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Full name: Vishal Kaushik

Country/city of origin: India, New-Delhi

Faculty/course: Faculty of Business and Economics, Tourism and Catering BSc

Year of enrollment at the University of Pannonia: 2019

Why did you decide to come to Hungary and apply to the University of Pannonia? How did you get to know the opportunity to come to the University of Pannoina (UP)?

I have heard a lot about Hungary from the foreign travellers whom I met in India while working in Delhi Tourism as a Tour Escort and also explored the beautiful cities of Hungary through social media and cinema. It was always a dream for me to visit Hungary and explore the rich culture and traditions. I always wanted to study abroad and I did a lot of research about scholarships in different countries. And finally I got to know about Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship. I applied for it- it was a long procedure - exams, interviews etc. After successfully completing this, I chose University of Pannonia for my studies. I wanted to explore the local traditional Hungarian culture, and Veszprém was the perfect city for this and University of Pannonia- one of the best Universities in Hungary.

How the idea of a bicycle project came to your mind? How did it come to reality, what was the procedure? In what means the University of Pannonia had been helping you to succeed? (advices, tools, etc.)

During March, amidst the pandemic situation, I was so bored. I started Fashion Photography in Budapest and yoga meditation. But During lockdown, everything was stopped. I remember one day, I was watching a movie Pedal The World on Netflix. It was about a German Guy who travelled the world on Bicycle. And suddenly this idea came to my mind that I can travel Hungary! And that whole night, I made the Bike Project proposal. I went directly to my University the next morning. I talked with my mentor Tünde Vajda. I was so nervous whether prof will like this idea or not. But, to my surprise, she liked this idea so much and she was so excited for this project as she is also a cyclist. Then everything happened so fast. She organised meetings with other professors and personnel from University and everyone liked it and contributed in their own ways, by giving advices and suggestions to make it better. The University of Pannonia has been very supportive and encouraged me a lot at every step. We planned of doing the Pilot Project in June and then the final Tour De Hungary in September or October. The professors and University tried to share my project idea with different organisations. I am really grateful to my professors and my University for not only motivating me to work more on this cycle project, but for supporting me in every possible way to make it happen.

How was the video shooting, did you enjoy it? How was the atmosphere with the colleagues? Did you like the landscapes?

The Video Shooting project was full of fun, adventure and crazy moments. All thanks to our amazing team - Csrepka Máte, Orsi Tuba, Petra György and video team - Adam Horváth and Kelemen Márton. Everyone was easygoing and made me feel comfortable. I feel like the team members were equally excited and enthusiastic about this bike trip. And watching their excitement, made me more happy. The Team members helped me in making route for the Pilot project. We chose Veszprém-Balaton area for this. Being local Hungarian, they knew some hidden treasures around the places. I thoroughly enjoyed the video shooting. Also the venues we went to had picturesque landscape and made everything more beautiful and fun to do.

What was the route, what did you see? Did you have any favourite spot? With what kind of experiences have you enriched yourself?

It took a lot of time to decide the route but we finally made the best route. It started from University of Pannonia, Veszprém - Paloznak - Balatonfüred - Tihany – Szántód. I have never heard about Paloznak and Szántód before as it was more of hidden gems which only local Hungarians know. Every place we travelled had some special vibes which makes it more beautiful. I saw a lot of nature, wineries, cafes, ice-cream shops, church. My favourite place was the sunset view during the ferry ride in Tihany. It was one of the most beautiful sunsets, I have ever seen. This experience made me feel more connected and closer with the mesmerising nature. I got the chance to witness the local hungarian culture and traditions.

What was your motivation before going to this journey? What was your aim with it?

My motivation for this project is to connect with local people from different cities and villages. I want to spread the yoga-meditation culture amongst the kids and the message of sustainable development to make this world a better, clean,green and safe place to live.

What plans do you have considering your future with the bike project?

This project is still not finished. My dream project is Tour De Hungary to cover all the cities and villages in Hungary. It's more than 2500 kms ride in 2 months. I want to collaborate with local organisations in different villages. I want to teach English language and yoga to Hungarian kids. Apart from this, I would like to connect my project towards sustainable development and how to save this world. I want to do future trip in September. I am trying to research more deep on the routes as I would be travelling alone and it would be difficult for me. I am trying to find sponsors to help me in accommodation, food, bike and other important stuff during my trip in different locations.

Why would you recommend the University of Pannonia for international students?

Best thing about University of Pannonia is the professors who are always there with you to support you at every moment. Being an international student coming from third nation country with completely different culture, traditions and language. I never felt like I am away from my home. My professors and Hungarian friends made it like home for me with their love.

Watch the video here:

Veszprém-Balaton Region. Explore it - Enjoy it - Be a part of it!