When did you start playing sports, and what or who inspired you to do so?

I started playing sports at a very young age, in the first years of elementary school, together with my twin sibling. I tried many different sports, including swimming, soccer, handball, and judo, but eventually I decided to pursue swimming at a more competitive level.

Who do you credit the most for your success so far?

I owe much of my success and how far I have come to my parents, as well as my team back home, the Győr Swimming Team, my teammates, and my coaches. I am especially grateful to István Budavári, who approached me in 2015–2016 and invited me to join the Győr Swimming Club, as well as head coaches Iván Petrov and Árpád Petrov. Under their guidance, I eventually found my wings and reached where I am today. The StudyNSport team also stood by me throughout the entire process and helped me get to the United States in the most professional way possible. I would like to thank them as well.

What are your future plans and goals, both in sports and outside of sports? In the USA and afterwards?

I currently have another year and a half left at university, and therefore another year and a half competing at this level. However, I would be very happy to continue swimming afterwards if I have the opportunity, either here in the United States or somewhere back home.

I have not yet decided what I want to do in terms of work or where I would like to live after graduation, but fortunately, I have plenty of opportunities. I believe everything will eventually fall into place.

How supportive were your parents and family of your plans to study and compete abroad?

My family was extremely supportive of my plans to come to America. We started this journey together, and they supported me throughout the year and a half to two years I spent training and studying at home in preparation for this little adventure across the Atlantic. They have always been very understanding and helpful, and they are still incredibly proud of me today.

What do you like most about America?

What I appreciated most when I first arrived in America was how welcoming people were. I arrived not knowing anyone or really knowing my way around, and on top of that, it was during COVID, with masks, quarantine, COVID tests, and vaccinations everywhere. Despite all of this, my teammates, coaches, and classmates—whom I had previously only spoken to or messaged through a screen—welcomed me with incredible kindness and were very helpful.

In your opinion, what are the advantages and challenges of American college life?

One of the biggest advantages is how well organized the system is, both online and on campus. It is transparent and easy to navigate, even when you are experiencing it for the first time.

I also find the education somewhat easier, although I think that is because there is a greater emphasis on practical knowledge and work experience rather than memorizing pages and pages of material and notes. Of course, we still get our fair share of studying as well.

I would not say there are any major challenges, especially after you have completed a few semesters. Perhaps being an international student can make things slightly more difficult at first because you have to get used to the local system, traditions, and way of life.

What do you do outside of school and sports?

I currently work part-time at the university as a lifeguard alongside my studies and swimming. Other than that, I spend time with my teammates and roommates. We watch movies, occasionally go out, and take trips whenever we can—although, as a student-athlete, there is not exactly a huge amount of free time.

What is training like in the US compared to Hungary?

Training is not very different. The schedule is similar both in terms of volume and quality. The biggest difference is that the swimming pool here is 25 yards long, approximately 22 meters, rather than 50 meters. However, you get used to that fairly quickly.

How different is your diet in the US compared to Hungary?

There are definitely some differences. Back home, I had never lived on my own, so my wonderful parents took care of most of the cooking. Here, however, I sometimes have to bring out my inner chef.

The food and flavors are different from what we have in Hungary. There are large supermarkets with plenty of European products, but it is still not quite the same. One thing I really enjoy is the enormous variety of fast-food places and restaurants available in the US. The quality is generally great, although obviously I have to watch what I eat and avoid going overboard.

What has been your best memory or achievement in swimming so far, and what are you most proud of?

I would say my best achievements so far have been scoring points at the conference championships over the past three years and setting several school records. Over the past two years, I have also qualified for the national championships together with several members of my team, which is definitely a major accomplishment.

What would you recommend to young athletes who are considering taking this opportunity?

If someone is thinking about it, I can only recommend giving it a try. Yes, you have to work hard for it, and it may not be for everyone, but if you have even the slightest chance, it is worth trying.

In the worst-case scenario, you can go home after a few months. But even then, you will have traveled, seen another part of the world, and gained valuable experience. It is definitely worth it.

How did you manage with the language at the beginning?

I did have some difficulties with English at first. Back home, I had to prepare quite a lot for various language exams, and when I arrived, I also had to get used to American slang and the way people speak.

After a month or two, however, I started getting the hang of it, and today I would say my English is almost excellent.

Have you had the opportunity to work a student job at university? If so, what has your experience been like?

Yes. As I mentioned earlier, I work as a lifeguard at the university, which is one of the student job opportunities available on campus.

Overall, I think the system is very fair. Obviously, you are expected to work and you are supervised, but their online system is excellent. You can easily keep track of your schedule, pay, and other details. The working hours are flexible, and the pay is quite good as well.

How easy or difficult was it for you to fit in?

For me, fitting in was relatively easy, mainly because most of the students in my year on the team are international students. That meant we already had something in common from the very beginning.

Have you been able to build connections, and how important do you think networking is?

I consider building connections very important, and fortunately, I have already managed to form several close and more casual friendships.

The university also organizes many programs and events where different companies and sponsors are present, so these provide opportunities to start building professional connections that may later be useful in the working world.

In your experience, is there such a thing as the “American way of life,” and if so, how is it different from life back home?

I definitely think there is such a thing as an “American way of life.” It is quite unique. Americans are a very proud nation, and they take their holidays and celebrations seriously.

Events such as the Fourth of July or Thanksgiving are celebrated on a large scale. Everything is decorated, people are happy and friendly toward one another, and they are very welcoming. These celebrations are enjoyable even as a foreigner. And one thing is certain: there is plenty of food and partying!

How do you think your years in the US will affect your personality?

The past few years have definitely changed me, both positively and negatively in some ways, but overall, I think that is simply part of growing up.

The circumstances may be different from those back home, but eventually every university student has to “grow up” and enter the real world of work and adult responsibilities.

These years will definitely remain full of valuable experiences and unforgettable memories. Life here has taught me a great deal.

Have you considered staying in the US for a few years—or perhaps even longer—after finishing your studies?

I have not made a final decision yet, but yes, I have definitely considered staying. It will depend on how the next year goes, what I decide I want to do, and where I can find a job.

Whether it is for a shorter or longer period of time, I would be happy to stay in the United States if I have the opportunity to build a career here.

What do you think about the American education system? What do they do better—or at least differently—than in Hungary?

The American education system is more organized and transparent. A lot of things can be handled online, and there are several platforms through which students can stay in contact with professors and instructors.

There are also academic advisors and various student support services available. Overall, I would say there is a closer relationship between students and professors here.