The University of Sopron's vibrant international community wrapped up the semester in extraordinary style on December 4th! The International Affairs Office organized an end-of-semester talent competition and an exciting St. Nicholas celebration combined into one memorable event for their exceptionally gifted international students.
The Ligneum was packed to the rafters as Hungarian and international students alike gathered to cheer on their friends and peers. Following a pre-selection round, the very best performers took to the stage for the final. The talented contestants were judged by a distinguished five-member jury: Márta Sándor, former Senior International Coordinator; Lili Mészáros, Organizer of the University’s Cultural Programs; Prof. Dr. Balázs Kósa, Vice-Dean for Education at the Faculty of Wood Engineering and Creative Industry; Mihály Major, Communication Associate, TV and Radio Host; and Tamás Bross, President of the Student Union.
Thirteen finalists showcased their incredible talents across various categories, including music, singing, and dancing—with even a nunchaku demonstration adding an element of surprise!
The jury faced a difficult task, but ultimately, the Special Prize went to Ali Munavvar from the Faculty of Economics, who presented a powerful short film about his home country, the Maldives, raising crucial awareness about the threat of rising global temperatures endangering the islands.
The podium was a testament to the University's diverse talent:
- 3rd Place: Claudia Rios Chavarria, a Peruvian student from the Faculty of Forestry, captivated the audience with a contemporary dance performance.
- 2nd Place: Volha Mialeshka, a Belarusian PhD student from the Faculty of Wood Engineering and Creative Industry, impressed everyone with her skilled piano performance.
- 1st Place: Idil Tanriöver, a Turkish student from the Faculty of Pedagogy, soared to the top spot, transporting the jury and the audience to Turkey with her self-composed song and guitar playing.
The top three winners were awarded valuable Decathlon vouchers.
The successful evening was expertly hosted and organized by International Coordinators Boróka Buzsáki and Erzsébet Szaniszló, together with International Offices staff member Zsófia Szála and the dedicated StudentHelp Mentors.
While the jury retired to make their final, difficult decision, St. Nicholas (Mikulás) made a surprise arrival, bringing a sack full of delicious treats for all participants.
The event was filled with overwhelmingly positive energy and warmth. It was a beautiful display of the powerful, cohesive spirit of the University of Sopron’s diverse international community, proving once again that talent and friendship know no borders.
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