Ayele Chala, an Ethiopian PhD student at Széchenyi István University, has been studying at the institution for four years as part of the Doctoral School of Multidisciplinary Engineering Sciences. Through international scholarship programmes available to international students, he has had the opportunity to conduct research at the Politehnica University Timisoara on two occasions, gaining significant professional experience. 

Ayele Chala arrived at Széchenyi István University in 2021 as a PhD student supported by the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme. He chose Győr for its excellent academic and research opportunities in civil engineering within the Doctoral School of Multidisciplinary Engineering Sciences. He emphasised that the University’s innovative environment, which fosters learning and development, as well as its high-quality yet affordable student accommodation, played a crucial role in his decision. 

His research focuses on characterising and identifying soil movements caused by seismic events, utilising machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence. In December 2024, he participated in a student mobility programme for the first time, selecting the Politehnica University Timișoara. “The month I spent there greatly contributed to both my professional and personal development. I was warmly welcomed, which made it easier to establish connections, and these experiences made me eager to return to Romania,” Ayele Chala shared.

Ayele Chala, a PhD student at Széchenyi István University, in front of a building at the Politehnica University Timișoara

The second exchange programme took place in March this year, allowing him to work with his mentor and faculty members in Timișoara for three weeks. “My primary goal was to seek further academic support from my supervisor for my research. Additionally, I attended lectures that enriched my knowledge and equipped me with new insights,” he detailed. “I received tremendous support from both my professors and the University’s administrative staff. I had an incredible experience, and this opportunity perfectly complemented my studies at Széchenyi István University.”

According to Ayele Chala, SZE provides a modern, supportive environment with outstanding academic and administrative staff assisting international students. “I enjoy studying at Széchenyi István University because my studies are well-structured, and I receive all the necessary information to progress. Furthermore, the institution is uniquely situated near three European capitals—Budapest, Vienna, and Bratislava—making travel easy and convenient,” he noted. He continued: “The campus itself is in a beautiful location, right on the riverside, which makes the environment particularly stunning during the spring and summer seasons.”

The Ethiopian student revealed that he intends to continue his research related to artificial intelligence in the future. “My long-term goal is to collaborate with leading researchers and industry stakeholders, publish studies that influence the scientific world, and contribute to the development of AI-driven methods. I hope to become an experienced professional who can mentor and inspire future generations,” he concluded.