Debrecen4U
June 9, 2026
Life, Work, and Belonging: Dr. Felipe’s Debrecen Story
Working in one of Hungary’s largest and highest‑volume neurosurgery departments demands precision, stamina, and a rare kind of calm under pressure — qualities Dr. Salignac Brasil Felipe brings to the operating room every day. When we asked him about life and work in Debrecen, his answers revealed not only how this demanding environment sharpens his skills daily, but also how deeply he values Debrecen. It was a pleasure to read how Dr. Felipe has built a life that harmonizes high‑stakes medical practice with the tranquility of a place he now genuinely calls home.
Debrecen4U: How would you describe your everyday life in Debrecen after living here for several years?
Dr. Salignac Brasil Felipe: My life in Debrecen couldn’t be better. There is a massive contrast between living in a noisy, polluted metropolis where everything is at your doorstep, and a charming, smaller city that feels a bit tucked away from the rest of “Europe. Though that distance isn’t really an issue—from Debrecen, you can be in Budapest in two hours, ready to fly anywhere. If you can dive headfirst into the Hungarian language, things become even easier. Hungarians love to see foreigners putting in the effort to learn their language and are incredibly encouraging when you try to speak it.
Debrecen4U: What were your first impressions of the city, and how have they changed over time?
Dr. Salignac Brasil Felipe: When I first arrived in Debrecen, I felt like I was in a movie. Everything felt meticulously planned; the roads are massive, and there is an incredible amount of open space to walk around—which I suppose is a remnant of Soviet architecture. After that initial honeymoon phase, just like in a relationship, you enter the stage where you notice the flaws and the things it lacks.
Overall, it’s a very calming place. If you’re looking for wild, non-stop parties and nightlife, Debrecen might feel a bit quiet. But once you accept that it offers a peaceful, charming environment punctuated by decent nightlife, it becomes the perfect city to focus on your studies and career. Then, if necessary, you can always move on later. Just like a relationship (smile).
Debrecen4U: How welcoming have you found the local community, both professionally and personally?
Dr. Salignac Brasil Felipe: Personally, the community is incredibly accepting once you learn a bit of the culture and language. Being Brazilian, I come from a culture that is very warm and physically expressive, which Hungarians aren’t always completely comfortable with initially. You have to learn the proper formal language, navigate traditional introductions, and accept that these differences are what make cultures unique.
Professionally, it’s a different ballgame. I’m a doctor in a high-volume neurosurgery department—one of the largest in the country—so speaking precise, sophisticated Hungarian is a must, which is something I still struggle with. My colleagues have graciously accepted that I speak a new dialect called “Hunglish”—if I can’t find the Hungarian word, I substitute it with English or Latin. While it might be a bit of a chore for my colleagues to decode me and some might complain, it’s the exact opposite with patients. I’ve received multiple letters and gifts because of the way I interact with them. Maybe it’s a cultural trait, or maybe I unconsciously compensate for my language limitations by being warmer and more approachable.
Debrecen4U: What aspects of life in Debrecen do you appreciate the most?
Dr. Salignac Brasil Felipe: The sheer calmness and tranquility of the city—that is the absolute highlight for me. You can work hard, party, and travel, but nothing beats the feeling of coming back, opening a bottle of wine or a watermelon somersby, and watching a peaceful sunset as the city comes alive for the night. It’s priceless. I travel quite frequently, but I always find myself missing my little piece of heaven here.
Debrecen4U: What were the biggest challenges you faced when settling here as a foreigner?
Dr. Salignac Brasil Felipe: The language is definitely the hurdle. There are also a few bureaucratic roadblocks that come with foreign status. For instance, I can’t open an investment account with my bank, Erste Bank, simply because the contract isn’t available in English—ironically, that entire conversation with the advisor was conducted fully in Hungarian! I’ve tried multiple times and the answer was the same, no.
This feels a bit restrictive, especially since being an expat across most European countries is usually straightforward and accessible. Foreign investment is a big part of the european market and if I can’t participate in it, it feels very restrictive. Hungary still has some room to grow in this area. English proficiency can also be a barrier; the current working generation was primarily taught German or Russian, so English wasn’t the priority back then. Unlike countries like Portugal or Germany where English is practically second nature, here it can still be tough to find someone comfortable diving into lengthy, complex topics in English.
Debrecen4U: How did you adapt to Hungarian culture, traditions, or everyday habits?
Dr. Salignac Brasil Felipe: Everyone will give you the standard advice to “be open-minded,” but the best approach I found was to truly live like a local. I eat the same foods they eat with their families, try my best to speak the language, and practically mirror their mannerisms and habits. Once you experience a bit of what they go through, you even start to genuinely resent the Trianon Pact… hahahah.
Jokes aside, I believe the only way to truly adapt is to dive in headfirst, temporarily detach from your native cultural default, and fully immerse yourself. If you do, you’ll discover just how rich and unique the Hungarian experience is.
Debrecen4U: Do you have favourite places in the city that make you feel at home?
Dr. Salignac Brasil Felipe: I absolutely love the Nagyerdei Great Forest; no matter the time of day, it is incredibly serene. Hal köz is fantastic for grabbing a few beers with colleagues. But honestly, even just walking down the quiet streets of Egyetem Sugárút late at night with friends, knowing you are completely safe, is deeply special. I enjoy the city as a whole.
Debrecen4U: In what ways has working here contributed to your professional development?
Dr. Salignac Brasil Felipe: Experiencing a total cultural transformation and learning about Hungary’s rich, millennial history has given me an incredibly unique background to build my career upon. While the language might just seem like a quirky personal trait right now, I often picture myself working in a hospital in England or the United States in the future. If a critical patient comes in who only speaks Hungarian, guess who the only Hungarian-speaking doctor on the floor will be?
On a broader level, if you want to talk about European politics, you cannot ignore the history of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. And if you want to be lean and highly effective in your career, Hungarian medical culture is an excellent blueprint: no wasted words or actions, just direct, efficient communication.
Debrecen4U: Do you see yourself continuing your medical career in Debrecen long-term?
Dr. Salignac Brasil Felipe: “Long-term” is a difficult choice because as a neurosurgery resident, it is expected that I travel to experience different healthcare systems. But one thing is certain: if I have the privilege to acquire Hungarian citizenship or permanent residency, I would be thrilled. Being able to return at any point to the place that gave me the tools and stories to build my life is a dream of mine.
I feel at home here; it’s where I relax and decompress. For someone coming from São Paulo—a metropolis of 20 million people—choosing Debrecen might sound like a downgrade to outsiders, but I deeply love this city and this country. Maybe Hungary will become that cozy family home I return to every winter to see dear friends and visit the Christmas market (which is an absolute must-see in Debrecen). Either way, I will always keep Hungary as my safe harbor moving forward.
The Debrecen4U team thanks Dr. Salignac Brasil Felipe for the wonderful interview.
