Széchenyi István University and India's Integral University launched a two-year "International Economics and Business" double degree programme in September. The first cohort of the Master's programme includes 18 students from the South Asian country who, upon completion, will receive diplomas from both institutions. The students currently spending the semester in Győr can also enjoy familiar flavours from home, as from 1st March the University is expanding the menu of its Paneer restaurant, located in the ETO Park shopping centre, to include Indian dishes, which will be available to all.

Lucknow, the capital of India's Uttar Pradesh state, has a population of over three million and is also home to Integral University, with which Széchenyi István University launched the "International Economics and Business" double degree programme this academic year. Students who successfully complete the programme and pass their final exams – for which lecturers from Győr will also travel to India next year – will receive diplomas from both institutions. As part of the programme, Hungarian students must complete one of their four semesters in Asia, while their Indian counterparts must study at Széchenyi University for one semester. This is the reason 18 Indian students are currently spending this semester at SZE.

The "International Economics and Business" Master's programme is also available at Széchenyi István University in both Hungarian and English, and as a double degree in collaboration with the University of Cassino and Southern Lazio in Italy as well.

The Indian students with representatives of Széchenyi István University at the Paneer restaurant in the ETO Park shopping centre. (Photo: András Adorján)

"We are proud that our institution operates double degree programmes not only with universities in the United States, China, Italy, and Portugal but now also with an Indian university. The Embassy of Hungary in Delhi played a crucial role in establishing this collaboration, for which we are grateful. Launching the programme required extensive preparatory work to harmonise subjects, content, and credit requirements," said Dr Eszter Lukács, Vice-President for International Affairs and Strategic Relations at Széchenyi István University and Programme Supervisor.

She added that double degree programmes are becoming increasingly popular for several reasons. "There are around 28,000 higher education institutions worldwide, all competing intensely with one another. This is the only educational format in which no university loses students while the other gains. Students also benefit as they receive two diplomas, and it is advantageous for parents as well, as they do not have to worry about their children settling in another country after their studies. This way, students apply their acquired knowledge in their home country while we strengthen our ties with the rapidly developing India," explained Dr Eszter Lukács.

The Vice-President also noted that although the Asian students studying at the University are open to Hungarian cuisine, they highly appreciate being able to enjoy the flavours they are accustomed to. For this reason, from 1st March the University is expanding the menu of its restaurant in the ETO Park shopping centre to include Indian dishes. The name of the restaurant, Paneer, is no coincidence: paneer is a versatile Indian grilled cheese, but the word, as pronounced in Hungarian, is also associated with European cuisine. "This initiative is not only for our Indian students and visiting professors but also for our Hungarian students, staff and the people of Győr, as the restaurant's mixed Hungarian-Indian menu will be accessible to everyone," highlighted Dr Eszter Lukács.

To welcome the 18 Indian students, the University provided them with a special gastronomic experience, allowing them to sample their homeland's specialities in advance at the Paneer restaurant, which, like the University and the city of Győr, won their approval. One of the students, Mohammad Hamid, stated that the programme offers a significant advantage in the job market, as in addition to gaining modern European economic knowledge during their semester in Győr, they also acquire valuable international experience. He expressed that it is a dream come true to study in such a beautiful environment, in the heart of Europe, where they were welcomed by a friendly and open community.

Mohammad Suhail Nice, who also considers the initiative unique, added that it is extraordinary that after just one semester at Széchenyi University, they will also hold its diploma. "I am convinced that this period will have a multitude of positive effects, and the knowledge we gain will serve us well in our future careers," he emphasised.

Their fellow student, Zainab Asif Hussain, sees intercultural networking as one of the programme’s greatest benefits. "What I found particularly appealing about this opportunity is that it broadens our horizons and introduces new perspectives. I have a curious nature, so I am eager to delve into professional topics from new viewpoints while getting to know the locals, the culture and our fellow students," she stated.

The students are certain that in the coming months, they will significantly expand their knowledge while also taking time to explore Hungary and its surroundings. "Our goal is to make the most of this semester, balancing studies with excursions and, of course, making new friends. This programme will provide us with a lifelong experience," detailed Mohammad Suleman, with whom Khushi Vaish, also from Integral University, agreed. She expressed: "I find the kindness of the people, the winter weather, the atmosphere of the city, and the University all fascinating. I truly feel at home here. I am grateful to be a student at SZE."

 

 

Photo gallery: The Indian students greatly appreciated the hospitality provided by Széchenyi István University at the Paneer restaurant. (Photos: András Adorján)