Our Inspiring Alumni- Interview with Dang Thai Binh, Former PhD student, Faculty of Economics

Name: Dang Thai Binh, Vietnam

PhD student (2014-2017), Faculty of Economics, Economics and finance, University of Miskolc, Miskolc, Hungary

Current Position & Place: In charge of the Department of Economic and Development Studies, Vietnam Institute for Indian & Southwest Asian Studies, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences.

Our Inspiring Alumni Interview

1. ​How did you decided to study in Hungary and specially at the University of Miskolc? 

I was knowing Hungary for its rich culture and heritage, country with world standard higher education, and also Stipendium Hungarian scholarship, Hungary provides a lot of scholarship for Vietnam at that time. It was a good opportunity for me to study in Hungary which is a part of European Union.

2. Have you heard about Hungary before planning to study here?

Yes, I heard about Hungary having good relationship with Vietnam in the past and Hungary is a very beautiful country.

3. What was your first reaction after landing in Miskolc? What were you excited about and/or nervous about after reaching Miskolc?

I arrived at Miskolc, Tiszai railway station around 6 pm and I was so hungry after long trip from Vietnam. When I was going from the station to E/6, I felt that Miskolc is not a big city like what I thought before. But later I observed this city is so beautiful and peaceful.

4. What do you like the most about the Miskolc? What was your favourite travel experience in Hungary? Did you find any cool places that you weren’t expecting?

There are a lot of thing what I like in Miskolc such as Tapolca, Lillafured, City center, drinks, cake…but my favourite is the greenery, fresh air and people of Miskolc. I cannot find the fresh air like Miskolc in my home country. I and my friends really liked the thermal baths in Tapolca and enjoyed memorable moments.

5. How did the study in Hungary and the at the University of Miskolc affect your future career path? What is one difference between education in your country and education in Hungary?

I think study in Hungary and at the University of Miskolc is good opportunity for me and give me a lot of knowledge, methodology, and skills.  One special thing at the University of Miskolc what I found that the Professors are very clever and professional. They can do and hold many different positions that are not just professors. I learned so much from them!

6. Tell me about your favourite Professors at the University of Miskolc. What do you like about them?

I am always feeling proud that I studied at the University of Miskolc and I'm very proud to be a student of Dr. Kovács Levente – my supervisor. He was not only a teacher but also a mirror, my motivation to follow.

7. What is one part of Hungarian culture that you are excited to share? What was the most interesting thing you learned about the Hungarian culture?

I like the Christmas in Hungary. During that time, I could enjoy a lot of activities such as Christmas market, wine, food, the trams with decorative lights… But one thing special is the merry, warm atmosphere when Christmas comes.

8. What do you like most about Hungarian People?

They are so friendly and open

9. When you were studying for a test or final exam during your university, did you preferred to study by yourself or with a group of friends?

Because I studied PhD, so my study was so independent but whenever I do not understand something, I used to ask my classmates or my colleagues in the Faculty of Economics.

10. Describe your best friend. How is he or she similar to you? How is he or she different?

I have 2 best friends when I studied in Miskolc, they are Raghav Singh (Indian) and Muthada (Iraq). Drago is a good guy and he is very enthusiastic like me. Muthada is he's like an artist from soccer to music, drinks… We can talk all night about life, film, or everything. Drago, Muthada, and other friends and I lived in E/6 like family and I feel it was one of the best times in my life.

11. Were you involved in any volunteering activity in Miskolc during your studies or your Hungarian stay? If yes, Tell me about your volunteering experiences. Do you feel it is important to be involved? How does it help students to build skills for the career?

I did not take part in any volunteering activity in Miskolc but some time I and my friends cleaned the kitchen together. It is working well for us to stick together.

12. Was there anything unique about studying at the University of Miskolc? How would you describe study at the University of Miskolc in five words?

Professors do not create learning pressure for students, but you need to try your best to pass the exams and get your degree.

13. Five words to describe study at the University of Miskolc:

Hard, effort, paper, thesis, success

14. What are some suggestions or advice you would like to share with foreign students coming to the University of Miskolc, Miskolc, Hungary for study?

Hungary is a great country for you to study, Miskolc is a peaceful city, University of Miskolc is a place that will help you develop your career and give you great memories.

15. Describe in brief about your experience at the University of Miskolc and Miskolc city.

My experience while living and studying at Miskolc is to strengthen the connection and sharing with Hungarian friends and around the world. That will make your life not boring and support you a lot in study and life

16. Any funniest moment wants to share about your stay in Miskolc?

When I was at Miskolc, I always felt happy and happy. Especially the kitchen party in E/6 always gives me the joy that I have never had in my student life. Where we can laugh, have fun, share everything in the story and learn.

Unique rapid questions.

• Favourite Hungarian words- Igen
• Best Restaurants, Coffee shops or Bar that you are missing in Miskolc- Rockwell Club
• Favourite leisure spot at the University of Miskolc- football stadium in the Campus
• Best Hungarian friend – Balázs Gál
• Best International friend- Raghav Singh (Indian guy)
• Favourite Hungarian cities- Budapest
• Miskolc attractions or places you would recommend for visiting-Balaton lake
• What is the most that you are missing from Miskolc, Hungary– Hungarian people
• What special gift you usually suggest buying from Hungary for parents, friends or relatives? Anything special from Miskolc? - Wine and Lego
• Best Shopping Place in Miskolc- Miskolc Plaza
• Best partying place in Miskolc- kitchen party in E/6, 4th floor
• Unique machinery, lift etc. seen first time in your life at the University of Miskolc- The lift in the main building (Paternoster)