The University of Pécs has won the Award for Excellence in Internationalization 2021 for online, short-cycle programs developed and managed by the International Centre. The award was presented to the university by one of the largest organizations in the world dealing with the internationalization of higher education. UP is the first Hungarian university to receive this prestigious international award.
In response to the pandemic, the Study Abroad and Summer University Office of the University of Pécs International Centre has implemented many international virtual programs for foreign partner universities and UP students since the spring of 2020. Programs include online summer and winter universities, workshops, training, joint online courses with American and Italian universities, and a virtual professional, practical program.
The virtual events were attended by European, Asian, American, and African students from 70 universities of a total of 40 countries, the academic part of which was provided by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Law, and the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Education and Regional Development. In the evenings, exciting community programs awaited the students.
The European Association for International Educators (EAIE) has 2,500 members in 70 countries around the world. Each year, EAIE rewards a European university that achieves outstanding, innovative results in internationalization activities and can set an example of good practice for other higher education institutions.
In its justification, the awarding organization put it this way: “This year’s winner went beyond the goal: in response to the pandemic, the University of Pécs (Hungary) quickly demonstrated a flexible attitude and developed an impressive range of new, short-cycle virtual mobility programs, including a virtual, global internship program, online summer and winter universities and career strategy training. Their innovative activities also paid special attention to creating a student community in the online space.”
(Celebrating boldness and bravery: the 2021 EAIE Award winners)
The award ceremony will take place at the online conference of the international organization on 1 October 2021.
Source:
PTE