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Talláromné Czingili Judit, international officer at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, has been supporting students in this way for eight years. This year, her work was recognized with the Coordinator Excellence Award from the Stipendium Hungaricum and Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship programs, in the “Master Coordinator” category. What is her secret, and what motivates her day after day? We spoke with her about it.

"Building bridges between cultures isn’t easy—but some people have truly mastered it."

Judit TALLÁROMNÉ CZINGILI, MATE “Master Coordinator” Award Recipient (l) and Richárd BODROGI, Director-General, Tempus Public Foundation (TPF) (r) 

Could you introduce your role and responsibilities in supporting international students?

Talláromné Czingili Judit, a MATE díjazott Mester Koordinátora

The majority of my daily work involves coordinating the administrative affairs of international students. I assist with residence permits, health insurance cards, tax numbers, bank account opening, and ensure smooth access to healthcare. I also participate in organizing orientation and cultural programs—from opening ceremonies to intercultural workshops—and coordinate tasks related to various cross-campus projects. In parallel, I support colleagues in preparing reports and maintain constant communication with internal and external partners to ensure students’ everyday lives run smoothly.

How did it feel to receive the Master Coordinator Award? What does this recognition mean to you?

It was a complete surprise. I am deeply honored and overjoyed. This recognition means a lot and motivates me, especially since I received it in front of over 200 outstanding professionals working in similar international coordinator roles. I don’t think I’ve ever received such recognition before. I also try to live up to the responsibility this implies for the future. The laudation was very personal and moving - I had tears in my eyes listening to Dr. Katalin Gherdán. I am grateful to my nominating leader, Dr. Zsuzsanna Tarr, to our SH institutional coordinator Csilla Kánai, and to the colleagues at the Tempus Public Foundation, who made this decision.

What motivated you early in your career to work with international students, and what motivates you now in your coordinator role?

I've always enjoyed using English and am motivated by the opportunity to improve. Professionally, I knew I could complement my existing experience with new skills. On a personal level, love for people and the desire to help drive me. I am motivated by facilitating dialogue between cultures and enjoy playing a mediating role. It’s rewarding to offer something interesting and beautiful, and to share our nation’s cultural values with eager, enthusiastic international students.

How have your experiences as an English teacher helped you in supporting international students today?

Beyond language proficiency, I believe the most important qualities are genuine attention to students, empathy, and understanding people. Organizational, improvisational and presentation skills, decisiveness, and quick decision-making competence are also crucial. My teaching background helps enormously in organizing pair and group work. Perhaps some of these skills are strengthened by the fact that I am a mother of four children.

Could you share a story where you helped an international student integrate or feel at home at the university?

Rather than highlight a single student, I aim for my efforts to support multiple students at the same time. We organize school visit programs and Kolping Colours intercultural language club events, where young Hungarian people can connect with international students and experience real language use.

According to feedback from our international students, these activities mean a lot: some mentally ‘travel back’ to their own children or siblings. All of them are grateful for connecting with a new community and feel that their role is valued - the people in Hungary show interest in the culture they brought from home, it is noticed, understood, and accepted. This is an extremely empowering experience for internationals.

Even in routine administrative work, I often fail to recognize how much security clear guidance gives them, or how meaningful it is that each student gets personal time, attentive care, and thoughtful consideration. When a student stops by during a quieter period and says, ‘When I arrived, everything was new, and I worried so much whether I was doing everything right - but you always paid attention to me, patiently explaining things multiple times for me and for other students…’ - I realize that what is routine for me can mean enormous support for someone else. This awareness motivates me every day.”

What achievement or moment are you most proud of in your coordinator work?

The success of International Dinners provides the greatest feedback. (MATE International Dinners are annual cultural events where international students present food, music, and traditions from their home countries, strengthening community bonds and celebrating cultural diversity.) When most of the event has passed and awards are given, I look out from the stage and see only gratitude, joy, and euphoria in the eyes. The most recent event drew more than 300 attendees and 17 countries presenting their cuisines at dedicated tables. Anticipation builds not only among our partners, embassies, and faculty but especially among students. We measure true success as increasing participation from Hungarian guests, who gradually understand that these events are for them too.

How do you see the role of the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship program in the lives of students and universities?

For students, it’s an enormous opportunity and a breakthrough point. It can be a key tool for professional and personal development, and many use it in exactly that way. They are extremely grateful for the experiences, new connections, and opportunities it provides.

For universities, the program is a fundamental tool for internationalization and a motivator for further development. As mentioned at the last coordinator meeting, it’s not just the international office but the whole university working toward internationalization: promoting the use of English, emphasizing the importance of language skills, and providing a practical field for intercultural engagement. In an increasingly globalized world, understanding, collaboration, and intercultural communication are vital, and I am pleased to contribute to these values as an engaged and committed participant.

What makes MATE an attractive study destination for international students?

I would highlight our focus on sustainability and promoting access to healthy food using the most effective and environmentally friendly methods. Gen Z and future generations are dedicated to protecting their living spaces while ensuring everyone has proper food and water. The expertise of MATE instructors is crucial in addressing global challenges—drought, overpopulation, pollution, and depleting mineral resources. International collaboration is the key, and we actively involve international students in these efforts, which has proven successful.

Are there unique programs, traditions, or support services that international students particularly enjoy?

The International Dinner may not be unique, but it’s undoubtedly the most popular event. Other favorites include the SZIA eco-garden volunteer community, the Kolping Colours intercultural language club, school visit programs, and sustainability-focused events (trash collection aligned with the TeSzedd - YouCollect – and the European Week for Waste Reduction initiative or independent, clothing and goods exchanges).

In terms of support, students have access to mental health counseling and the Medical Assistance System, which is a major improvement: now even self-funded and partial-scholarship students - MISP (MATE International Scholarship Program) recipients - can access private medical care, general practitioners, and specialist services in the most in-demand areas. The MISP program increasingly helps students successfully complete their studies.

What advice would you give to newly starting international coordinators?

Compassion and love for students will carry you through every challenge. And remember: no encounter is ever accidental: the person in front of you needs YOU in that moment, just as you are meant to be there for THEM.

Fotó: Szamler Roland

Last modified: 13-01-2026