reflection. Through it I realized how deeply interested i was in understanding society and the structures that shape our lives, something I hadn’t had the chance to explore during high school. Looking back, this experience set the tone for what studying at ELTE would be like: thoughtful, challenging and personal. It made me feel that my perspective mattered and reminded me that learning can also be a space for self-expression and meaningful engagement with the world.

What makes studying at ELTE so great?

First of all, I’d say, the location. I really like our Social Sciences campus that is located on the Buda side, right next to the Danube river. The area is calm and beautiful, and studying in such a peaceful environment makes everyday life feel a bit more enjoyable.

Secondly, I appreciate how ELTE organizes so many events and programs for international students. It really helps you find your community, make friends from around the world and feel more at home, especially in the beginning when everything feels new.

And finally, what makes studying at ELTE great for me is the academic freedom and variety. You’re encouraged to explore different topics, take courses from other faculties and develop your own interests. I feel like I’m not just studying for a degree but I’m growing as a person, both academically and socially.

What are / were your challenges in your study program?

The challenges i’ve faced mainly came from the fact that i attended a scientific high school, where i focused on biology, physics and math. Even though i realized my passion for sociology, it was still hard for me to adapt to the courses at first. I found it challenging to give critical responses to social issues, write essays and share my opinion confidently.

On the other hand, subjects like Statistics and Quantitative Data Analysis felt quite easy for me, probably because of my science background. So it was a mix of struggling with some parts and feeling comfortable with others. With time, i got more used to the rhythm of the program and even the things i found difficult at the beginning started to feel more natural. I still have moments when it’s hard, but i feel more grounded now and more connected to what i study.

How did you overcome these challenges?

I tried to overcome these challenges step by step. At first, i just gave myself time to adjust ’cause i knew i couldn’t suddenly become confident in writing or critical thinking, but i kept trying. I started reading more, asking questions during classes and slowly began to share my thoughts with people even if i wasn’t sure they were “perfect.” I also talked to my coursemates and realized that many of us were in the same boat, which helped me feel less alone.

What really helped was reminding myself why i chose sociology in the first place. It was not because i was already good at it, but because i was curious and wanted to understand people and society better. And that was enough to keep me going.

How would you describe elte in three words?

Vibrant, Challenging, Life-changing

How do you think your degree will help you in your life and career?

I believe my Sociology degree at ELTE will be a strong foundation both for my personal growth and future career. It’s helped me see the world through a more critical and empathetic lens, understand different social issues and ask the right questions, which is valuable in so many fields. Whether i end up working in research, NGOs, social projects or something else entirely, the skills and mindset i’ve gained through this program will definitely help me navigate real-life challenges and contribute meaningfully to whatever i choose to do.

Do you have any recommendations for future students at ELTE?

One thing i’d definitely recommend to future ELTE students is to explore and take advantage of all the opportunities early on. Once you’ve settled in and adjusted to the new rhythm, try to be open and curious as ELTE offers much more than just your degree program. There are courses you can take from other faculties, student clubs to join, events, workshops and even research or volunteering opportunities. Don’t wait until your final year to discover everything, because the earlier you get involved, the more meaningful and enriching your university experience will be.