Thanks to various student mobility programs, the Ludovika University of Public Service (LUPS) is welcoming more than 90 international students from nearly 50 countries for the fall semester of the 2024/25 academic year. At the International Welcome Day held on September 11 for international students, participants were introduced to the university’s faculties, academic programs, the University Student Government (EHÖK), and the activities of the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) and the Stipendium Hungaricum Mentor Program.
In her introduction, Annamária Kitta, Head of the LUPS International Office and the event’s moderator, mentioned that the goal of the event was to help foreign students get acquainted with the university and gain insight into its academic programs and opportunities.
The international opening ceremony at LUPS started with a speech by Péter Krisztián Zachar, Vice Dean for International Affairs at the Faculty of Public Governance and International Studies (FPGIS). He began by outlining the connections between the knowledge acquired at the faculty and current global political events, then presented the available programs in detail. He emphasized that the spirit of the faculty is characterized by tradition, a civic moral worldview, scientific expertise, up-to-date knowledge, professionalism, openness to the world, and patriotism.
Colonel Zoltán Jobbágy, head of department at the Faculty of Military Sciences and Officer Training (FMSOT), gave an overview of the FMSOT's educational portfolio and briefly introduced the history of the former Royal Hungarian Ludovika Academy.
Veronika Máté, Erasmus+ coordinator at the Faculty of Law Enforcement (FLE), spoke about the faculty’s educational offerings, its history, the locations of the programs, student life, and milestones such as basic training and the commissioning ceremony.
Tamás Pálvölgyi, Vice Dean for International Affairs and Strategy at the Faculty of Water Sciences (FWS), welcomed the international students, noting that the faculty strives to increase the number of international students year by year. In addition to presenting the faculty’s programs, he highlighted the recently established UNESCO Chair at FWS, which focuses on international relations and networking to address one of today’s greatest challenges: resolving water-related conflicts. He also mentioned FWS’s involvement in the UNITAR project, currently under development, which aims to create a knowledge-sharing and training network related to water management.
The university’s student organizations were also introduced at the event. Petra Rybár, president of EHÖK, emphasized that LUPS is committed to fostering an inclusive and dynamic learning environment. "Our institution greatly values the exchange of ideas and the sharing of cultural experiences, which we believe are essential to our students' academic and personal development. Your presence enriches our campus, and we are here to support you in making the most of your time with us,” she emphasized.
Bálint Koós, Vice President for International Affairs at EHÖK, stated that a mobility program is not just about studying and having fun, but also about immersing oneself in the culture, history, and spirit of the host country. Mobility programs offer the opportunity for international students to explore the city and the countryside, meet new people, "and leave with an appreciation for what makes the place unique.” He encouraged the international students to seize every moment, experience, and challenge they encounter along the way.
Míra Batki, president of the Erasmus Student Network, spoke about the benefits of the Erasmus program, which she believes is more than just studying; it’s a lifelong experience and an adventure that allows students to explore other cultures during their studies. She also assured them that the organization is there to support anyone who turns to them for help.
Dorottya Balsai, the lead mentor of Stipendium Hungaricum, outlined the types of support they provide and highlighted various events they organize throughout the academic year.
To close the event, the Pier Paolo Pigozzi, Vice Rector for International Affairs addressed the audience. He emphasized that Hungary plays a leading role on the international stage, serving as a bridge between the West and the East. As a public service university, LUPS can leverage this advantage with numerous international partnerships, academic programs, and mobility opportunities.
Text: Zsófia Sallai
Photo: Dénes Szilágyi