Finding Confidence Abroad: Khubon Iskhakova’s Journey from Tajikistan to Pécs

Today, Khubon is a proud alumna of the University of Pécs, having graduated with her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Management in early 2024. Currently working as a Marketing Specialist for the Puma franchise in Tajikistan, she credits her time in Pécs as the foundation that shaped both her personal growth and professional confidence.

Choosing Pécs: A Gateway to New Horizons

Choosing to leave her home country was no spontaneous decision. "From around 7th grade, I knew I wanted to study abroad," Khubon said. "I was excited, not scared."

Initially, she considered universities in Western Europe, but Hungary stood out — not only because of its welcoming atmosphere and student safety but also because it recognized her educational qualifications directly. The University of Pécs became her choice, particularly because of its unique dual degree program with Middlesex University, offering diplomas recognized both in Hungary and the UK.

For Khubon, this dual opportunity was a major attraction: "It was a great way to receive an internationally respected education and stand out professionally."

Adjusting to a New Life: Growth Beyond the Classroom

Arriving in Hungary with high hopes and “pink sunglasses,” as she described, reality quickly set in. Simple daily tasks — from managing dorm life to cooking her own meals — became unexpected challenges. "My first semester was tough. I didn’t even know how to properly cook for myself," she laughed.

Yet, these challenges were exactly what helped her grow. “Living independently taught me resilience, responsibility, and personal management — things you can't learn from textbooks.”

Academically, the difference was equally eye-opening. Compared to her home country, she found the Hungarian education system refreshingly practical. "It wasn’t just theory. We had case studies, company visits, and real-world applications of what we learned," she shared.

Among the many courses she took, Probability and Statistics and Sociology stood out the most. Although initially difficult, her statistics knowledge became crucial in her marketing career, while sociology broadened her worldview. "These subjects shaped how I understand both business data and people today," Khubon said.

She also warmly remembered her professors, especially their supportive approach: “They were always willing to explain things differently so that everyone could understand — something I hadn’t experienced before.”

Building an International Mindset

One of the key aspects that defined Khubon’s time at the University of Pécs was its international environment. Despite the challenges, she quickly found friends through student organizations like AIESEC and ESN Pécs.

"Joining AIESEC helped me not only make friends but also learn valuable professional skills — from writing reports to managing meetings — without the pressure of a real job," she said.

Working with students from different cultures prepared her for the diverse workplaces she would later experience. "The friendships and teamwork skills I built at Pécs are still helping me today."

Gaining Global Experience: An Erasmus Internship in Spain

During her studies, Khubon took advantage of the Erasmus+ opportunities provided by the university. She secured a summer internship in Barcelona — an experience that she describes as “transformative.”

"It was scary at first," she admitted. "Moving to another new country was stressful, but it taught me not to fear the unknown."

Supported partially by Erasmus funding, her internship gave her both professional experience and unforgettable cultural exposure. “It was amazing to see how work environments differ across countries — and how adaptable you can become if you challenge yourself.”

Preparing for the Future: The Power of Practical Education

Graduating with both Hungarian and UK-accredited diplomas, Khubon returned to Tajikistan feeling equipped and confident. She quickly landed a position as a marketing specialist in a tech company, and after a year, advanced into her current role at Puma.

"The knowledge I gained at the Faculty of Business and Economics — especially the practical focus — gave me a real advantage," she said. "While many others had to learn marketing from online courses, I had formal, structured training."

Moreover, her international experiences gave her the soft skills that employers look for today: adaptability, communication, and the ability to work in diverse teams.

Advice for Future Students: Embrace the Full Journey

Reflecting on her journey, Khubon shared some heartfelt advice for students considering studying abroad:

• Don't just study — participate in everything: "Join events, travel, meet people. University life isn't just about exams."

• Start thinking about your career early: “In your second year, start figuring out what areas interest you most. It will make internship and job hunting easier later.”

• Use university resources: “The University of Pécs offers Erasmus programs, dual degrees, scholarships — if you search for them, you will find so many opportunities.”

   

Finally, when asked to sum up her time at Pécs, Khubon simply said:
 "It taught me how to live, learn, and dream beyond borders."