Upon applying to Central European University, I expected I would gain certain knowledge that I haven’t gained while studying in Serbia. I also expected I would make new contacts that will enable me to do the things I’m interested in both in Serbia and in Europe in the future. I can say that my expectations were exceeded. Eventually, I got much more than I expected. CEU has made a big impression on me in that academic sense. It is definitely one of the best places in Europe for studying the subject I was dealing with, and the opportunity it gives you to meet new colleagues and professors who are engaged in the field of my interest is just irreplaceable.

While studying in Budapest, I have gained invaluable experience. I can freely say that the year I spent at CEU has been the best year of my life – the most interesting, dynamic and fulfilling period of my life so far. Perhaps the strongest impression was the one left on me in a moment when I have had to ask myself if I am to do something new to me, something I haven’t done before. I was afraid I won’t be able to do the things I was required to on a level good enough for the university such as CEU and, in the moment I needed it the most, I got the support from my professors who have sincerely and warmly encouraged me, which I had never experienced before. It gave me a great motivation to prove myself to those who believed in me and I think this is the best possible motivation for progress.

As for the learning system at CEU, I think it's generally far better than our Bologna system because it allows students to focus on areas they want to deal with. The programs are very intense, but the selection of subjects in accordance with your interests gives you the opportunity to improve yourself in the areas you think necessary for yourself. Exams are mainly passed through presentations and through papers that you write on the subject that you've chosen. If you wish to deal with a particular issue and eventually become an expert in the field that interests you, I think it's better if the university gives you the opportunity to do so – to read serious studies on the subject you’re interested in and have the access to the best literature possible. In this sense, CEU provides excellent training opportunities. There are, however, a lot of things to be done, so it often happens that students get intimidated from the beginning, but I think there is no need for that. The method of work is such that, after you choose the topic you’re interested in, you fulfill your obligations with pleasure. The intensity of the work motivates you to continue and to be better and there is no need to look at it as something scary and negative. I would recommend future students to focus on a specific area as soon as possible and use the time they have to gain as much knowledge as possible in the area they have chosen to deal with because opportunities CEU offers in terms of teaching staff and the available literature are enormous and that should be utilized. I have a feeling that the evaluation of the application price when someone comes with a well-developed idea and theme that you would like to explore. I have a feeling that in the process of evaluation of applications, it is highly desirable for applicants to come with a well-developed idea and subject which they would like to explore.