One of the questions we hear most often about EELISA is: “How can I get involved?” With so many activities, communities, and opportunities available across the Alliance, taking the first step can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why hearing directly from students who have already embarked on their EELISA journey can make all the difference. Their experiences offer valuable insights into what EELISA is really about and show that getting involved is often easier than it seems.
Last month, EELISA Reporter and Career Ambassador Betül Naz took the opportunity to do just that at the BME EELISA Meet-Up, where she shared her experience with fellow students and introduced them to the many ways they can join the Alliance. Read on to discover her story, and perhaps find the inspiration to start your own EELISA journey.
Have you ever wondered how these students travel so much? How do they participate in projects in different countries for free? This is a common question people ask EELISA students, because they seem to know a secret that most people do not. We talked about this “secret” at the EELISA Student Meet-Up event on 17 June.
I am Betül Naz Duru, and I am one of the EELISA Career Ambassadors. I am studying Computer Science Engineering BSc at BME. I first discovered EELISA through a poster on the wall. It was luck, but it became an opportunity I will always be grateful for. I joined the Student Scientific Conference in Bucharest on 11–14 June 2025, and I am one of the first Student Reporters.
After that, I applied to become an EELISA Career Ambassador, and now, as Ambassadors, we wanted to create an event where students could learn more about these opportunities. We organized the EELISA Student Meet-Up with my fellow Ambassador friends and with Eszter Mischl’s guidance.
The event brought together students, speakers, discussion leaders, and members of the BME EELISA community. It was a great opportunity for students to learn more about EELISA, hear different experiences, and take part in discussions about academic and professional opportunities.
The event began with an opening speech by our Vice-Rector, András Nemeslaki, followed by a keynote presentation from Szabolcs Szőts from evosoft, who introduced students to the topic of TARS and Agentic AI. After a short introduction to EELISA, students who had already taken part in EELISA opportunities shared their own experiences. This part was especially valuable because it showed EELISA not only as an academic network, but also as a real path for students to travel, learn, collaborate, and grow.
The event was designed both for students who were hearing about EELISA for the first time and for those who already knew the name but did not know where to begin. Through the quiz, presentations, and focus group discussions, participants had the chance to explore different opportunities in a more interactive way.
The focus group discussions created space for students to ask questions, exchange ideas, and connect directly with speakers and representatives. The discussions focused on four main topics:
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation — Gábor Dehelán
- Student Communities & Joint Calls — Sarolta Tóvölgyi, Norbert Pfaff
- Students’ Skills on the Market — Tamás Lovas, Balázs Nagy
- Internships & Industry Opportunities / Intern Experiences — Mia Lakic, Gulzina, Hussein
For many students, EELISA is not only about mobility or academic opportunities. It is also about discovering new communities, gaining confidence, and realizing that international experiences are more accessible than they may seem.
For me, EELISA started with one poster on a wall. For another student, it might start with this event. If you missed this edition, don’t worry — there will be a second EELISA Meet-Up in BME next semester ! All of you are invited. See you there!
Betül Naz Duru
Bachelor’s student in Computer Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics. EELISA BME Student Reporter.
