From Bali to Guangzhou: Finding My Path Through Pécs

We talked with Ishika Wira Lestari, a University of Pécs alumna who graduated with a BA in International Relations, about her journey from Bali to Pécs, studying abroad for the first time, finding her academic interests, and how her time in Hungary eventually led her to continue her studies in China. 

“Growing up in Bali, Indonesia, I always felt that I wanted to see more of the world. When I decided to study International Relations, I knew that staying in one place wouldn’t be enough. I wanted to understand the world not only through books, but through real experiences. I wanted to meet people from different cultures, hear different perspectives, and build connections across borders. 

That is what led me to choose the University of Pécs. 

At the time, I was considering several countries in Europe. However, Hungary felt different. Many students choose Western Europe, but I was curious about a place that people do not always talk about. I wanted to understand a different side of Europe, especially a Central European perspective that felt unfamiliar but exciting. The fact that the program was offered in English made it accessible, and the tuition system, with opportunities for reduction based on performance, made it realistic for me. 

I still remember my first days in Pécs very clearly. I arrived with a mix of excitement and curiosity. The city immediately felt special to me. The architecture, the atmosphere, and especially the city center left a strong impression. It felt calm, welcoming, and full of character. Coming from a place like Bali, everything felt new, but in a way that made me want to explore more. I also appreciated that Pécs is not a big city. Everything is within reach, which made it much easier for me as a first-time international student. It felt safe, manageable, and easy to call home. 

At the same time, the beginning was not easy. 

The first two months were challenging, especially because of the weather. I grew up in a tropical climate where the sun is almost always present, so adjusting to four seasons was a big change. At one point, I even struggled with skin eczema because of it. It was uncomfortable and frustrating, and there were moments when I had to push myself to keep going. 

What helped me through that period was the people around me. My classmates were incredibly kind and supportive. They shared advice, checked in on me, and made me feel that I was not alone. That experience stayed with me because it showed how meaningful small acts of kindness can be, especially when you are far from home. 

Some of my most memorable moments in Pécs come from the international community. One experience I will always remember is attending country presentation events organized by ESN Pécs. I was able to learn about different countries directly from the people who come from there, try their traditional food, and hear their stories. It made the world feel smaller and more connected, and it reminded me why I chose this path in the first place.

Academically, studying in Pécs felt like discovering the world step by step. I explored topics such as the introduction of the European Union, Hungarian politics and foreign policy, as well as regions like Africa, Latin America, and Asia. One of the most special experiences for me was taking an elective course where visiting professors from Korea came to teach. It felt very meaningful to learn directly from them, and it made the subject feel more real. 

There was also one professor who focused on China, and his classes left a strong impression on me. Before that, I did not expect China to become such an important part of my journey, but through his teaching, my curiosity slowly grew into a genuine interest. Looking back now, I see that this was one of the turning points in my academic path. 

Living and studying in Pécs changed me in ways I did not expect. I became more independent, not only in daily life but also in how I make decisions. I became more confident and more open to the world. Being surrounded by students from many different backgrounds taught me how to communicate better, how to adapt, and how to stay strong in unfamiliar situations. It was not always easy, but that is exactly why it was so valuable. 

Today, I am continuing my journey at Jinan University, where I am pursuing a master’s degree in China Studies with a full scholarship. Choosing China felt like a natural next step for me. After being exposed to many regions during my undergraduate studies, I realized that I wanted to go deeper and truly understand one country in a more focused way. 

I do not think I would be here without my time in Pécs. 

Pécs gave me the academic foundation to explore different regions of the world, but more importantly, it helped me discover what I am truly interested in. It was also my first experience living abroad, which prepared me mentally for everything that came after. I learned how to adapt, how to be independent, and how to believe that I am capable of more than I thought. My professors were also very supportive throughout my journey particularly on guiding my thesis to encouraging me when I applied for several scholarships. 

If I could say one thing to future students who are thinking about studying at the University of Pécs, it would be to not be afraid to take that step. 

Especially if it is your first time studying abroad, Pécs is a place where you can grow at your own pace. It gives you space to explore, to make mistakes, and to find yourself. My advice would be to do your research, stay open-minded, and if possible, connect with current students or alumni. Sometimes, hearing someone else’s story can give you the courage to begin your own.

For me, what started as a decision to study abroad became a journey that shaped who I am today, and it all began in Pécs. “