Five continents, one city

Five continents, fifty universities, one city. Once again this summer, the University of Pécs has become a global melting pot of education with the launch of Pécs Summer School 2025, where more than 150 students from around the world have gathered to study, thanks to the Study Abroad and Summer School Office.

This international series of programs, organized by the University of Pécs, has become not only a cornerstone of the institution’s internationalization strategy but also one of the most successful examples of international mobility in Hungarian higher education.
This year, the universitiy’s International Centre is organizing six international summer schools, welcoming over 150 students from 50 universities in 40 countries. Students from Mexico, Singapore, Italy, Norway, and South Africa are just as present as Hungarian students, who now have the chance to experience the global face of their own university up close.

“This city is a perfect setting for education, science, and interculturalism,” – said Dr. István Tarrósy, director of the International Centre and professor at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, in his welcome speech, where he introduced the city and the university to the participants.
“Studying is only 50% of the experience. The other half is what you add to it yourselves. If you’ll allow me a piece of motherly advice: let studying make up just half of your time here. Spend the other 50% exploring the city and the university and get to know the locals, too,” – encouraged Dr. Melinda Szappanyos, assistant professor at the Department of Political Science and International Studies.

Dr. Gyöngyi Pozsgai, head of the Study Abroad and Summer School Office and one of the instructors, shared how excited they were to finally welcome the students: “We’ve been eagerly anticipating this day for months.By now, we know your names and your universities and we’re so happy to have you here.” She also emphasized how thrilled they were to welcome participants from 50 different institutions: “Some of these universities aren’t yet partners of the University of Pécs, so maybe you’ll be the ones to initiate future collaborations between our institutions.”

In addition to the classic summer schools like European Studies and Leadership Skills, this year’s program debuts a research-based course focusing on intercultural sensitivity, held under the umbrella of the EDUC European University Alliance.  And as the academic year wraps up, the Debate Academy welcomes members of the Compostela Group of Universities, offering students the chance to sharpen their argumentation and debate skills in an international setting.

But the Pécs Summer School isn’t just about classroom learning. The organizers understand that the most memorable moments often happen beyond the lecture halls, in those genuine human connections that leave lasting impressions. That’s why the program also includes gastronomic evenings, wine tastings, a traditional dance house with the Zengő folk band, museum visits, a city train ride, a darts tournament, and even dragon boating on Lake Orfű.

With its ten faculties, over a hundred foreign-language programs, and students from 150 countries, the University of Pécs rightfully holds its place among Hungary’s most international institutions. And the Pécs Summer School is not just a reflection of this international presence, it is one of its driving forces: many students, inspired by their summer experiences, return for longer studies and become lifelong members of the University of Pécs family.