One of the greatest benefits of studying at Széchenyi István University in Győr is that the university provides practical knowledge, says Pieter Vermeulen, ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to Hungary.

Pieter Vermeulen visited the university recently and met dr. Péter Földesi rector, dr. Eszter Lukács, Vice Rector, Head of the Center of International Programs, and South African students studying in Győr. The ambassador said that the Republic of South Africa participated in the Stipendium Hungaricum program for the first time, thus he felt the feedback from the students is important.

"Our students have a good opinion of their experience at Széchenyi István University," said Pieter Vermeulen, "What I have just seen confirmed that the university of Győr offers extraordinary practical training." South African students love Győr, the only difficulty they mentioned was learning the Hungarian language. "

The ambassador emphasized that though the higher education system of the two countries is similar, many South African students find it difficult to find a job after graduation because there is no demand on the job market for the knowledge they have acquired. Nowadays training of skilled workers has come to the fore. The training at the University of Győr is also outstanding in this area as they provide practical knowledge to the students.

The university's relationships with industrial companies can also be an example for other universities as they facilitate the employment opportunities of their graduates. Finally, Pieter Vermeulen added that the industrial relations of Széchenyi István University were exemplary for him.

For this academic year, 68 students from 25 countries received funding from the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship program, including Mexico, China, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Kenya, India and Iraq. Hungary has concluded intergovernmental agreements with these countries. There are currently 57 students from 12 countries studying at the University under the Erasmus program.

(based on article published in Kisalföld on 16 January 2018)