From Argentina to Pécs

When Alexa Bischoff left her small hometown in northern Argentina to pursue a degree at the University of Pécs, Faculty of Business and Economics, she wasn’t just chasing academic success. She was following a dream tied to both personal heritage and professional ambition. Her story reflects how international education can be transformative in the most meaningful ways.

Rooted in Heritage, Driven by Curiosity

Alexa’s decision to study in Hungary came from a personal place. As a descendant of Hungarian immigrants, she always felt a connection to the culture. “It was more than just language or food, I was part of the Hungarian society in Argentina. I went to national camps, joined cultural events, and grew up deeply involved.” “So when I told my mom, half-jokingly, ‘What if I studied in Hungary?’ she said, ‘Why not?’” That spark led Alexa to the Hungarian Embassy, where she learned about the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship and eventually chose the University of Pécs, Faculty of Business and Economics.

“I was told the city would feel like home, and it truly did,” she said. Despite the uncertainty of starting her journey during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Alexa arrived determined and open-hearted, ready to learn and grow in a new environment. But it didn’t come without nerves. “The hardest part wasn’t the culture itself — I was familiar with Hungarian traditions. It was starting a new life in a second language and with no family around”.

Finding Belonging in Small Moments

Arriving during the pandemic, Alexa faced all the usual challenges of relocation — quarantine, paperwork, and distance from home. “I remember crying in my dorm room thinking, ‘What did I get myself into?’” she said. But a simple act of kindness changed her perspective: her quarantine roommate helped her navigate her first steps in Hungary, offering both guidance and comfort.

As classes began, Alexa quickly realized she wasn’t alone. “Everyone was figuring things out—most people were studying in a second language, dealing with homesickness, and learning on the way” This shared experience helped build a close-knit international community that became her second family.

From Sunday lunches to card games and hikes, Alexa and her international friends made it a point to celebrate each other’s cultures and create a new home together. “My closest friends were from South Africa, Russia, Brazil and the Philippines. We came from such different places, but we understood each other deeply, it felt like family.”

Studying Without Comparison

Alexa’s strong academic performance led to her receiving the Best Student Award at her graduation in 2024 — a surprise she didn’t expect. “I didn’t even know there was such an award until the day before,” she said, laughing.

But for her, the achievement wasn’t about being better than anyone else. “I didn’t focus on comparison. I just tried to do my best, stay consistent, and ask for help when I needed it. When you’re in a class where people feel like family, you celebrate each other’s wins, it doesn’t feel competitive. Having my classmates and friends there while achieving this was rewarding in every sense”.

She credits her success not only to her discipline, but to the learning environment itself. “Every professor helped shape me in a different way. Even the courses I didn’t love taught me something valuable. The structure of the Faculty of Business and Economics makes sure every subject has a purpose — and I’m thankful for all of it.”

One of her highlights was writing a thesis on nostalgia in marketing under the guidance of Dr. Petra Rácz-Putzer, who helped her bring depth and clarity to the project. She also appreciated the engaging classes of Dr. Zsuzsanna Vitai, who taught Human Resources through a real-world lens. “She made the subject practical and accessible — not just theory.”

Giving Back to the Community

In her final years, Alexa became a Student Mentor and an International Student Ambassador. These roles weren’t just about titles — they reflected her desire to give back to the university and to the foundation that funded her studies.

“When I first arrived, the mentoring program wasn’t like it is today. My actual mentor kind of disappeared, so it was really my quarantine roommate who helped me. That’s why I wanted to support others on their first steps in Hungary and give back some of the help I’ve received.”

Alexa was also part of the mentor selection committee, where she saw how students could apply their soft skills to support the community. “Being involved taught me so much about communication, empathy, and listening.”

“It was a way to say thank you — and to show future students that they’re not alone.”

Continuing Her Cultural Journey

After graduation, Alexa received the Balassi Bálint Scholarship and studied Hungarian language and culture in Budapest. “I didn’t want to just be Hungarian on paper. I wanted to fully connect with my roots”.

That experience gave her one more opportunity to grow, and to reflect on how far she had come since her arrival in Hungary. It also brought her closer to the heritage that once sparked her journey in the first place.

Starting a Global Career

Back in Argentina now, Alexa works at EY in an executive administrative support role. It’s a position that allows her to use her cross-cultural communication skills daily. “My degree gave me more than just knowledge—it taught me how to work with people from all over the world.”

“My degree gave me the confidence to work globally. I understand different perspectives, and I can adapt quickly. These are skills I wouldn’t have gained if I hadn’t stepped out of my comfort zone.”

Her Advice: Just Say Yes

To those who hesitate about studying abroad, Alexa has a simple message:

“You just need to take the risk. If you don’t try, you’ll never know what you are able of.”

Her journey, which started with a dream and a bit of uncertainty, turned into something far greater — a personal and academic transformation that she now carries into every chapter of her life.

“It was a life-changing experience that broke me to make me whole.”