FAREWELL: The 2024 Kőrösi Csoma Sándor Program Has Come to an End for This Year’s Interns

Thank You, All of You!

How could I possibly put these past few months into words? I had just graduated when I got the call: I had been accepted into the Kőrösi Csoma Sándor Scholarship Programme and would be heading to New Zealand. I had only a few hours to decide whether I’d be flying to the other side of the world within two weeks. Needless to say—I said yes.

The first two months were very difficult. I struggled to fit in, I didn’t quite feel I had found my place, and in my work, I felt I couldn’t fully express or deliver what I wanted to. And yet, from the very beginning, I felt completely at home in the Hungarian community. I never felt under pressure—if I didn’t know how to solve something, there was always someone I could turn to. I truly felt like I had become part of a family within this small community, and for that, I will always be deeply grateful. That’s also why it was so hard to realise—halfway through the programme—that this adventure wasn’t going to be a long one.

When I was asked to lead the playgroup, I was terrified. I love getting creative and playing with little ones, but I had never run sessions like that before. I was nervous every single time. But I want to take this opportunity to thank all the parents for the support and kindness they showed me. I always took a deep breath before starting our Saturday sessions, and every time someone reassured me, saying “No need to stress—we're just here to have fun, and let the little ones play together.” Week after week, I saw the same familiar little faces return, and I knew they would find a special place in my heart.

After playgroup, I would often walk around the school and visit the other groups, and during field trips, I had the chance to chat a lot with the kids. One of the most memorable conversations I had was with Maxim, when we were talking in Hungarian and he asked me how to say a certain expression—in Hungarian. That was the moment I truly understood the core of this scholarship programme: it’s about them. About moments like these. About making a real effort to preserve and nurture our roots—even just a little.

During the club days and our trip to Nelson, that feeling of being part of a family became even stronger. Even though we’re far from home, at those events I always felt like I truly belonged. My mum confirmed this when she asked me the most Hungarian-mother-style question imaginable: “What should I cook for you when you get home?” Besides “Frankfurt soup,” I couldn’t think of anything else—because, thanks to the community, I never really lacked any of the delicious traditional meals during my time abroad.

I’m incredibly grateful to everyone I met during this programme. I truly believe that every person you meet in life is there for a reason and leaves some kind of impact on you. I know the Hungarian community in New Zealand will always have a place in my heart—because I found a home on the other side of the world, thanks to all of you.

I want to give special thanks for the immense support, trust, and love I received from my mentors, Petra and Viola, and of course to everyone I had the pleasure to work with during the programme—I could fill this entire issue of Auckleveletwith your names. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart, and I truly hope we’ll meet again!

I don’t yet know where life will take me next, but I often found myself thinking during work: how wonderful it would be to see these kids grow up. I don’t like saying goodbyes, and this won’t be an exception. I’ll just say: see you soon, dear Auckland Hungarian Club and the Hungarian community of New Zealand!

Gusztos Enid

Dear Readers,

I’m writing this letter to you from Hungary, from Ménfőcsanak, where our big family house is. It’s been so lovely to finally see my family, friends, and my dog, Ordas, who I took on a hike the very next day—oh, how I missed the fresh air of the Bakony mountains.

Of course, I must also mention the fridge—because I think my mum bought out the entire dairy section at Tesco. Now it’s full of Túró Rudi, Krémtúró, Kinder tejszelet, Pingvin, and Mizos madártej. These first few days were heavenly, but just to be safe—I got myself a gym pass, since Christmas is coming, and I must admit: my scale and my plate don’t always get along this time of year…

But anyway—that’s not what I’m here to report on!

This was my second time working with you as a scholarship recipient, and once again I got to spend some truly wonderful months with you. I enjoyed every single moment! Thank you so much for the time we spent together and for all the amazing shared activities. I learned a lot and gained so much experience. These nine months have flown by again—I hope you enjoyed them as much as we did!

While you’re most likely enjoying the gentle breeze of early summer over there, here in Hungary the grass is already frosty in the mornings. You may not hear this very often, but—I’m not jealous at all! I absolutely love the cold air and winter hikes in Austria and the Bakony. While I’ll be crunching through snow, you’ll be digging your toes into beach sand—enjoy every minute of it!

Wishing you a beautiful summer and please take care of yourselves!Until we meet again!

Piroska Petra Póda