Let’s hear from Zahara’s experience as an international student and mentor 

Hey everyone! 

I’m Zahara, a master’s student currently based in Europe, studying through the Erasmus Mundus program MARIHE. Over the past couple of years, I’ve had the chance to live and study in Austria, Finland, China, and now Germany! Though I’m originally from Sri Lanka, I’ve spent most of my life abroad, mainly in the UAE.

My international student journey actually began during my undergraduate studies in Budapest, Hungary.

Being an international student is exciting. I had the opportunity to meet so many people from all walks of life and from all over the world and share a beautiful experience. But just as exciting it can be, it can get quite overwhelming. That’s why having someone to guide you, support you, and help you integrate into a new society makes such a huge difference.

I’ve had the privilege of being a mentor myself, and I can honestly say it’s a rewarding experience. You don’t just support someone, you gain friends, learn about new cultures, and grow in ways you never expected. Some of my core memories are playing traditional Hungarian outdoor games and visiting bounce a trampoline arena with all the mentors and mentees.

I highly recommend all future and current students to be more involved!