The Summer University 2025 program offered by the University of Dunaújváros (UoD) provided an enriching and memorable experience for international students. The program combined high-quality academic education with a strong focus intercultural and communication creating an inspiring environment for both learning and cultural exchange.
Throughout the two-week program participants engaged in a well structured course centered around the theme of intercultural communication. From interactive lectures to hands-on assignments students explored global perspectives, developed their soft skills and deepened their understanding of cultural diversity in an academic context.
But our Summer University was about much more than just classroom learning. The program featured a wide array of social and cultural events, allowing students to immerse themselves in Hungarian traditions, connect with local peers and form friendships that reached far beyond national borders. From guided city tours and traditional folk dance nights to international food tastings and team-building activities every event contributed to a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.
As part of UoDs welcome activities, we introduced our city to the students with a guided city tour. The tour included important landmarks and sights such as the local theater, City Hall Square, the upper Danube shore and the Dunaújváros lookout point.
What better way to dive into the heart of a culture than through its music, dance, and vibrant traditions?Students had the opportunity not only experience the authentic Hungarian music and admire the colorful traditional costumes but also to particiapte in the traditional folk dance. But this wasn’t just a show to sit back and watch. Students were invited to step onto the dance floor and join in the fun. Guided by the dancers themselves, participants learned a few basic steps and soon found themselves spinning, clapping, and laughing together. What began as a cultural demonstration quickly turned into a shared memorable evening for everyone.
We concluded the previous day’s active program with a visit to a castle. The Dég Castle not only impressed with its breathtaking architecture and exhibition, but also completely captivated our international students with its vast and stunning park and its surroundings.
And how many international students know the famous Hungarian film Kincsem? Well, ours certainly do. The movie night organized at our university offered students more than just a glimpse into one of the highlights of Hungarian cinema — it provided a chance to connect with the country’s cultural identity through storytelling, history, and emotion. This program was well combined with short tasting session of the traditional Hungarian foods, such as sausage and other local specialties. We believe everyone really enjoyed the evening.
The adventure continued with a trip to the charming town of Tapolca, where students visited the scenic Mill Pond and cooled off with some ice cream under the summer sun. From there, the group headed to the Karst Exhibition to learn more about the region’s geological wonders, followed by a truly one-of-a-kind boat ride through Tapolca’s underground cave system — a fascinating experience that captured everyone’s imagination.
In the afternoon, the journey continued to Sümeg, home to one of Hungary’s most impressive castles. Students explored the historic fortress through a guided tour, visited its exhibition, and witnessed a thrilling medieval knight tournament that brought history vividly to life.
The program was thoughtfully structured with students’ interests and needs in mind, striking a balance between organized activities and free time. A perfect example of this was the visit to Székesfehérvár. This historically rich city offered a variety of
attractions, while also giving students the freedom to explore at their own pace. The bustling pedestrian street, lined with shops, cafés, and charming architecture, proved to be a favorite spot — allowing everyone to soak in the local atmosphere and enjoy a bit of personal discovery.
To give students a taste of rural life in Hungary, the visit to the Bokréta Equestrian Yard in Perkáta was an ideal destination. Warmly welcomed by the host team, students were introduced to the traditions and lifestyle of the Hungarian countryside. One of the highlights of the visit was the chance to try horseback riding — not just as a leisure activity, but as a sport rooted in local culture. For many, it was their first time on horseback and the experience was both thrilling and memorable.
The following day the group ventured to Tordas to experience the Western Village, a unique Wild West-themed park offering a variety of activities and guided tours. Participants had the opportunity to engage in shooting, archery, lassoing, and more. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the immersive experience, making it a memorable day for all.
To visit Hungary and not see Budapest would be impossible. As part of our Budapest excursion, after a scenic ride on the historic Children’s Railway, one of the standout experiences was visiting Erzsébet-kilátó, the beautiful stone lookout tower perched atop János Hill. Surrounded by peaceful forest trails, the tower offers breathtaking panoramic views over Budapest and the surrounding Buda Hills. This was followed by a ride on the chairlift (Libegő), which gave us unforgettable views and memories of the lush woodlands of Buda Hill. The day was filled with fun and memorable moments as the students explored these charming attractions.
All great journeys must come to an end, and so did our unforgettable program. After the final lesson on Friday, the day culminated in a warm and cheerful farewell pizza party — the perfect way to celebrate achievements and friendships alike.Before the festivities began, every student was honored with a certificate from our university (UoD) recognizing their dedication and participation throughout the program. We said our goodbyes, and even though the program ended, the bonds formed and experiences shared will surely last far beyond the final slice.
It was a fitting farewell to a week full of learning, adventure, and new friendships — a perfect closing chapter to a truly memorable experience.
By blending academic excellence with intercultural dialogue and fun the 2025 Summer University not only broadened students’ academic horizons but also built a truly global community of learners. And how much did the participants enjoy the 2025 Summer University? The feedback forms they filled out speak for themselves, with almost every category rated as excellent.
