The Regional University Network-European University (RUN-EU) consortium brought together more than fifty international students and academic staff for short training programmes at Széchenyi István University. Participants learned about intercultural relations and communication through exciting workshops and lectures.

Established in 2020, seven European higher education institutions - the Polytechnic of Leiria (IPL) and Polytechnic of Cávado-Ave (IPCA), Portugal, the Technological University of Shannon (TUS), Ireland, the NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences (NHL Stenden), Netherlands, the Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK), Finland, the Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences (FHV), Austria and Széchenyi István University (SZE) - form the RUN-EU consortium. In the framework of the cooperation, two parallel events were held on the Győr campus for university staff and students. The main objectives of both programmes were to gain experience in an international context, to build cross-cultural contacts, to learn about Hungarian culture and to strengthen internationalisation.

 More than fifty participants from five countries attended the short study programmes at Széchenyi István University (Photo: András Adorján)

During the short training programme "SAP Challenge for Staff" (RUN-EU Path) designed for academics and staff, participants received detailed information about the partner institutions and the functioning of RUN-EU.

Dr Paula Tavares, Vice President for Internationalisation and Communication of IPCA, together with her colleagues, Dr António Moreira and Dr Ana Monteiro, shared their experiences on the RUN-EU's work in education management. The research-focused RUN-EU+ project was presented by Dr Siobhán Moane from TUS. In addition to the presentations, workshops on intercultural awareness and multicultural work were held by Dr Júlia Szőke, Associate professor, Vice-Dean for International Affairs at the Apáczai Csere János Faculty of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Dr Helen Sherwin, Associate Professor in the Department of International Studies and Communication. During the programme, representatives of all partners introduced their instituitions. Széchenyi István University was presented by Emília Papp, RUN-EU project manager and team leader in SZE's Project Office.  

"At RUN-EU, we have many colleagues working in support functions, such as finance, employment and travel management. I think it is very important to involve them as much as possible. That's why "SAP for Staff" was created: it gives them an overview of the whole project, gives them the opportunity to consult each other in their own areas of expertise. Last but not least, makes them more committed to the project. It is a great honour for us to host the second edition of this programme at Széchenyi István University."
- underlined Emília Papp.

Many of the staff from the partner institutions of the RUN-EU consortium were visiting Hungary for the first time.

The "Hung(a)ry For Culture" programme for international students focused on Hungarian culture and intercultural sensibility. The students were able to learn about the major cultural sights of the region and the richness of Hungarian language, while building relationships with their counterparts from other countries. In addition to the cultural sensibility training, they also participated in a language workshop where they were given an introduction to Hungarian by Paul Rogerson and Dr Sarolta Kóbori, colleagues from SZE's Centre of International Programmes and Alumni. 

"The Hung(a)ry for Culture was an excellent opportunity to showcase our country's cultural heritage, thus revealing stereotypes and cultural differences and promoting cooperation. The participants got to know Győr and Hungarian customs, and international friendships were formed between the young people. We are very pleased to have received positive feedback from the participants, who highlighted the modern infrastructure of the university, the diversity of the programme and the practical orientation of the lecturers. What was also special about our event was that it allowed university staff and students to work together during the programme, which created an exciting new situation."
- emphasised Dr Júlia Szőke. 

Beana Abdishahi, an Albanian-born Italian from the NHL Stenden, came to the event. "I chose this course because I wanted to try myself in a new environment while learning as much as possible in a short time. This is a unique opportunity as we have learned a lot about intercultural relations and each other," she said.

Several students from Széchenyi István University, including Indonesian Intan Tawaddada Ilaiha, who recently started her studies at the Győr-based institution, participated in the programme. "I think that as an international student, it is important and useful to learn about local culture - and this was a great opportunity to do so," she said.

The participants were introduced to the Győr campus by the enthusiastic volunteers of SZE's Student Council, guided by Árpád Szemeti. They also visited the Albert Kázmér Mosonmagyaróvár Faculty under the guidance of Dr Zoltán Molnár, Vice-Dean of the Faculty.

 On the campus of Mosonmagyaróvár, Dr. Zoltán Molnár, Vice Dean of the Faculty, welcomed the international students.

With the help of the Department of Tourism and Hospitality - thanks to the preparatory work of Anikó Husz, lecturer - the undergraduate students of the Tourism and Hospitality programme were able to use the knowledge gained during their studies and show the sights of Győr to our guests.

 Students of Tourism and Hospitality at Széchenyi István University gave a guided tour to the international participants.