Széchenyi István University strengthened its international relations in the United States of America. The delegation from the institution participated in the Hungarian Summit event for the third time, and for the first time in the Association of International Educators (NAFSA) World Education Fair.

This year's Hungarian Summit, organised by Honorary Consul Piros Pazaurek, President of the HungarianHub for Hungarian-American relations, was aimed at strengthening higher education and economic ties between Hungary and the United States. A delegation from Széchenyi István University presented the academic and research and development activities of the institution and explored opportunities for cooperation in higher education.

“During the first days of our visit to Florida, we were introduced to three local universities, Stetson University, the University of Central Florida and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Each of these institutions presented their infrastructure, academic programmes and major activities, and we discussed potential collaboration opportunities and toured all three campuses. These discussions have been very encouraging and fruitful, for example, the preparation of an agreement with the University of Central Florida is well underway,” said Annabella Bihari, Head of the Recruitment and International Communications Unit of the Centre of International Programmes and Alumni of Széchenyi István University, who represented the institution during the visit together with International Advisor József Kepli.

A delegation from Széchenyi István University was also able to visit the campus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida.

The main event of the Hungarian Summit was hosted in Daytona Beach, where the aim was to strengthen Hungarian-American educational, business, cultural and sports relations. The delegation of Széchenyi University - together with László Tamándl, President’s Delegate for Proposals and Development of the University - met in person with potential partners from the United States, and gave presentations on the forward-looking activities of the Győr-based institution and the points of interest for the American partners.

During the Hungarian Summit, a delegation from Széchenyi University presented the development of the institution and its available programmes.

After Florida, the delegation travelled to Louisiana to attend the Association of International Educators' World Education Expo (NAFSA) in New Orleans for the first time in its history. A total of seven Hungarian institutions of higher education were represented at the stand set up by the Tempus Public Foundation, including Széchenyi István University as a gold partner of distinction. In addition, there were several opportunities for personal meetings and to deepen the relationships that were established.

"In addition to higher education institutions from all over the world, student recruitment agencies and companies interested in cooperating with universities were also present at this expo. During our discussions we were able to establish contacts with a number of future partners in the field of double degree programmes, short-study programmes, research collaborations and staff mobility for teaching and student exchange, making the exhibition very useful", said Annabella Bihari.

She added that these encounters have been of great value, as in addition to the online space, personal connections are also essential. "It was a fantastic opportunity for us to meet potential partners from Europe, Asia, the US and Africa in one place through NAFSA, and thanks to the Hungarian Summit we have strengthened our ties with the US. We have received a lot of positive feedback, with many people highlighting our wide range of English-taught academic programmes and our place in several world rankings," said the Head of Unit.

For the first time in its history, Széchenyi István University participated in the NAFSA World Education Fair, represented by Annabella Bihari, Head of the Recruitment and International Communications Unit of the Centre of International Programmes and Alumni of Széchenyi István University, and József Kepli, International Advisor.