CEMS Budapest Journal – official journal of CEMS Club Budapest
Budapest Bank we visited Annual Events 2009 Authentic summer experience in Kazakhstan
2009/II.
CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE Bence Barta Gábor Briber Zsigmond Fajth Alex Horváth Krisztina Podonyi Zsombor Szirmai András Viszkievicz
Bernadett Nádasy – Chief Editor Zsanett Czifrus – Editor
Greetings from the Editor Hi Guys! I am happy to meet you all again! The fact that You are reading these lines means two things to me. First of all You are interested in what is going on around CEMS and all the CEMSies in Budapest. Second, it indicates something that makes me very happy personally: It shows that You enjoyed our last edition and take the effort to have a look at this new one. I hope You will like reading this new issue as much as we enjoyed creating it for You. I would like to say thanks to all our authors for their valuable contribution and wish a wonderful New Year to each and every Student, Academic Stuff member, Corporate Partner, Coordinator & Alumni.
Bernadett Nรกdasy
CONTENTS 2
Editor’s Greetings
18 Annual Events 2009 - Ceremony and parties in Cologne
Close Up
5
Working with Budapest Bank - Interview with András Keller
9
Bologna in Budapest - Interview with András Nemeslaki
CEMS Club News
21 Unforgettable Tata - Memories of a Blocked Seminar
Messages from far
24 Kazakhstan - An authentic summer experience
29 Germany - Greeting from Cologne
12 Invest in Children 15 Children with Courage
32 The Netherlands - Fall in Rotterdam
WORKING WITH BUDAPEST BANK CBJ: Please tell us about yourself! How did you By Bernadett Nádasy
get in touch with CEMS?
Budapest Bank, as a member of GE Capital, the
András: I have always enjoyed exchange programs.
financial services unit of General Electric, offers not
I spent a semester in Germany and another in Vienna
only general experience in banking, but goes beyond
as part of Erasmus programs; it was there that I first
by
Electric
heard about CEMS. The opportunities it offered
businesses. Considering this, we found it very
seemed very appealing to me. Later I spent my
valuable to interview András Keller, CEMS Alumnus
internship in Germany at Daimler Chrysler, at that
about his job at Budapest Bank.
time I was most interested in the automotive industry.
providing
access
to
all
General
CBJ: Budapest Bank is not directly connected to automotives… András: I graduated from Corvinus in 2001, majoring in finance, however never imagined working at such a boring place as a bank… but when it came to search for job, I got very interested in the executive trainee program that Budapest Bank offered. At that time very few companies offered such opportunities.
Throughout the four semesters of the program I got
the program is spent in the BB headquarters. By this
familiar with four different fields of the bank's
time, it is getting clear which areas are the most
operations. As I was still unsure which field I really
appealing for our trainees. They have the opportunity
want to work in, I grabbed this opportunity. Finally, it
to choose the last two fields they are most interested
turned out to be a very good idea as I have been
in. Alternatives include risk management, product
working at Budapest Bank in the e-business field
management, sales support, etc. Personally, I very
since then. So far, I have been the product manager
much liked the initiative that trainees could interview
of different bank services, managed strategic projects
their
as a project leader. I got new assignments every 1-2
development opportunities before choosing the next
years. At this moment I am the head of the e-channel
rotation. I found the job that suits me best and I also
development team.
realized that working for a bank is anything but boring
future
bosses
about
the
learning
and
and is a great channel for creative ideas. CBJ: The bank’s executive trainee program you participated is still exists.
Another graduate program we offer is the Financial
AndrĂĄs: It does, but it's now called Bank Trainee
Management Program which concentrates on the
Program and focuses on developing future leaders in
Finance function but is broader in that the training
sales and marketing. In the first four months, trainees
and rotations give exposure to the whole diverse
work in retail banking at branches, which is followed
General Electric Company. In this program, trainees
by a rotation to corporate banking. The second half of
rotate four times in areas like financial planning,
pricing, controllership or tax with generally one six-
then we regularly participate in summer and winter
month rotation outside the business. The program
camps, Rotation Dinners, last spring we also had the
involves a lot of travel, with all FMPs worldwide
first Business Project for CEMS students.
participating in training and projects together. FMP graduates have huge prestige both in Hungary and
CBJ: How does the profile of an ideal BB
abroad. Knowing the interests of CEMS students, it
candidate look like?
could be a very good opportunity for them.
Andrรกs: Very good knowledge of languages is a must, besides that we require strong academic
CBJ: When you applied to BB, was it already a
achievement for our leadership programs. Firm
CEMS corporate partner?
knowledge in finance and good computer skills are
Andrรกs: BB has been a corporate partner for two
also needed. Besides that, the desire and ability to
years and I can be proud to have had an important
learn, excellent communication and influencing skills,
role in the accession. Each year when we announced
persistence and leadership abilities are needed. In
the Financial Management Program, we faced the
this aspect, candidates from CEMS usually perform
problem
applicants.
much better, as the program itself generates such
Knowing the abilities of a CEMS student and also
situations where these skills are developed. Not to
being
mention experience in a foreign working environment,
of
finding
familiar
with
highly the
qualified corporate
partnership
opportunities, I drew the attention of our HR Leader to the program and so the partnership started. Since
which is also an asset.
Apart from all this, we always look for a characteristic
leader of. One is the installation of a new version of
or accomplishment that distinguishes the applicant,
our internet banking system. The project lasted for
should it be an achievement in sport or anything else
the whole of 2008 and we received the Netbank of
they are proud of, or enthusiastic about.
the Year award from Global Finance and still keep receiving prizes for it. The other project I am very
CBJ: What are you working on currently?
proud of was the rebranding of Budapest Bank. This
Andrรกs: Each day is different, which I really enjoy.
project was also a very exciting one as it had an
The role of my team is to look for solutions to new
impact on the entire operations of the bank and 120
emerging challenges, specifically in online banking. A
people were involved.
recent example would be the opportunities and challenges
presented
by
a
change
in
legal
CBJ: You seem to enjoy your job very much.
regulations. There is a great deal of freedom,
Andrรกs: I have considered changing work a few
everybody can express their ideas. In fruitful
times, but a new challenge always made me stay.
discussions we finalize the idea, formulate the
The
strategy, prepare the business case and the financial
interesting projects and the great atmosphere at
model. After the first round of approvals we lobby to
Budapest Bank keep me motivated.
make our idea a project. When it is achieved, we manage the project from beginning to end. I am especially proud of two projects I was the team
fast-paced
work,
the
constantly
arising
on his job as an Academic Board Member. It was
BOLOGNA IN BUDAPEST
almost 8 years ago.
By Zsanett Czifrus
I think, that time was the CEMS MIM’ childhood here
We asked Professor Nemeslaki about the effects of current transitions process on CEMS Budapest and his opinion about underlying opportunities. CBJ:
Good
morning!
When did you meet CEMS first and what was your first impression? Prof. Nemeslaki: I started to teach at Corvinus University in 2000 and in 2002 I became the vice-dean. That time Mr. Kerekes was the director of CEMS, he knew that I’m interested and I have the competencies therefore he suggested I took
in Hungary, I took an active part in the planning of the MIM program and I could get an insight, how it was working. The first internationalization wave just finished in Europe, and the universities started to feel the bright side of these changes. Since the top rated universities already worked out their strategies, it was a challenge to maintain this alliance attractive and beneficial to them. Meanwhile there was pressure on the smaller universities to improve their quality. There were two big issues that revolutionized the CEMS’ strategy: getting into the Financial Times ranking and expanding outside of Europe: becoming global. The presence of new members brought a fresh initiative to the whole organisation and even the existing universities could experience the positive benefits of it. Next year two more new countries are
going to join us, Canada and Turkey, so CEMS will
the international field and also focus on the financial
have 26 full members.
issues of the CEMS program. To illustrate the nature
Actually there was also a third element which
of change, I would like to point out that this is the first
contributed to the success: The peer review system
year when the number of the exchange students
in which universities have been evaluating each
exceed the Hungarians’.
other. It is a kind of quality management and it
I am convinced that the university should pay more
supports our all improvements.
attention to this program, because it’s one of the best way to become a stronger international player on the
CBJ: What kind of affect does it have for the
global map.
CEMS in Hungary? Prof. Nemeslaki: It means a challenge for us, but
CBJ: Let’s take a look at the current situation. As
there is no excuse any more, we are an EU member
we know there are some bureaucratic problems
for 5 years, moreover our students have very good
in the Hungarian system. Since there are some
reputation all over Europe, so we have to grow up to
overlaps in the curriculums, the Hungarian
this role. Of course there are some critical points that
students are overloaded. Do you have any
still need to be improved.
initiatives to make the Hungarian CEMS students’
As a consequence of the Bologna-process for
studies more transparent and solve the problem
instance, we have to redefine the model in Hungary,
that the multiplied courses cause?
Corvinus University should strengthen its presence in
Prof. Nemeslaki: The new Master system (i. e. in the
that matter the most are the language exam and the
Bologna system) runs with 120 ECTS credit, the
Bachelor degree.
CEMS program has 60 ECTS. It means that the 2-
I would like to emphasize that one of our main
year long Master would be one year longer, but it’s
strengths is the CEMS Student Club. They help us a
not a way to do it. If the university would accept at
lot to create a cohesive community and they support
least 30 ECTS credit, it could shorten the term to 2,5
us with professional programs as well. E. g.:
year. That seems to be a reasonable solution. Due to
organizing skill seminars.
the high autonomy of numerous programs, it is not
As a conclusion we should reinvent the product,
easy to find a satisfying agreement for the credit
promote it, and build a good marketing strategy
recognition because in some cases we are not able
around it. That’s our long-term homework now and
to find the course “equivalencies”.
we are on the way to do it. The “CEMS enlargement”
this,
each
party
–
the
Regardless of
particular
program
has just finished in Europe; we have a particular
management, the students and the CEMS MIM
position in South Eastern and Central Europe that
program management - should have a more open
offers
approach and gain consensus somehow.
optimistically into the future and I trust in our
We introduced changes in the selection process, as
continued success with CEMS MIM.
well. The new bachelor generation just steps into the scene and we have made efforts to create a fair system for every applicant. The main requirements
numerous
opportunities.
I
look
very
INVEST IN CHILDREN
then join the CEMS students for a round
By Zsigmond Fajth
table
UNICEF’s Chief of Economic Policy and Planning
aid, development and
talks with CEMS students about the challenges of
CSR.
social development
started by painting out
discussion The
on
lecture
the big picture and the On a sunny Friday afternoon an unusual poster
long
adorned the entrance of auditorium I.: it publicized a
affecting humanity in
mini conference on aid, development and CSR - a
the near future, then
theme quite rare for our university. Despite the
went on to describe the
uncomfortable timetable, a brisk interest was in the
most urgent issues, to finish with UNICEF proposition
air as people from many diverse walks of the
on what is to be done.
university started filling the room.
So what are these long terms trends? The lecturer
Mr. Gaspar Fajth Chief of UNICEF’s Social Policy
started with the population growth: in 2050 there will
and Planning Unit in its New York headquarters took
be 9, 1 billion people living on our planet, compared
advantage of a European trip to stop at Corvinus,
to current 6, 4. Furthermore, all of this growth will
from where he graduated 30 years ago, to give a
come from developing countries, while the population
lecture on the challenges of human development and
of developed countries will stagnate at best. This of
term
trends
course will put an even greater pressure on the
wealthiest 20% of countries. Something must be
world’s resources, such as energy, food and water,
done to smooth these tensions. But are the strategies
at the time when we need to say goodbye to ’dirty-
for development changing? We can see that there
fossil’ energy, which now constitutes the basis of the
has been much transformation from Reagan to
global economy. The increase in population is
Obama:
already creating problems by increased food prices
Washington Consensus (stemming from the IMF, the
and greater threat of new pandemics emerging.
World Bank and the US treasury) we have come to
Malthus is gaining a new relevance. However, it is
the Millennium Development Goals, from G7 to G20
also important to note, that population growth will
and so on- we are seeing a multilateral world- but the
subside with the development of third world, as it
question still is: how will all this affect the bottom
happened in Europe a few decades ago.
billion (those living in extreme poverty)? What threats
Perhaps the greatest environmental threat, climate
are they facing now? To illustrate some of the
change, will also affect those living in the poorest
problem the lecturer took the example of Malawi. This
regions of the earth most strongly, said Mr. Fajth,
is a country where GNP per capita/year is 250 $ and
which might result in further migratory waves. This
12% of 15-49 years old have HIV or AIDS. Life
creates huge political pressure, which sums up to the
expectancy is 37 years and there are only 108 local
already existing strain created by the huge disparities
doctors for a population of 15 million. What happens
in access to income, energy, food, clean water.
to these people when maize prices rise? Two months
Currently 80% of the income belongs to the
after the prices go up people start flooding to the
from
the
neoliberal
approach
of
the
UNICEF nutrition centers. These people needed
micronutrients
immediate help. UNICEF can work on prevention and
vitamins and minerals. With $60 million/year you
monitoring but it cannot leave these people to starve,
could have an annual return $1 billion, which
so a focus on the short term issues is just as
indicates a 1500% rate of
important as a focus on the long term strategies.
return! However, you can
UNICEF’s strategy of development is to invest in
only intervene in a short
children, explained Mr. Fajth. This unites long term
period of their life; there is a
and short term goals.
It has two main rationales.
window of opportunity in each
Firstly it is important from a human rights perspective:
child’s life that we are missing
the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child states
again and again, each day.
that all children have the right to life, to family, to
To make aid for growth work,
education, to play and to equal opportunities. This
inclusive and participatory development is needed: it
convention was signed by all countries in the world
must involve the local community and possibly the
except two and it is thus legally and morally binding.
local authorities. However, in a globalized world, this
The second rationale is that the cost of this strategy
is not a far away issue, it must also involve us. A
is the smallest compared to its return. In the
small investment now can make a huge difference to
prominent
those receiving it, he concluded. This is everyone’s
Copenhagen
Consensus
Initiative
for
children
who
lack
essential
economists were asked what is the investment with
business; we are talking about our common future.
the greatest return today in the world. The top three:
CHILDREN WITH COURAGE By Alex Horváth In January 2009, the that time CSR responsible of CEMS Club Budapest sent an email to the local CEMS
mailing
list
that
had
long
lasting
consequences for a CEMS alumnus. Having been working in strategy consulting for more than 3 years, this particular alumnus felt an ever growing need to give something back to society, something that has a
cross their perceived limits and overcome challenges
direct effect on the lives of people.
This feeling
that they would have never thought of before.” The
coincided with the opportunity that opened as the
CEMS alumnus, who happened to be me, did not
CEMS alumnus was reading the email: “Come and
hesitate for long. He applied to become a volunteer
apply for a volunteer position at Bátor Tábor (Camp
“buddy”, and the adventure started…
of Courage) – a summer camp for chronically ill
The camp is situated near a town 60 kilometers from
children. These kids spent a significant part of their
Budapest; it is complete with a forest, a lake for
lives in hospital or at home, due to their illness. In this
canoeing, a place for riding a horse, beautiful new
camp you can help them feel as normal kids, as they
cottages for children, and a large canteen where all camp dwellers have breakfast, lunch and dinner
together. In each of the 6 turns during the summer 70
buddy”, someone who stays with the same group of
children and the same number of volunteers spend a
children the whole week, every day from the time
week in the camp. A variety of programs are held for
they wake up in the morning, through all their
the kids, apart from the above mentioned canoeing
programs during
and till they go to sleep in the
and horse riding, they experience how fun music, theatre, the noises of the forest, archery or climbing on high ropes can be. The method used is called recreational therapy. It helps children build selfconfidence, much needed after a prolonged period of absence from society due to serious illness. All programs are organized by volunteers, and they are the ones who stay with the children in their cottages, smile and cry with them and help them in making the most out of the week they spend far from home. For someone like me, who never worked with children, does not have one and comes from a totally different field of activity, this whole idea might seem rather challenging. It is. But the time I spent in Bátor Tábor is something I will remember forever. I was a “cabin
evening. The cottage I was assigned to housed boys between the age of 9-11. In one sense they were as other boys of this age, fond of football, running around all the time, loud and sometimes very naughty. But they also showed signs of being grown
up ahead of time; they all had, at some point in their
have a lot of tension building up in you, as you try
life, suffered from some form of cancer. Maybe as a
never to lose any of the 10 kids from sight, or solve
result of their illness, maybe because of the way the
conflicts between them, or calm them down when
camp was organized, these kids showed unusually
they cry, because they miss their family. This tension
deep emotions, and you could see how grateful they
then bursts out when the last kid leaves the camp,
were for the unique experience they encountered. It
and you dance on the field in front of the canteen with
was breathtaking to watch how someone at the age
all other volunteers to the music that used to signal
of 9, struggled to climb up a 6 meter tall wooden pole
lunch or dinner, being sprinkled with water from a
and how happy he was when he reached the top. But
hose‌ Well, this is also something I will never forget.
he showed the most courage when he jumped into
As the days go by, these memories are still as clear
the abyss and hit the big red balloon, hung from a
as if all this happened just yesterday. And I am happy
rope near the pole. Everyone was cheering as the
to have taken part in something that really made a
boy was lowered on the safety rope and the smile on
difference. This is the kind of
his face was our real reward for the volunteer work
experience that gets you addicted. So I hope to
we were doing.
return next summer, when the camp will welcome again a band of children with courage.
Of course, working with children all day long is very tiring, and by the end of the week, volunteers were both mentally and physically exhausted. You also
ANNUAL EVENTS 2009
least was a rather comforting fact. Secondly, I was lucky to be
By Zsombor Szirmai
ble to attend my own graduation
December 5th, 2009, about 10am: I woke up quite
as a few weeks prior I had
late on my last day as an active CEMS student,
unnecessarily
hereafter I would officially be declared a CEMS
registering for the ceremony a bit after the last
graduate and alumnus.
minute. Since things all seemed to be on the right
Waking
this
track, I headed with all due confidence to have
winter-like, typical North-
breakfast. After overcoming some communication
Rhine-Westphalia
day
hurdles with the otherwise kind waitress, I was finally
(i.e. clouded, windy and
served my Earl Grey tea, which I thought was a
potentially
simpler request than a mango-vanilla shake.
up
on
raining)
in
complicated
my
own
life
with
Cologne, I noted one or two
things:
foremost, headache night’s
I
first had after
CEMS
and
Around 11am: I have yet to mention that I was not
no
travelling alone to this long weekend trip to
last
Düsseldorf and Cologne (some of you can guess with
get-
whom I was), making it incomparably more fun as if I
together (and several Kölsch beers), which to say the
had been by myself. Being all set for some sightseeing, we took on the city of the Dome, the
home of 4711. With the Christmas shopping frenzy
auditorium of the University’s main building was
approaching,
too
noteworthy for several things: the deans and rectors’
crowded for what I would call a light stroll through
gowns, some of which strongly resembled Santa
some of the narrower passages of Cologne, but of
Claus; a jazzy performance of Beethoven’s “Ode to
course we could not elude our destiny and did some
Joy”, that contained the original piece in traces; a
shopping
very thoughtful and inspiring keynote speech by
the
downtown
ourselves.
Nor
was
could
perhaps
we
resist
the
Bratwurst and the Glühwein, but to admit the truth we
European
Comissioner
Günther
never really had “resist Bratwurst” on our list of to-
somewhat
confusing
introduction
dos. On the contrary we just about managed to
Verheugen, in which we could find out that he, at
complete all stereotypical must-dos in Cologne,
some stage in his life attended the University of
before it was time to leave winter wonderland
Cologne; lastly a self-declared lead singer for
Cologne (except for the missing snow) behind for the
Gaudeamus Igitur, which could have been performed
University.
with slightly more decorum.
Around 2pm: I finally found the Corvinus University
Around 6pm: Here we stand, official graduates of
table and many long not seen friends at the
CEMS, with a glass of champagne in our hands to
University Main Building, after doing a little 5-minute
celebrate the 4-5 years of being CEMSies!
jog through what seemed to be a serious contender
Around 3am, next day: we’ve had a great dinner at
for the dubious title of “longest university corridor of
the city’s most historic and oldest assembly hall, the
the world”. The graduation, held in the enormous
Gürzenich (the taxi driver did
Verheugen; of
a
Günther
not know the place on the way here), and partied all right. Shortly before falling asleep it struck my mind again that CEMS is one of the best things that happened to me during my time at university, and could not guess how many friends I made through CEMS. A smile came to my face when some moments of this CEMSy weekend flashed in my mind and I was sleeping like a rock.
That was CEMS Annual Events 2009, see you next year in Rotterdam!
UNFORGETTABLE TATA by András Viszkievicz
start and thanks to Prof. Kerekes, this aim was perfectly met.
I arrived in Tata following a long and eventful Saturday night spent at one of the famous clubs of Budapest. I believed that we will have some rest during the almost one week in the town of Tata, enjoying the beautiful environment of the Hungarian Olympic training center. But this vision turned out to be false. In fact, the last time when I had comparably little sleep was the first year’s freshman camp. Although during the introduction everybody was a bit stressed and we discussed that everybody has
After having some inspiring lectures on CSR and
brought a suit for the presentations. Later we had no
environmental topics until the early afternoon, the
use of these suits, but I suppose nobody complained
afternoons and evenings were really joyful. After a
about it… I guess, the main goal of this block seminar
company visit at Güntner Tata, the Szöllősi vinery
was to create the team spirit before the semester
hosted us for a memorable wine tasting. By the way, this vinery was awarded with the Vinery of the Year
prize in 2009, and they proved to be great hosts, so
under the trees with Prof. Tyteca, the critical remarks
we left in very good mood. But the night was still very
of Prof. Martinuzzi, wine tasting-wine tasting-wine tasting again and again, preparing for presentations, relaxing in the sauna after 4 hours of sleep, the all you can eat meals in the canteen, making contacts with the local policeman, coffee break in the bar, and so on. I hope thes 6 days spent together established the famous „CEMS spirit” (praised so much by Prof. Delfmann) in our small community. Guys, be sure that I could not imagine a better start of my CEMS year, and I really hope that most of you shares this
young and maybe some can still remember the fabulous pyjama party that followed… Just some memorable moments of the six days without respect to the timeline: different concepts of goulash, sitting
idea!
Messages from far‌
Well, after opening the guide book and reading this on the first page when I was already located in Almaty (the city of apples) and felt extremely disappointed about the guide books professionalism despite of their very well established reputation.
AURHENTIC SUMMER EXPERIENCE IN KAZAKHSTAN By Krisztina Podonyi „Fast Facts about Kazakhstan: The 9th largest country of the world. Area 2.7 million sq km Population 15 million Capital Astana Famous For: Oil, Borat Sagdiyev� /Lonely Planet: Central Asia/
Then I thought it over and realised that actually I came here with the same bare knowledge that Kazakhstan is famous for its oil fields and Borat. The only extra I was aware of is Baykonur, the world known space station, and that Lance Armstrong was cycling in the Astana team this summer. Not too much to be proud of, right? So I started to explore as much of this country and its culture as possible, since choosing this summer university instead of another one was because of my lack of knowledge about Central Asia.
A Kazakh businessman phrased it to me perfectly
Although I am all in all extremely happy that I tried my
when we had dinner together: people from the West
luck once and last in life, since I have seen such
are
though
places and culture of the world that I will keep forever
Kazakhstan is the most developed among all, thanks
and will tell my grand and grand-grand kids in
to its oil and technology developments.
another quarter or half a century â˜ş
afraid
of
–stan
ending
countries,
-Stan countries? Well, never go on your own anywhere unless you are a man, speak perfect Russian and look either Rusky or Asian (maybe Arab). I got in very tough and dangerous situations when I was travelling on my own... Luckily I always survived without being robbed or lost or worse... Though anything could have happened, since I was followed several times by robbers, satyrs and once locked in a train cabin during night when all the passengers were sleeping. See how lucky I was that nothing bad happened to me? Lessons to take away: always have a travel mate or more, and participate in guided tours only!!!!
Some
interesting
things
to
know
about
international products, wear Benetton, DG and Louis
Kazakhstan:
Vuitton, drive Lexus, Ferrari and Maserati, and enjoy
Prime Minister Nazerbayev replaced the capital from
the city by night view from their luxury hilltop
Almaty to Astana, to create further geographical
residence,
distance
Kazakh
neighbouring districts wear second hand, buy food on
governmental center (since the fear of Chinese
the market, which is rotting in the 40 Celsius during
invasion is huge) and to strengthen the Russian-
the day (that is why I never bought fish and fresh
Kazakh relation via locating closer to Moscow. Well,
meat from the stands), travel on the crowded public
Nazerbayev also aims to change the whole country’s
transport for 37 HUF per drive, and works on the
economy by 2032 by replacing the Cyrillic alphabet to
street selling newspapers or ice cream. And this is
Latin, making the population speak English all over
not the end yet, because the men of the desert, the
the territory and aiming towards Europe and the
steppe and the mountains have not been mentioned
World in general by joining the World Trade
yet. They either have a camel, a horse or walk the
Organisation and reducing import taxes from 40% to
dozens of kilometers to get from one village to the
make international brands available for the public.
other.
between
China
and
the
until
the
poor
people
from
the
And here comes the question, what does public mean? Because this huge country has so great gaps
Well, I experienced all of these. Lived in the KIMEP
in its population that it’s hardly possible to explain.
dormitory (which was quite poor, but the best
While the city center’s inhabitants in Almaty purchase
community experience I have ever had during my
university studies), gained some rich friends from
Hungarian labels and description under the pictures-
classes who drove me home (and then I could see
unbelievable it was!!!). A scientific research has also
how rich people in Kazakhstan cook from premium
been conducted: A. Z. Bíró, A. Zalán, A. Völgyi and
ingredients), and traveled to the countryside several
H. Pamjav: A chromosomal comparison of the
times for hiking around the mountain lakes, where I
Madjars (Kazakhstan) and the Magyars (Hungary).
have spent one night at local people’s home (who live
American Journal of Physical Anthropology, (2009).
in yurts, don’t have running water, so I had my
By the way Kazakhs used the same burying way as
extremely quick shower-bath in the 7 Celsius cold
ancient Hungarians did, and the Golden Rein Deer
mountain stream water with some sheep, cows and horses accompanying me ☺). These were truly the best times of my international trips, though I have already been to several interesting and culturally exciting countries, like South Korea or Gambia. One more thing all of you must know is the Hungarian-Kazakh relation, about which I have seen a whole floor of exhibition in the National State Museum of Kazakhstan in Almaty (imagine, the whole museum is a 3 storey building, and one floor is dedicated to the Hungarian relations with loads of
was also the symbol of this steppe nation! Not have
special, and said to be very helpful and beneficial for
mentioned the Kymis yet, which is the traditional
your immune system. That’s the reason I drank at
drink of the Kazakhs, and used to be the drink of the
least 2 liters of it after having been recovering from
old Hungarians as well. Kymis is the milk of the
the H1N1 I suffered from in the KIMEP dormitory.
horse, which is quite sour, has a definite strong smell
Yes, the H1N1 was there already this summer, and
and some percentage of alcohol, so it is not
many beautiful cities were under blockade to prevent
recommended to drink for breakfast. The Shuba is
further infections. That’s why I could not visit for
similar, a little softer, less sour, rather sweetish, and
example Turkistan, one of the most beautiful cities of
this comes from the camel, so it’s camel milk - very
the Silk Road. Altogether I can only say that in case you have some friends to accompany you and at least one of you speak Russian or Kazakh, and you are not only females, no worries, just go and visit this amazing country, especially Almaty, where during the week you can see at least 40 wedding ceremonies in the Panphilov Park from Monday till Sunday!
GREETINGS FROM COLOGNE
aspect since I love travelling. Language was a crucial
By Bence Barta
criterion for me as well: studying in both English and German seemed to be an attractive challenge. As I can imagine myself working in Germany, it was the best decision I could have made considering networking and language reasons. To study at the meeting point of European crossroads also provided the chance to get acquainted, spend leisure time and party with CEMSies from very different cultures. After
4
months
of
Cologne
residency
I
can
contentedly conclude, that all my experiences met my expectations: Cologne is not just well situated, but As the whole Hungarian CEMS class for the first time
uses its unique location to generate various tangible
ever, I have started the CEMS program as a fifth year
advantages for the residents: Cologne - Bonn Airport
student. Universitaet zu Kรถln has been the school I
is one of the largest hubs, besides that other 5 (!)
have chosen, as it is situated in the heart of Western
airports serving the needs of the approximately 23
Europe, with a direct connection and exceptionable
million people living in the south part of North-Rhine
proximity to almost all western states- important
Westphalia, building a huge interconnected city-
network of Bonn, Cologne, D端sseldorf, Dortmund,
trips to Edinburgh and Mailand, making weekday-life
Aachen and Gelsenkirchen, linked closely to each
a bit busy but providing life long experience.
other. Considering my language expectations the
Moreover, the University fits my expectations also:
time spent in Cologne was quite useful- I passed the
almost every class provides the possibility to examine
DSH exam, it means I am allowed to apply for a
practical implications of the theories, and to attend
German university place as well (which is not realistic
lectures held by companies.
of course). The University has cca. 10 000 exchange
The CEMS community in Cologne is not that strong,
students each semester, thus Cologne is famous for
but we know each other well since almost everybody
its party and night life as well. Almost everybody
participated at the Block Seminar in Oberwesel. The
takes the bike as a mean of transport; I have one as
CEMS Club Cologne is an open Club, but the
well which makes my life a lot easier. Students are
treatment of CEMSies - as well as the main social
open-minded, local people likewise. Despite the fact
events - are organized by the central International
that the only beauty spot in Cologne is the Cathedral,
Relations office. The Hungarian club can be quite
it is easy to find cities nearby worthwhile to visit:
content considering corporate relations: having long
M端nster, Aachen, Maastricht are my favourite ones.
term sponsorship contracts are important advantages
Due to the numerous airports and airlines, I visited
of our operations.
Portugal and Poland as well, we roamed the surroundings of Cologne- Brussels and Luxembourg,
However I had precious time in the previous months
for instance by a rented car. I still have plans about
which widened my horizon a lot, I still can not
conclude
yet:
after
the
hopefully
successful
Hungarian exams I will return for some remaining lectures and exams, and of course for the well-known Carneval. Cologne welcomes everybody who would like to participate at this unique event!
nézzük is mi történt velem az elmúlt szűk 4
FALL IN ROTTERDAM
hónapban!
By Gábor Briber
Amikor az RSM (Rotterdam School of Management) mellett döntöttem, több érv is mellette szólt. Az egyetem rendkívüli népszerűsége illetve igen magas oktatási színvonala vonzott, ami rögtön az első helyre repítette
Rotterdamot
sorrendemben...
Most
a a
saját
preferencia
hazautazásom
előtt
pontosan egy héttel, bátran állíthatom, hogy az egyetem méltán tartja eszméletlen népszerűségét. Egy új országot, egy új várost megismerni mindig A
2009
őszi
szemesztert
Hollandiában,
Rotterdamban, a Vizek városában töltöttem. Pont a mai napon írtam meg utolsó vizsgámat pénzügyből és még van egy hetem hátra itt, amit egy „exchange semester” - en részt vevő diákhoz méltón szeretnék eltölteni...No de nem szaporítom tovább a szót,
nagy élményt jelent. Nagyon érdekesnek találtam a rotterdami
életet,
Rotterdamban
az
a
helyiek
élet
nyugodt,
mentalitását. az
emberek
barátságosak. Mielőtt még nyakamba vettem volna Hollandiát, otthon ezt tanácsolták nekem: “Gabesz, Hollandiában akárhova is mész kerékpárra lesz szükséged”…Nos, hát ezzel az útravalóval érkeztem meg Rotterdamba, és mit ne mondjak, az első, amin
történetesen először meglepődtem az a hihetetlen mennyiségű bicikli ,ami a vasútállomás mellett sorakozott egymás hegyén-hátán. Rotterdam igazi mintaképe a globalizációnak, hiszen nemzetek sokasága zsúfolódik össze ebben a városban. Én például egy tipikus török – marokkói arab negyedben laktam. Bár ez talán elsőre nem hangzik túl jól, az itt töltött idő alatt nagyon összebarátkoztam néhány helyi lakossal, rendkívül kedvesek és segítőkészek voltak. Igaz, ebből a soknemzetűségből
adódóan
többen
tanácsolták,
Nem is beszélve a város egyik jelképéről, az
hogy bizonyos helyekre ne menjünk, mert ott egy
Erasmus-hídról.
csöppet megbicsaklik a közbiztonság ereje.
A holland gasztronómia a sajtnál kezdődik és ott is
Ha Rotterdamban jársz, mindenképpen látogass el a
fejeződik be, ami persze nem probléma, csak
Kikötőbe, ami a világon az egyik legnagyobb ☺.
meglepő volt - legalább is számomra - amikor ebédre
Nevezetességként
Kubus-
szendvicseket szolgáltak fel. Persze könnyen hozzá
Paalwoningen-eket, amelyek kocka alakú lakások és
lehetett szokni a tenger gyümölcseivel teletömött
helyi nevezetességek közé sorolandók.
szendvicsekhez.
említhetem
a
☺ Fantasztikus élményként ért,
amikor a városban járkáltam és el akartam jutni egyik
helyről a másikba, megérdeklődtem egy átlagos
A CEMS-ről meg azt hiszem, nem kell feleslegesen
holland nénikétől angolul, hogy mégis merre menjek,
ódákat zengenem, mert mindenki ismeri, tudja, aki
mire ő gördülékeny angolsággal magyarázta el
meg nem az próbálja meg, felvételizzen, mert nagyon
nekem, hatalmas mosollyal az arcán☺
megéri! Ezek az egyetemek, amelyek képviselik
Az egyetem hihetetlenül modern és rendkívül jól
magukat a CEMS programban egytől egyig rendkívüli
felszerelt. Az osztálytermek direkt kis csoportos
színvonalúak. Őszintén, bennem megfogalmazódott
foglalkozásokra, ha úgy tetszik szemináriumokra
egy bizonyos szintű elvárás a RSM-tel kapcsolatban
lettek kialakítva. Az optimális oktatáshoz minden
mielőtt kijöttem volna, és bátran állíthatom, hogy még
adott.
Master
túl is szárnyalta az elképzeléseimet. Persze, azért
képzések szinte egytől egyig angolul folynak, ami
még 2 vizsgám eredményét várom, remélem nem fog
nagyban megemeli az iskola renoméját.
változni a véleményem…☺
Feltétlenül
kiemelném,
hogy
a
Ellenben negatívumként éltem meg, hogy a tanárok keze nagyon megvan kötve, hiszen ha tegyük fel valami problémám adódna a vizsga időpontjával kapcsolatban,
akkor
a
Vizsgabizottsághoz
kell
fordulnom, hogy engedjék meg a professzoroknak, hogy írathasson egy új vizsgát egy másik, általuk megadott időpontban… Meglepő volt, de semmiképp sem mulatságos!