Semmelweis organized its largest-ever Freshman Camp in Zánka

Nearly 1,200 first-year students, more than ever before, participated in Semmelweis University’s Freshman Camp at the Zánka Sports and Event Center by Lake Balaton. Held later than usual, from September 4 to 7, the camp welcomed nearly 300 students enrolled in foreign-language programs, as well as almost a thousand Hungarian freshers, who had the opportunity to get a taste of university life. The program of events and activities was designed and revamped to help students integrate into university life even better. Thanks to the good weather, the freshers were also able to enjoy swimming in the lake between the preparatory lectures, forums, and fun activities.

This year’s wildlife-themed Freshman Camp welcomed first-year students with a number of new features: not only was it held at a new location at the Zánka Sports and Event Center, but the event was also organized later than usual, from September 4 to 7. A record number of over 1,200 students participated in the programs, of whom nearly 300 were admitted to English and German-language courses. Based on previous years’ experiences and student feedback, Hungarian and international student organizations, such as the Students’ Union (HÖK), the Instructor Unprompted Group (IÖCS), the International Semmelweis Students Association (ISSA), and the Deutschsprachige Studentenvertretung Semmelweis (DSVS) planned several joint events with Hungarian students, as well as special educational programs for international students on Saturday. The vice-rector for international studies and the Center of International Training Programs were also involved in the organization.

“We have organized a camp that will truly prepare students for their university years. We aim to make their first year easier and help them prepare for the next four to six years,” emphasized Rector Dr. Béla Merkely at the opening evening session of the Freshman Camp. He expressed his pride in preserving the traditions of previous decades and working with the organizing team to revamp the event so that it can welcome more Hungarian and international students than ever before in a fitting setting. He mentioned that the timing of the camp was also unusual, as it was held for the first time after the opening ceremony of the academic year. He encouraged the students to ask questions, since the university leaders, lecturers, and student organization representatives were present to answer any queries they might have about university life.

Everyone has worked hard to make sure that you find these few days beneficial and that you can prepare as much as possible for the extensive medical and health science curriculum. You are not alone: your senior fellow students and professors are here to help you.
– Dr. Béla Merkely

The rector welcomed the international students in attendance in both English and German. He mentioned that international education at Semmelweis University began more than 40 years ago and had developed steadily ever since, with the number of students from outside of Hungary growing continuously. This year, students from 109 countries enrolled in the university’s programs. He encouraged Hungarian students to build good relationships with their international peers and support them in achieving important milestones in university life, such as completing their first year. “The camp will also provide ample opportunity to get to know each other better and form friendships that will help you through the difficulties of university life. There is a saying that ‘united we stand, divided we fall’, so if we stand together, we can achieve anything. May this unity strengthen you in the years to come,” emphasized Dr. Béla Merkely. Afterwards, Imre Richárd Nagy, President of HÖK, and Orsolya Sisa, President of IÖCS, welcomed the freshmen in English, while Renáta Dalma Miklós, General Vice President of HÖK, welcomed them in German. The night continued with fireworks and partying until dawn.

“We are here to help you with your approach run, so that you can jump longer, meaning that your midterm exams will be easier to pass. And also, to form a real Semmelweis Team, made up of representatives from a variety of nations,” said Dr. Béla Merkely at the opening of Friday’s Forum Day.

Moderated by Rector Dr. Béla Merkely, an interactive bilingual forum was organized for international students, with the participation of Dr. Alán Alpár, Vice-Rector for International Studies, Deans Dr. Péter Nyirády (Faculty of Medicine, ÁOK), Dr. Gábor Gerber (Faculty of Dentistry, FOK), Dr. István Antal (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, GYTK) and Dr. Gabriella Dörnyei Bednárikné (Faculty of Health Sciences, ETK), as well as Directors Dr. Katalin Fogarasi (Institute of Languages for Specific Purposes) and Dr. György Purebl (Institute of Behavioral Sciences). “Our goal is to make sure that you enjoy your stay in Hungary and your studies at Semmelweis,” said Dr. Alán Alpár, who compared students’ perception of their challenges of studying at a medical school in a foreign country to climbing Kilimanjaro, ensuring them that the university was doing its best to offer guidance. “We will try to do everything to support you both from the academic and the human side,” he assured the students, encouraging them to give feedback if they faced difficulties. “You have to study a lot, but if you are focused, it’s not something that cannot be done,” he added. The speakers then gave an overview of the first two semesters and answered student questions. Dr. Péter Nyirády compared the Semmelweis community to a family as the strongest bond in every culture, pointing out that there was a strong connection between faculty, students, and alumni of the university, who are linked by their common goal of striving for excellence. Dr. Gábor Gerber reminded the audience that studying can be enjoyable despite its challenges. He also noted that oral exams trained students to interact with patients with different communication skills. Dr. Gabriella Dörnyei Bednárikné highlighted that the highest-ever number of 381 international students were admitted to the seven BSc and two MSc English-language programs offered by ETK. Dr. István Antal spoke about the versatility of pharmaceutical sciences, while Dr. György Purebl, the Vice-Dean of ÁOK, gave an overview of the university’s student support system, including the peer mentoring program and the Student Counseling Center. Dr. Katalin Fogarasi pointed out that the Institute of Languages for Specific Purposes offered language courses in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, and Hungarian, then introduced the internationally accredited language exams and the Language Club.

Later in the day, the freshmen visited the student fair set up in the center of the camp, where they learned about the work of student organizations, the colleges for advanced studies, and the sports clubs. The afternoon was packed with sports and fun activities, including competitions for faculty teams and international students. After the colorful Holi party, the freshmen got to take a swim in Lake Balaton. The evening concluded with group sessions, followed by carnival games and partying.

As a novelty, first-year students could participate in small-group sessions led by university organizations and departments present at the Freshman Camp. The ETK booth offered an epidemiology presentation and a handwashing competition. The Office of the Vice-Rector for Scientific Affairs provided information on opportunities for promoting university research and innovation activities, and also gave students the chance to try on a replica of the smart shirt tested by Tibor Kapu at the International Space Station. The Clinical Center’s booth provided information on university talent development programs and clinical job opportunities. Prospective members of the Semmelweis Choir had an opportunity to audition, while the P.E. and Sport Center provided more information on the university’s sports opportunities. At the Family Friendly University Program’s booth, freshmen could learn more about mentoring programs and family-friendly services. The Directorate of Student Services and the Students’ Union presented their activities, and detailed information was shared about the Pannónia Scholarship Programme. Registered students were able to enjoy a wine tasting session, led by the instructors of the elective course on wine culture.

Information programs specific to each faculty were also organized for international students on Saturday morning. In the afternoon, they had the opportunity to learn about the activities and opportunities offered by university organizations. Saturday evening culminated in the closing ceremony and farewell party.

This year’s Freshman Camp was bigger than ever before, both in terms of size and number of participants, including international students, said Imre Richárd Nagy, President of the Semmelweis Students’ Union. This presented new opportunities and huge challenges for the organizers, mainly because, unlike in previous years, most of the programs were held jointly with international students. Orsolya Sisa, president of IÖCS, shared that approximately 550 senior students helped with the programs, including 50 from international student organizations, who came to support the record number of international students present.

Jasmine, who arrived from China to study at FOK, pointed out that the camp gave answers to all her questions: “I like socializing with others, and this camp provided me an opportunity to get to know my future classmates and professors. For example, I really enjoyed talking to one of the anatomy professors.” Jasmine opted for the Faculty of Dentistry because it allows her to focus on a single, narrower discipline. In her words, she knew how important proper oral hygiene was, but many people lacked self-confidence due to the state of their teeth, so she wanted to help them in the future. She heard about Semmelweis and the excellent opportunities it offered while still in 11th grade, which is why she chose this institution.

Lilly from Germany is also a first-year dentistry student. After talking to her teachers and listening to interesting presentations, she is excited to start the semester and go to classes. While researching foreign universities, she came across Semmelweis, which is considered one of the greatest in Europe, this is why she applied here. “I already like the community here; everyone is so helpful and inviting. My first impressions of the university are really good, and Budapest is such a pretty city, I just really love it here,” she summarized her experiences, adding that in addition to the onboarding programs, the parties were also very successful, as the evenings were spent in a great atmosphere.