Welcome Dinner: Flavors, dance and new beginnings

The latest group of international students arriving for the spring semester at the University of Debrecen have been recently treated to a Welcome Dinner, consisting of a traditional Hungarian meal and a folk dance party. This year, the largest number of the students have come from France and Turkey. In addition to Hungarian gastronomy and folklore, these students participating in the international mobility programs also got to know their peer-partners, who will facilitate their integration into our university. The following report has been prepared by DEHDK PR and Press Office.

On the evening of February 18, the Debrecen team of Erasmus Student Network and the Foreign Affairs Committee of DEHÖK treated the new international students to a Welcome Dinner. This is a central event that kicks off the whole semester for the international students, who got a real taste of Hungarian culture and hospitality during the evening, as the participants could try some delicious specialties of Hungarian cuisine.

Following a welcome address delivered by Institutional Coordinator of the International Office of the University of Debrecen Péter Gara, the sounds of bouncy melodies of genuine Hungarian folk music and filled the venue.

When the last notes of the music faded away, it was Réka Makkos’ turn to give a speech as Vice President of International Affairs Committee of the Student Self-Government of the University of Debrecen and as President of the Debrecen Section of Erasmus Student Network.

-I do hope that this will be a really fun semester for all of you – said the Section President. In her address, she pointed out that a QR code-based scavenger hunt game has been created for international students. As part of the Welcome Dinner, the Meet Your Buddie event was also held this time, allowing students to get to know their mentors over dinner and to rely on them throughout the semester.

Considered by many to be one of the prides of Hungarian gastronomy, the dish called töltött káposzta [stuffed cabbage] was a guarantee of a new culinary experience for everyone, both in its traditional meaty or the vegetarian version. In keeping with traditions, the dessert was strudel.

Following the welcome meal, feet and hearts started to beat at the same time, as the second floor of our university’s Main Building was abuzz with Hungarian folk dancing.

- Our chief goal is to have an Erasmus generation the members of which get to know one another and then continue to be more open because of this experience. If we do our work well, I see a chance that this can have a huge impact on people – said Réka Makkos.