Agnes Elam, Owner & Principal of The Budapest Institute of Business and Protocol Studies

  • 24 Feb 2016 11:00 AM
Agnes Elam, Owner & Principal of The Budapest Institute of Business and Protocol Studies
I had lived as an expatriate in 4 different countries before coming back to Budapest in 2010.



I am an avid potter in my spare time. I love cinema, literature, and interesting people. Sport is a necessity in my life.
I have taken central roles in charitable organisations both at home and abroad.

I have two sons who have always lived in an international community, one is at university, whilst the other one is going to university very soon!

1. Where did you grow up?
I grow up in Karcag, a small town in Alföld.I went to the very good school, I had many excellent teachers there. My best friends are from those days.

2. If you could be an expat anywhere in the world, where would you choose?
I was an expat wife in UK, Netherlands, Hungary and in China. I would choose Netherlands again.

3. What would you miss most if you moved away from Hungary?
would miss my friends and the Hungarian books.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
Must see: museums, spas, must do: Auguszt Cukrászda at Fény utca - eat "krémes", Szamos Cukrászda - eat "mignons".

5. What is your favourite food?
Dutch pancake with ginger, bacon, and maple syrup

6. What is your favourite sport / form of exercise?
Long distance running on the riverbank

7. What is your favourite place in Hungary?
Eger region

8. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
My hobby has always been pottery, it is for this reason I would pursue a career in it.

9. What’s a job you would definitely never want?
I would not able to handle a job involving IT.

10. Where did you spend your last vacation?
In Pálosvörösmart- Mátra-Eger region

11. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
In Austria

12. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
My favorite band was: Smokie, film: Magda Szabó: Abigél, Hobby. pottery

13. Apart of temptation what can't you resist?
I can not resist "punch mignon" from Szamos Cukrászda

14. Red wine or white?
Dry red wine

15. Book or movie?
Both

16. Morning person or night person?
Definitely morning person.

17. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?
Child poverty

18. Buda or Pest side?
Buda side

19. Which achievement in your life are you most pleased about?
After 15 years of being an expat wife I came back to Budapest and rebuilt my career.

20. What would you say is your personal motto?
Every change is an opportunity!

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