The Leadership for Social Good Study Abroad program with the Institute for Leadership and Social Impact isn’t just a summer class - it’s a collection of memories, friendships, and “you-had-to-be-there” moments tucked into the heart of Eastern Europe. While exploring Budapest and beyond, Georgia Tech students found adventure, reflection, and a whole lot of gelato. Here’s what they had to say about the moments they’ll never forget.
More than Study Aboard: Moments That Stay
The Leadership for Social Good Study Abroad program became more than a summer class: it was an experience shaped by meaningful moments, new friendships, and unforgettable days across Eastern Europe. Through their own words, Georgia Tech students reflect on the adventures, reflections, and small moments that made the journey memorable.
Georgia Tech Students Reese Baker and Maya Pandya with Papírsárkány staff
“There was one day in Budapest after class when we all got langos and ice cream and found the best playground I’ve ever seen. Later that night, we went to Fisherman’s Bastion, saw the whole city, and caught a perfect sunset moment.”
Noah O’Brien (B.S. in PSYC '27)
“My favorite memory is the first night at Gellért Hill. The walk up was exhausting, but once we got to the top and saw the city lit up, it was totally worth it.”
Caleb Harris (B.S. in ME '26)
“One of my favorite spots in Budapest was the Freedom Bridge. It became a regular spot for all of us. Some of us would run in the mornings and that was really fun, just seeing the city in the morning was always really peaceful. One of our last nights we sat on the bridge looking at the sunset, the hill we hiked, the school… it was perfect.”
Matty Hulbert (BSBA '28)
“Toward the end of the trip, a bunch of us hiked up to Normafa on our own. Once up there, we took the chairlift down and got to see an overhead view of Budapest. Since it was one of our last days, everything felt a little sentimental and we got a little sappy. Ending the trip like that was really sweet.”
Reese Baker (B.S. in IE '27)
What We Learned About Ourselves
“Before the trip, but I definitely would have identified myself as an introvert. I think the trip showed me, though, that I really enjoyed being around people and I think it also made me realize that, there's cool people everywhere, in all walks of life, and our group was so diverse in every way. It was so cool for me to meet all these incredible individuals and develop relationships with them. We leaned on each other through everything, and you really can’t put a value on that. I came back to Tech with a whole new appreciation for people and relationships.”
Matty Hulbert
“I was a bit hesitant on doing this program because I didn’t I didn’t know anyone going in, but everything felt so natural. Being in a completely new environment with new people and new topics opens you up in a way you don’t expect. This is why I think it’s so important that everyone should get the opportunity to study board.”
Noah O’Brien
“I learned a lot about how I handle stress. I was more aware of it than ever with a lot of things that were happening and being in a different country. I thought I needed to show up super responsible since I was one of the older students, but being in a different country pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t expect.”
Ky Tran (B.S. in CS '26)
“I learned how to embrace change and bring things back to basics. In a new environment like what we experienced during time aboard, change is going to overwhelm everyone. I learned how to take time to not let it get so big. I went on walks and runs, called my parents, and leaned on others. It helped me stay grounded and actually enjoy the experience.”
Reese Baker
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Snacks of the Summer
Restaurants: ISPARTA Döner, Arán bakery, Halva & Nuts, Matcha Island Budapest
Food: Crème brûlée croissant, Gelato, Hungarian Ice Cream
Applications for Summer 2026 are now open, and your own adventure is waiting. From sunset views to shared meals, from personal breakthroughs to lifelong friendships, these students returned home with a richer sense of themselves and the world around them. And while the trip may be over, the impact—and the memories—are here to stay.
The Institute for Leadership and Social Impact (ILSI) is an interdisciplinary institute at Georgia Tech dedicated to promoting servant leadership and advancing organizational practices that contribute to a more just, caring, and sustainable world. Through experiential learning, research, and community partnerships, we nurture leaders who drive meaningful social change—locally in Atlanta and globally. To learn more about our initiatives and programs, visit our website.