Karesz Trombitás is one of the co-founders of ELB. He says that his time in Portugal inspired him to bring the concept of international gathering to Budapest, as a similar group existed in Lisbon at the time. “They were doing trips, parties, community events, and we went on a lot of these,” he explains. “There was no such organization in Budapest yet, so we really thought we should bring this here, for people living that Erasmus life.”
The group began by organizing Thursday night dance parties at the old Corvin Club, now closed. “Now,” says Karesz, “we have events almost every day, as well as trips abroad and within Hungary, and smaller cultural events like tours, wine tastings, game nights and walking trips around cultural heritage points in Budapest.”
ELB quickly grew in popularity. Its Halloween Party in October brought in 2500 people, a record number for the organization. “It gives me back so much energy when I see all these people,” says Karesz. “They’re having the time of their lives, and that’s really great to see. This is why we’re doing this.”
And ELB goes beyond just parties and excursions. The group’s vision is to become a network where international students and expats can reach what they need. Already the group has paired with housing agencies and flat owners, to create a trustworthy network for new arrivals in the city. “There’s a lot of scams out there,” acknowledges Karesz. “They’re trying to rip off students. So we want to help people find a good quality flat affordably.”
Most of the students who participate in ELB come from other European countries, but the organization also organizes for Stipendium Hungaricum students, a program which brings in students mostly from South America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. “We want to unite all international students in Budapest with our fun events,” says Karesz. “And it’s not just exclusively Erasmus students either, it can be anyone, even local Hungarians who have been on Erasmus before and want to keep living this international life. And also the young expats, who come here without having a network.”
Entrance to the group’s events are open to anyone, but special “ELB Cards” provide discounts on their parties and events, and other services in the city, as well. “With our cards there are discounts to bars, restaurants, car rentals, hairdressers, gyms, everything you could need here,” says Karesz. The cards cost 4000 forints, valid for 1 year, and can be purchased online or in the ELB Office. If purchased online, they still must be picked up in the office, where a physical card is produced. “There is a photo, bar code, name, details on it,” Karesz adds. “You just need to bring in an ID-sized photo, but we can print that for you here.”
Recently the organization has been able to offer internships to students through the Erasmus+ scheme. “So we have a very international team,” says Karesz. “Interns can come and learn quite a lot—we include them in our events management, social media, front office, and also with website development.” They’ve had interns so far from Spain, Greece, Turkey, Italy, France, Columbia, Brazil, Romania, Netherlands, Greece, Denmark, Hungary and Russia.
A WEEK IN THE ERASMUS LIFE
The Erasmus Life Budapest’s typical week is packed full.
Mondays are Erasmus Monday, with 50-cent beer and free entrance through the ELB Card. “Erasmus students call it the ‘Holy Monday',’” says Karesz with a laugh. “They never miss it—there are 1000 people every week, it’s crazy!”
Tuesdays are smaller events, like wine tastings and Uno championships, as well as quiz nights and community-building events.
Wednesdays are Nations Nights, where a different nation is selected and celebrated with typical drinks and foods; or Beer Pong Championships at Erasmus Point Budapest, ELB’s gathering place. The venue serves as front office during the day, and bar at night. They partner with Aznap x Humbák Klub, and were named by the Budapest Nightlife Awards as the “best bar in Budapest.”
Thursdays are “more special parties,” themed events such as the Halloween, Flag Party or Xmas Party. “Our goal,” says Karesz, “is to provide something way more special than if you are just going out to a club. We have decorations, animations, costumes, programs, also some surprises.” For the underground people, Erasmus Dark Rave techno party series happens once a month, as well.
Weekends are when the group organizes its big trips, like excursions to Vienna, Krakow, Croatia, Prague and Slovenia. “We go to places which can be explored in a weekend,” says Karesz, “because of course the students are here to study, and they have to go to class.” Also, ELB makes an all-night Boat Party, and a Pool Party once per semester in the weekend, and provides discounted entrances to downtown clubs on Friday and Saturday nights.
“Erasmus is the best initiative the EU has had,” says Karesz in conclusion. “This is how you overcome a narrow view on international differences, build bridges between cultures, this is where you meet people abroad and realize they’re just like you. I see our interns, and the Erasmus students, making lifelong friendships and connections, by enjoying their time together. I think it’s really great, and that’s why I’m happy we can be a part of it.”
ELB’s monthly schedules, as well as information on all the parties and events, are detailed on the group’s Facebook page and documented on Instagram. All events can be found here.
To find more information on getting your ELB Card, visit the group’s website, or head over to the ELB Office in person at Király utca 43.
