ALUMNI - International Magazine of the University of Pécs 2020/2021

Alumni

International Magazine of the University of PĂŠcs 2020/2021

I

Welcome to the Alumni Community of the University of Pécs!

t provides me with great pleasure to introduce the new edition of our Alumni Magazine. In particular, I wholeheartedly greet all our Readers, wishing good health and courage during such challenging times of the present global pandemic.

The University of Pécs has been playing a key role in the development of its city-region and its ongoing modernization (within the Modern Cities Programme) focused on internationalization has the potential to further catalyse cooperation across sectors. Our university-centred ecosystem is now even more embedded in multilateral frameworks, among which the European Universities Initiative of the EU should be emphasised. The University of Pécs is member of the European Digital UniverCity (EDUC) alliance and works on fostering meaningful projects and partnerships for the long run.

In the past academic year we again released the abundant creative energies of our university community and either launched or re-affirmed several events and fora. Among these the International Spring series of intercultural weeks happened to attract the largest audiences both from university citizens and town dwellers – both in physical terms and in the online

space. All our faculties and institutes are keen on reaching out to publics at large, involving different stakeholders and partners. For us, it is truly important to activate and manage communities in a sustainable manner. This is the reason why we consider both our graduates and would-be students important actors in this endeavour. We would like all of you to come and stay on board!

In light of all these, our renewed Alumni Magazine intends to show you our very multicoloured, multifaceted and lively reality, which does not only invite you to stay in touch, but also expects that you approach us with great ideas, proposals and forms of cooperation. I hope you will enjoy this issue as member of our one-and-only University of Pécs family!

We look forward to keeping in touch with you, welcoming your initiatives and creating the momentum to make our community active and proactive in the forthcoming years!

Dr. István Tarrósy Director, Centre for Internationalization and Connections

PTE ALUMNI 2020 / 2021 — 3

years of tradition

Ranked among

Hungarian universities

students

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different countries

T

he University of Pécs is a popular destination for international students because of the secure environment, high quality of teaching, reasonable tuition fees, low living costs and the huge international student community.

We host more than 4500 international students from over 100 countries. They choose to study at the University of Pécs, because of the quality of teaching, learning and research.

Because the University is host of so many international students, we offer

a large range of services and support programs which will assist your child in adjusting to living and studying in a new country.

Well-known and recognized professors, well-equipped classrooms and dormitories at the University of Pécs enable your child to get the best out of his or her period of study abroad.

As member of our alumni network, we know you play an important role in providing advice, information and support to your friends and relatives as they plan

for their future and consider their tertiary study options.

We have developed international.pte.hu to help you guide your friends and relatives through the process of choosing a university. It includes information about how to apply, course fees, scholarships and the services and support we can offer your child while they are studying with us.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us via international@pte.hu

International Degree Programs Available study fields: analytics Business, Management and Legal Studies

CHILD Human and Social Sciences

Clinic-Medical Medical and Health Sciences

GUITAR Arts

Flower-tulip Natural Sciences

COGS Engineering

Study levels (cycles) at UP:

Bachelor’s level (BA, BSc) | Master’s level (MA, MSc) | One-tier Master’s (MA, MSc) | Doctoral level Learn more about our degree programs at international.pte.hu or contact us via international@pte.hu

asses, ith engaging cl w er m m su l eaningfu unity? g to have a m ational comm rn te in n a Are you lookin d n too! al activities a d earn credits, n a enjoyable soci es rs u co l o Summer Scho Join the Pécs

l.pte.hu

merschoo More info: sum

PTE ALUMNI 2020 / 2021 — 5

FACU LTY O F L A W

Maintaining Balokány may become a project where students can both participate in its management and enjoy the benefits of a great park.

T

here is a lush, green spot in the heart of Pécs, yet it remains unknown for many. We meet dr. Attila Pánovics, an assistant professor at the Department of International and European Law, UP Faculty of Law and chairman of the Balokány Association.

With its shady trees and little pond, the park is a quiet shelter only a few metres away from one of the most busy roads of Pécs. The former Pepita Disco now serves as a community space with children studying and playing when we arrive.

“We’ve launched the plan to save the park in 2009 and since then we’re restoring it in small steps while showing this tiny (only 1,5 ha) but unique space to more and more locals and tourists” says dr. Pánovics.

Thinking green is important to him, as he is teaching European and environmental law.

Furthermore, the University cooperates with the volunteers in the framework of the Green University project.

UP has become greener in the last few years, now ranked among the top 100 green universities. Sustainability and environmental awareness became pivotal in recent developments.

Maintaining Balokány may become a project where students can both participate in its management and enjoy the benefits of a great park.

Balokány The area between Zsolnay Quarter and Kodály Centre had been a clay mine until a lake formed fed by several springs in the early 19th century. It was dredged, an island built in the middle and areas were designated for washing, bathing, and horse swimming.

In 1838, a beach with lifeguards was creatprofessor ed and a house was built on the island with dance and billiard rooms, and a wine bar.

Later, a swimming pool was built which was very popular among the locals until the 1980s. Today, the pool needs renovation but the lake and its surroundings have been revived. The pavement and the lighting have been replaced and new drinking fountains have been established. Soon, the legendary stage may be renovated, making Balokány a more attractive venue for concerts.

Green University, Green Balokány!

ATTILA PÁNOVICS, assistant

ZOLTÁN GYŐRFFY Photo: ZOLTÁN KISS GADGET

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MEDIC AL SCH O O L

MEHRAN ERFANMANESH

M

y student life in Pécs is like a pocket full of memories which makes it hard to decide which one comes first! But if I have to dig deep into that pocket and pick up the very first one from the early days of being in Pécs, I would tell about my smiling face seeing the TV-tower for the first time from the windows of InterCity train after a long journey. My happiness was not only because it has a nice view or it's a symbol of Pécs but being happy that I was on the right train!

University experiences are always something special because everything has its own new taste. The first people you meet, the first place you discover, the first friend! They are all defining experiences and these “Firsts” are engraved in your memory. I think that decisions you make and the things happening to you in this period have a great impact on your life. As a medical student, I used to see this experience as a "multipotent stem cell" which has the potential to develop into any type of cell, it just needs a good environment. Happily, I’ve found the right environment in Pécs. Getting to know my new city, setting my study goals and the most important one: finding Hungary as my second home was the most defining experience of my university years.

It's quite unique to find such a multinational environment and cultural diversity in a lovely small city like Pécs with such a huge historical background. Different cultures lived peacefully side-by-side here and it seems "the borderless city" is keeping this tradition. I’ve never been to a city so interconnected with nature and I think Pécs is blessed with the Mecsek embracing it within its arms tightly. Adventure in the nature, minimalistic lifestyles, and so many more good things about Pécs as a student city.

AFSHIN ZAND

W

hen I arrived to Pécs for the first time, I looked out the window and I was mesmerized by the environment surrounding the city. Since it was July, later in the weekend I went hiking with some friends in Mecsek and I really liked the peace, quiet and the beauty of the forest.

After the hike we returned to the city and enjoyed a cup of coffee combined with a nice conversation at Széchenyi square.

One of the most defining experiences that I had during my studies was participating every year in the International Evening where I had a chance to meet and get to know students and colleagues from various countries and enjoy their local food and good music.

On the other hand, the annual TDK was very interesting as I could listen to different and thoughtful research presentations from students in many fields.

Recently, I had the honour to have acquired Hungarian citizenship completing a long process that takes years, so I can proudly call Pécs my home.

The city of Pécs combines the features and attributes of a metropolis and relatively smaller city. Thanks to this you can find entertainment and have a good time but also enjoy the quiet and peaceful ambience of the local region. The University of Pécs provides education in many different fields of interests relying on knowledge of great professors and teachers, while also giving you the opportunity to participate in various events which expand your horizon.

The natural beauty and diversity of the surrounding areas allow you to take a break and recharge, whether we speak about hiking trails in Mecsek or leisure walks around one of the many lakes near Pécs.

PTE ALUMNI 2020 / 2021 — 7

FACU LTY O F H UM A NIT IES A ND S O C IAL SC IENC ES

M

GILA MANDISA PALOMA

y first memory of Pécs was the first time I walked from Szántó Dorm to campus on my first day of school. I remember the trees and the people but also how beautiful the town was. The people were friendly and everyone was excited. The professors were knowledgeable and kind. I knew that this would be the best years of my life.

My most defining experience was the participating in the Africa Studies conference that the university hosted.

I learnt so much, met many incredible people and it was my first time presenting at a conference as well as getting published. This experienced truly solidified my love of academic life.

Studying in Pécs is amazing because it gives you the best of everything. You get the quietness of a small town but the diversity of an international institution.

The attention of lecturers of a small class but the experience of professionals who have traveled and studied extensively.

Lastly, you get the warmth of great people but also encouragement to be the best version of yourself. Pécs allowed me to experience and learn about Hungary at its purest but also experience the world at the same time.

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BARUC GONZALEZ

believe that the most defining experience of my university years in Pécs was having fully and substantively experienced the definition of the word "diversity". Having been surrounded by students from Mongolia to Ecuador, from Japan to Cameroon, and above all, having shared so many experiences that enriched my professional growth. Similarly, I feel fortunate and grateful to have had such open-minded and pragmatic teachers, who were always very helpful in answering my questions.

I also believe that the University of Pécs offers plenty of space for international students to express their ideas. I was fortunate to participate in various cultural events such as "The Voice of the University of Pécs", as well as multiple conferences related to my area of study.

I never got bored in Pécs. It is an appropriate environment to learn, study without neglecting personal and cultural growth. It is easy to find the balance between academic and personal life here.

I always wanted to live in a small city, where I could focus on my studies while enjoying time with my friends, something that was difficult for me in Mexico.

I can highly recommend Pécs as a new home and the University of Pécs as alma mater.

W

EDMAR FREIRE

henever I think about Pécs, I see the definition of peace of mind. I came from a small and calm Island so, Pécs, for also being a small town with its tranquility and friendly atmosphere, its city that fits me perfectly. Pécs is a city with beautiful historic buildings and I like the fact that, you can go lot of places by walking.

The University of Pécs has thousands of foreign students. I studied with classmates from all around the world. The culture and knowledge we shared with each other, the trips we made within and outside Hungary are some of the most beautiful moments I experienced. Amazing experiences that I will take with me forever.

Here you find a friendly study environment and at same time very professional. University of Pécs has great study programs, high quality of teaching and a beautiful international environment.

The Professors are always open to help you and the administration department works very efficiently. Personally, I can´t thank enough for all the support I got from the university whenever I had any question. The city is very safe, with kind people, which gives you an extra motivation to succeed with your studies. Pécs is a really university city, I would definitely recommend.

FACULTY OF HEALTH SC I E N C E S To me, Pécs is an ideal place for students who do not want too many distractions as it is a small, clean, inexpensive and calm university city.

What is your first memory that pops into your head about Pécs?

The first thing that comes to my mind is that Pécs is a small, clean and beautiful city. It is also my second home as I originally come from Nigeria. Pécs is quite a hilly city, the people here are quite polite and nice. Least I forget, Pécs has very beautiful seasons all year round. My favourite is winter season, as it is quite cold and I love cold weather.

Filled with Gratitude CYNTHIA OKEREAFOR

What would you highlight from the years that you spent at the University of Pécs that were the most defining experiences?

I love travelling and visiting new places, so I travelled during my school breaks to Croatia, Austria, Slovenia, Poland and other European countries. Another highlight that I would like to include was becoming a student demonstrator at my faculty (Faculty of Health Sciences). I attended the National Scientific Students' Associations Conference (TDK) as well: my course mates and I were the first international students to attend TDK, which was held in Zalaegerszeg in 2019. After my graduation in July 2019, I have been offered a job at the Faculty of Health Sciences as lecturer. This in particular was the best and defining moment in my academic life and career. I am humbled and filled with gratitude for such an opportunity.

Why has it been good to study in Pécs?

To me, Pécs is an ideal place for students who do not want too many distractions as it is a small, clean, inexpensive and calm university city. You get to travel around the world in Pécs because you meet people from different countries, cultures, religion and race. I like to call it a ''melting pot''. Though studying in Pécs is quite challenging, as it requires you to do your best, it is worth it at the end of the day because the degree you get from this university is of great value and accepted internationally.

MARIANN TÓTH Photo: ZOLTÁN KISS GADGET

PTE ALUMNI 2020 / 2021 — 9

FACU LTY O F P HA RM ACY

I had spoken with relatives and acquaintances who studied in Hungary before, also did my own research online.

After talking with other students and alumni, I chose University of Pécs.

Why pharmacy? Childhood desire, family heritage, or you just simply an interest?

I grew up in a large family with many doctors. My sister became a medical doctor. My uncle is the only one who studied pharmacy. So I’ve always gravitated towards a career in the medical field. My initial goal was to become a physician but later I realized that choosing a career is not just about the love of basic sciences and what you were good at in elementary school. With that thinking, you may end up with the wrong job for the rest of your life. You need to see the bigger picture and consider the reality instead of the dreamlike version you had in mind. This is why I realized studying pharmacy could be a better fit for me. So I’m happy to pursue a career in pharmacy. Turns out my uncle was right after all.

Why did you choose the University of Pécs?

I had spoken with relatives and acquaintances who studied in Hungary before, also did my own research online. After talking with other students and alumni, I chose University of Pécs.

A Better Fit

What do you think about the practical or hands-on courses?

I enjoy the compounding practices where you get to make medications from scratch using different ingredients, it is very fulfilling to be able to learn how to make different dosage forms on your own. These are not always taught in other countries, as automation takes over these tasks.

But I think it’s a very useful skill for any pharmacist.

What are your plans with your degree after graduation?

I’m interested in the way digital revolution and IT has changed everything we do in our everyday lives. Pharmacy is becoming increasingly data-oriented.

It would be interesting to see how we can use these resources in clinical and community pharmacy settings to have a direct impact on the way patients are treated and how they can benefit from personalized medicine and dose individualization, so I hope to find employment where I can use these tools.

AMIR R. ASHRAF

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FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND ECON O MI CS

LINDA PETER

M

y very first and favourite memory of Pécs is during my first week arriving in the city at the beginning of February 2018. On the day I arrived it was snowing which was a completely new experience for me being South African. But after a few days, the snow cleared up and I decided to explore my new city. I was just walking around to see where I was and what everything looked like when I ended up in Széchenyi Square. I remember looking at the architecture and thinking to myself - Okay I am definitely in Europe now. It was that moment that I realized that I would have a new European home for the next 2 years and it looked vastly different from my home in South Africa.

In the first year of my Master's, a friend and I had the idea to start a new student organisation. We debated a lot but eventually started the process and we had unwavering support from everybody at the Faculty, which allowed us to have many successful events and meet with international companies and business leaders.

The encouragement and support I received from my Faculty gave me the confidence and self-belief to know that I can do anything, no matter how big and crazy it may seem at first. This is something I will take with me for the rest of my life. UP is a great environment that fosters great leaders and people who will go on to make a real change in the world.

Pécs is a good place to focus on your studies as being a relatively small university town. The locals are friendly and are used to having international students around. Its location also makes travel across Europe very easy. You can get to anywhere in only a few hours, so it's a great base to have to explore the continent. The teaching staff is well-respected and knowledgeable. Their teaching methods are also very refreshing, taking advantage of all the different methods used today like traditional lectures, online teaching, case-studies, guest lectures and always allow for robust discussion between students and teachers alike.

TSHEPHISHO SELATOLE

M

y first memory of Pécs is driving past Árkád and thinking to myself that the next chapter of my life is about to begin - how exciting, yet scary! I also remember seeing the main city square and walking down Király Street and thinking just how beautiful and quaint Pécs was. The architecture, the restaurants and bars that were a mix of old and new.

My most defining experience is studying with people from all over the world and how much that really broadened my thinking and also helped shatter some misconceptions I had.

I also learned a lot from my classmates who got to share their own experiences from their own countries about topics we covered in lectures. The diversity was just such a worthwhile added-value not only to my studies but for my personal growth and development.

Another profound experience has to be engaging with some of our lecturers and seeing how opened-minded and supportive they were of students that wanted to initiate programs that would also add value to the experiences of other students and our university at large. My friend and I started a forum called the Young Leaders Forum and its success is attributable to the support and encouragement of the Faculty's staff and the students.

I would recommend studying at the University of Pécs because of the value one gets from the diversity and calibre of lecturers. Your learning experiences are not just limited to textbook learning, but interpersonal learning through robust discussions in lectures with your peers and lecturers, as well as programs outside of lectures initiated by students and lecturers that broaden your thinking and perspective and challenges you to think outside the box.

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FACU LTY O F CULT URA L S CIENCES , EDUC ATION AND R EGIONAL DEVELOP MENT

What I really like about studying is the quality of the education and the wide choice of courses. I also find the teachers very professional.

Quality education BRITT FOKKINK

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he most prominent memory for me is the statue of the Holy Trinity on Széchenyi Square. I immediately noticed it upon arrival in Pécs because it is so centrally located. I find it very special that there is so much culture and history to experience in Pécs.

I really like meeting new people and getting to know different cultures here.

What I really like about studying is the quality of the education and the wide choice of courses. I also find the teachers very professional. They are good in their field and in my experience they don’t just teach the theory from the books but also their own experiences. I also think the teachers have a very personal approach here and they have a comparative approach on how certain things go in Hungary and in other countries. This creates a different atmosphere in the lesson with more interaction.

I study pre-school teaching at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Education and Regional Development. I notice that in addition to the knowledge I gain at school, I also gain a lot of insight into different cultures and languages on a personal level. I don’t have any concrete plans for the future yet, but I hope to be able to use my gained knowledge in a pre-school. I enjoy working with young children and being part of the many positive developments a child is going through.

FACULTY O F ENGINEER ING AND INFOR MATION TEC HNO LO G Y

The Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology has always sought to promote internationalization and architects have been at the forefront.

I suppose many people are surprised now when you tell them where you work.

Well, no doubt more people pay attention when I tell them. But I came home after the fall semester and we already did the spring from home, online.

Why Wuhan?

The Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology has always sought to promote internationalization and architects have been at the forefront. We used to have a connection in Denver, where I also taught as a guest lecturer. The Chinese connection was brought in by one of our students, our first Chinese PhD student, through whom we got involved - as the first foreign university - in a collaboration of 16 Chinese art and design schools. Now we are actively involved in it, we have already had joint workshops and we sent exchange students.

Pécs architects teaching in Wuhan

ÁKOS HUTTER, professor

T

he world may have learned about Wuhan in connection with the Covid-pandemic but the University of Pécs have already been training architects there for more than three years. Among others, Ákos Hutter teaches in Wuhan, spending 3-4 months there every semester since 2017.

Please tell us more about the training in Wuhan.

This programme, called Architecture Innovation Class, started in 2017 and was launched for students of the Hubei University of Technology School of Arts and Design, School of Industrial Design, and School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment. The aim of the training is to prepare the students for the Architecture Master’s programme in Pécs, as well as to prepare them for the interior design training we are planning to launch.

How’s university life in China?

When I first got there during a workshop, maybe for 2 days, it was quite an impressive experience, it was very modern and vibrant.

Just like us, they are heavily internationalizing, with many students from Asia and Africa. Also, many students are interested in our training, and this means a supply of new students for us as well because they want to continue their studies in Pécs.

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FACU LTY O F MUS IC A ND VIS UA L A RTS

Music, Media, Design, Fine Arts Pécs is traditionally a town of cultural heritage and artistic innovation.

A university town that provides home to a large number of festivals and other cultural events year after year, a city of knowledge and history.

Internationally renowned artists used to live here, like Victor Vasarely, Marcel Breuer or Amerigo Tot. Every week of the year sees the opening of an exhibition, a classical concert, a first-night performance in the theatre or an event of contemporary literature somewhere in the city. In 2010 Pécs was awarded the prestigious title of European Capital of Culture.

The Faculty of Music and Visual Arts of the University of Pécs, facilitated by the traditionally strong, nationally outstanding artistic life of Pécs, is located in the inspiring setting of the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter, in the renewed buildings that formerly belonged to the Zsolnay Porcelain Factory founded in the 19th century. Pécs is the only centre of higher education in Hungary that integrates training in music and visual arts.

Its background enabled the Faculty, with its some five hundred students and eighty faculty members, to become a pioneering center that shapes the cultural life of the region. The high-quality work performed here is unique in a sense that it provides training in music and the visual arts in the context of an arts and sciences university.

Training and research are run by four units:

Institute of Fine Arts – Painting; Sculpture; Art History and Theory Institute of Design and Media Arts – Ceramic Design; Graphic Design; Electronic Music and Media Art Institute of Music – Classical Music Performance; Choir Conducting; Opera Singing Doctoral School (DLA) – Painting; Sculpture; Music

Further info: seres.beata@pte.hu | www.international.pte.hu 14 — P T E A L U M N I 2 0 2 0 / 2 0 2 1

FACULTY OF SC IE N C E S

The city is big enough to offer numerous entertainment, but not as big as to loose oneself in discovering new places every day, as might happen in a metropolis.

A great opportunity to gain experience LUIS NASI

T

he first thing that pops into my mind about Pécs is the image of the city centre: the slightly inclined street leading to the main square, with Hunyadi’s statue on a horse, the city hall, and of course, the Mecsek hills and the TV-tower overlooking this all. Apart from that,

I’d associate Pécs with calmness and tranquillity, which is evident when comparing to Budapest.

I think every exam is a defining experience to the student. Of course, after a few exams, it will not be so unique anymore, but it still remains a defining experience. In a matter of less than an hour, all the efforts will be gauged and an assessment given.

Since these are the last moments of every subject, this might probably be the most eminent memory the student will have from the subject, and the professor from the student as well.

Clearly, a lot of preparation and worries prelude every examination, which indeed adds to the tension.

To me, joining the Student Union of the Faculty has also been a very important experience. Having the brandnew position of the representative of foreign students came with great responsibility, which I tried to carefully undertake. Apart from that, joining this organization also gave me the opportunity to get to know more Hungarian peers, take a deeper look into their views and try to practice their language.

I think that our university carries a great intrinsic advantage in its smaller size. This allows the students to reach out to their professors in a way that other universities’ sheer size would not allow. Furthermore, the university is doing great research in most sciences. This means that research of global significance is happening in Pécs, which gives students a great opportunity to gain experience and kick-start their careers. I think that the size of the city is also ideal for students. The city is big enough to offer numerous entertainment, but not as big as to loose oneself in discovering new places every day, as might happen in a metropolis.

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