Nikolett Áder has been working as an international coordinator at the Hungarian Dance University since November 2023. In a relatively short time, she has introduced several innovations while closely supporting international students throughout their entire academic journey.
Her dedication, approachability, and active community-building work were recognized this year at the National Meeting of International Coordinators, where she received the Emerging Excellence Award in the Stipendium Hungaricum and Diaspora Higher Education Scholarship Programme category.
Her responsibilities are highly diverse: “You could say that I support them in their university life from the moment they apply to the university until they obtain their degree.” She coordinates international admissions processes and scholarship programmes, supports students’ integration, and organizes community-building and team-building events.
In her daily work, she regularly faces challenges. “Since I work with people, I encounter new – sometimes challenging – situations almost every day,” whether related to cultural differences, communication difficulties, or personal issues. She emphasizes that “openness, consistency, and empathy” are her most important tools in addressing these situations.
Her motivation comes from the students themselves: “I share their excitement over their successes and try to be there for them during more difficult moments as well.” She is particularly proud that since she began working at the university, the number of international students has doubled and now accounts for nearly 10% of the total student body.
One of her most memorable experiences was the first community-building event she initiated, attended by more than half of the international students. “It was clear how relaxed they were and how much they appreciated finally having an opportunity to experience a sense of belonging to the university in an informal, shared setting.”
In her view, art and dance are a “common language that connects our diverse student community.” The uniqueness of the Hungarian Dance University lies in its distinctive educational structure, professional diversity, and family-like atmosphere, all of which represent a strong attraction for international students.
