Seungae Lee
Study Program
Degree Program
Degree program
English and American Studies BA
Country
South Korea
Scholarship
self-funded
Period of studies at ELTE
-
Period of studies at ELTE - comment
(expected)
Area of interest
Arts and Humanities
E-mail: minerva3473@gmail.com
Annyeong (안녕)! I'm Seungae from South Korea. I love dancing, singing, writing, and reading. In my free time, I run or go roller skating. Who knows? Maybe one day you'll spot me roller skating along the Danube in Budapest!
"If you choose ELTE, don't just study here. Live here. I believe the experience will take you much further than you ever imagined."
WHAT STOOD OUT TO YOU ABOUT ELTE?
What stood out to me most about ELTE was its teaching style. Classes are divided into lectures and seminars, and the seminars are small and highly interactive. Professors and students exchange ideas, creating an environment where everyone is encouraged to participate.
As a student from South Korea, this was a completely new experience. In Korea, students rarely ask questions and are expected to learn passively. At ELTE, however, I learned how to think critically, participate in discussions, and take ownership of my own learning.
More than anything, I wanted to give myself the best education I could, and choosing ELTE was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
WHAT MAKES STUDYING AT ELTE SO GREAT?
What makes studying at ELTE so great is that it offers much more than a degree. Located in the heart of Budapest, ELTE brings together students from all over the world, making it easy to experience different cultures, perspectives, and friendships every day.
Budapest itself was full of surprises. The international community is incredibly active, with events and programmes happening almost every day. At the same time, Hungarian students were warm and welcoming. I was even invited into a Hungarian classmate's home several times, including on Christmas Day, which made me feel like part of a family.
Another unique advantage of ELTE is its Erasmus opportunities. Through ELTE, I had the chance to spend a semester at NOVA University in Lisbon, Portugal. Studying in one European country while having the opportunity to explore many others is an experience that is hard to find elsewhere.
Looking back, ELTE was the first university I ever attended, and it turned out to be exactly the university I had always needed.
WHAT ARE / WERE YOUR CHALLENGES IN YOUR STUDY PROGRAM?
If I told you that ELTE is the first school I have ever attended in my entire life, would you believe me?
I was homeschooled throughout elementary, middle, and high school, so adapting to university life was my biggest challenge. When I arrived at ELTE, I had never taken a formal exam before. Everything, from exams and seminars to lectures and classroom discussions, felt completely unfamiliar.
Studying English literature was also challenging. Reading authors such as William Blake, T. S. Eliot, and Shakespeare in a second language required much more than simply understanding the words. I had to learn how to analyse complex ideas, participate in discussions, and express my own opinions in English. It was a completely new academic experience for me.
HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THESE CHALLENGES?
Although the transition was difficult at first, I gradually realised that my homeschooling background had prepared me better than I had expected. Because I had always been responsible for my own education, I already knew how to study independently, manage my time, and stay motivated without constant supervision.
Learning English had also taught me perseverance. Since my parents didn't speak English, I learned through books, DVDs, and listening practice. My mother brought home English books from the library every day, and over time, I read more than 1,000 books. Those experiences gave me the confidence to keep learning and ask questions, even when things felt difficult.
Most importantly, ELTE's supportive learning environment helped me grow. Passionate professors, interactive seminars, and open discussions encouraged me to ask questions, share my ideas, and enjoy learning instead of fearing it. Looking back, the challenges that once seemed overwhelming became the experiences that shaped me the most.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE ELTE IN THREE WORDS?
Passionate, Inspiring, Transformative.
HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR DEGREE WILL HELP YOU IN YOUR LIFE AND CAREER?
I believe my degree has already changed my life, even before my career has begun. I feel like the Seungae who came to ELTE is not the same person I am today.
Through this journey, I discovered not only a new culture but also a new version of myself. It broadened my perspective, strengthened my confidence, and taught me how to think independently and communicate with people from different backgrounds.
Professionally, earning a degree from a European university will open doors to international opportunities. It will allow me to pursue careers not only in South Korea but also across Europe, giving me the flexibility to build a truly global career.
If I had stayed in Korea, I think I would have continued living within the small, familiar boundaries I already knew. But studying at ELTE showed me that when you step outside your comfort zone, the sky has no limit. For me, that sky was Budapest, and the lessons I learned from the people and experiences are far more valuable than anything that can be measured by a diploma alone.
DO YOU HAVE ANY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE STUDENTS AT ELTE?
If you're thinking about studying at ELTE, my advice is simple. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Real growth begins when you leave behind what is familiar and embrace the unknown.
Make the most of every opportunity, join student events, travel, ask questions in class, and talk to people from different cultures. Some of the most valuable lessons you'll learn won't come from textbooks but from the people you meet and the experiences you have. If you choose ELTE, don't just study here. Live here. I believe the experience will take you much further than you ever imagined.