Name: Simon
Age: 24
Nationality: German
What made you come to Budapest?
I came to Budapest to study Medicine at Semmelweis University. I grew up in Munich and after high school, I enrolled for the sports science college there. I graduated last year and since I always wanted to study medicine, I decided to come to Budapest. Here the university offers a German course that fits my personal goals and expectations.
How long have you been here?
I came to Budapest on the first of September, so I’ve been here two and a half months. (the interview was made in December 2014)
Why Budapest?
As I was not able to enroll in a medical school in Germany, I decided to come to Hungary and start the German medicine course advertised by Semmelweis University. I also applied for other sites in Europe that offered a similar course in English but I heard good things about both the city and the university, so I decided to come here.
What are your impressions of Budapest?
The first time I came to Budapest was in August, when was I looking for an apartment. I arrived here with my boyfriend and I was a little unsure of my decision. It became clear to me that I would leave home and study in a country where I didn’t even know a single word of the language. But two weeks after I moved to Budapest, I was really eager to stay and I’ve felt comfortable from the first day. I got to know the city and I think it’s really nice. Especially along the Danube. However, in my opinion, the most shocking issue in Budapest is the large number of homeless people around the city.
What’s your impression of Hungarians?
I don’t really see a big difference between Hungarians and Germans from Munich. People in Munich are fairly richer in general and that could make a difference. But I’m not sure we can generalize this fact. What I really like about Hungarians is that they love to speak English. When I go out and talk to a group of Hungarians, they all speak English, even among themselves. Their English is usually really good.
How is the gay scene in Munich?
I think the gay scene is not so much different either. Maybe the gay scene in Munich is a bit more accepted than in Budapest, but there are still lots of gay parties here as well. In Munich, we have some cozy little gay bars which are quite nice. I’m not talking about cruising or fetish bars, but just cool places to have a beer or something. As far as I know, there aren’t such places here or maybe I just haven’t been here long enough. What I know is that there are big differences in gay life even within Germany. For instance, Berlin is probably the most open-minded place I know. Sexuality does not seem to matter anymore and maybe it is somewhat hip to be gay there.
Have you suffered any kind of prejudice in Germany or Budapest?
Well of course. I witness prejudice all the time. Not only in relation to homosexuality but especially when it comes to different genders. Sometimes it really annoys me when people think in those patterns. But I haven’t had bad personal experiences with my homosexuality. If people I know or whom I have to deal with have a problem with it, that does not bother me anymore and I’m cool with it. Nowadays, I think we can live happily, even with prejudice around us. But no real discrimination. So far, no direct discrimination has occurred with me.
Where do you hang out in the city?
Well, I’ve been here for only two months, so I don’t know a lot places. Moreover, I study with other Germans who are new in the city as well. I’ve been to some gay parties and they are all right. Similar to Munich but different to Berlin. I miss the techno/electronica music in gay parties, but we don’t really have that in Munich either, I don’t know why. It’s always pop or house. I also think Deák Ferenc Square is a cool place to have a beer in the evening and of course, I know Szimpla and Instant where probably every tourist hangs out. But most of the time, during the week, I hang out at the university campus.
Author: Gabriel
