Customized Summer and Winter Programs

Customized Summer and Winter Programs Click here to see the brochure   The University of Pécs offers customized study programs in the following fields:

Business Law Social Sciences Engineering

Architecture Health Sciences Natural Sciences Music and Arts

The summer and winter courses are developed to broaden students’ knowledge in their academic fields of study, but students will also gain enriching, first-hand experiences in Europe while being immersed in the unique and welcoming Hungarian culture.Our customized summer and winter courses are designed to provide vigorous educational experiences in a safe, friendly environment and meet the educational needs of student groups from select partner universities. Our unique tailor-made programs provide students the opportunity to combine education with cultural immersion, while earning credits towards their degrees.

The length of the programs is tailored to the specific requirements of our partner universities, which can last from one to eight weeks. All participants receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program.

 

What do we offer?

A very reasonable program fee, distinguished academic programs, highly experienced professors in a traditional environment, enriching social programs and field trips, transferable credits and a truly international environment.

Our program packages offer exciting activities to complement learning experiences. All packages include the following:

• Accommodation
• Lunch on class days
• Airport shuttle service
• Field trips, excursions to historical sites, trip to Budapest 
• Welcome party, Farewell party, Trivia Nights
• Joint social activities with Hungarian and international students

 

Possible Topics for Tailor-made Programs

 

SOCIAL SCIENCES

Cultural Heritage of Hungary and Europe
The program focuses on cultural studies and includes engaging field trips and excursions to cultural sites in Pécs and Budapest. The program is comprised of the following courses:

• Introduction to European and Hungarian History
• Art History of Europe and Hungary
• History of European Gastronomy
• European and Hungarian Folk Traditions
• Current Political, Economic and Social Challenges of the European Union and Hungary
   

Summer/Winter School on Arts and Culture
The program includes several multidisciplinary studies (art history, religion and philosophy, urban history, and architecture) for students interested in art and history in Central Eastern Europe. Study modules organized in museums, world heritage sites and galleries containing art and architecture from the Roman Ages to the present day provide students with the opportunity to work with objects up-close, uncovering history from the past 1,500 years. The main topics include Early Christian Art, Renaissance Poetry and Intellectual Life, The Turkish Era, Secession and the Millennium, Arts and Culture in the Communist Era, History of the Jewish Population, and Modern and Contemporary Art.

European Studies
The program will provide students with knowledge on the following topics:

• European history and culture
• Current social and political issues in Europe
• Intercultural relations from a European perspective
• Explorations of European identity

 

Central and Eastern European Politics
This course introduces students to Central Eastern European politics and the overall political environment. It examines several compelling and unique topics including political and economic transitions within Central Eastern Europe, and the current role of the EU, migration and security in the region.

"Identities Under Pressure?" A Changing European Union and a New Global Order in the Making
This 10-day course examines the changing intercultural climate within the European Union in light of global challenges and pressures such as the ongoing refugee crisis, transnational terrorism and regional cooperation across Central Eastern Europe. The course includes the following topics:

• New Global Order – Where will Europe find itself?
• Central Eastern Europe and the Economic Transformation
• Migrants and Migration Policies in the EU
• A Multicultural Union – Psychological perspectives on migration, integration, and identity in the EU
• The Role of Place Branding in a Globalized Europe and the European Capital of Culture Program
   

Migrants and Minorities in Central Europe
This program provides a historic overview of migrants and minority groups in Central Eastern Europe. The course analyzes international migration trends and policies across the region and includes the following modules: The History of Minorities and Migrants in Central Europe; 21st Century Migration Trends and Policies in Central Europe; and The Question of Nation States.

Central European Archaeology between East and West
This two-week program offers students the opportunity to continue their studies in a hands-on, experiential environment utilizing archeological sites and historical monuments from the Roman to Ottoman historical periods. The main academic topics include cultural connections between the Mediterranean region and Central Europe in prehistory and classical antiquity; Hungarian archaeology and its methods in the 21st century; Roman, early Christian, Medieval and Ottoman monuments in Pécs (UNESCO world heritage site); a field trip to Budapest (UNESCO world heritage site); and a field trip, archaeological excavation and museology study in the town of Paks, a future UNESCO world heritage site.

Diversity as a Resource for Creativity
The four-week program is comprised of two courses:

• Thinking in Terms of Diversity: Culture, Society and Identity
• Creativity and Communication in the 21st Century

The following topics are discussed during the program: the socio-cultural context of the European Union and Hungary; cross-cultural investigations; city spaces and communities; subcultures and alternative culture; historical-archaeological investigations; and symbols and communities.

Creative Communities and Social Inclusion
This course is a practical approach to community work. During guided field trips, students will explore local communities and join some of their activities, such as contemporary art and mural painting workshops, folk art events, and theatre therapy experiences. Participants will also create multimedia reflections on their studies and analyze these video reports together to reach a deeper understanding of their common experiences in the community. At the conclusion of the course, students will outline development ideas for the communities they have studied, and for themselves as future professionals.

Identity and Intergroup Relations in Europe
The two-week program provides an understanding of how we form the reality we live in and what this tells us about ourselves. Through lectures and mentorship, students gain insight into the basic psychological processes of social identity, intergroup relation and minority-majority issues at different levels (local, societal and national) and from different perspectives (educational, organizational, cultural, historical and psychological). 

Social Work
Themes will include the following topics:

• Social policy in Hungary and the EU
• Addiction studies and treatment systems in Hungary and the EU
• Challenges of community work in a Central Eastern European country (including practical training elements such as visits to several local communities)
  
   

European and Hungarian Wine Culture Study Week *
During the study week, students explore European and Hungarian wine culture, as well as the philosophical, religious, linguistic, literary and artistic aspects of viticulture and oenology. The historical development of the culture of oenotouristic communication, wine gastronomy, wine and health, the long heritage of winemaking and wine tourism will be discussed. Additionally, students will learn about the historical and geographic development of wine culture from 6,000 BC to the present day.

Tour Guiding in Hungary
This two-week program provides an overview on the cultural heritage of Hungary and develops participants’ tour-guiding skills. The program also explores the current political, economic and social challenges of the country and develops students’ comprehensive understanding of Hungary’s history as well as art, gastronomy and folk traditions. Students discover the wonders of Hungary through city tours, field trips and guided visits to diverse cultural and natural heritage sites. The program develops tour guiding skills and interpretation techniques through seminars and on-site workshops.

The Theory and Practice of Education
The course addresses core issues of teaching and learning, including the relevance of classroom environment and resiliency, innovative learning and teaching practices, and formal and informal curricula. Roma learners in education is a special area to be studied because Roma people represent the largest ethnic minority group in Europe and Hungary. Studying the treatment of Roma students in the Hungarian education system yields insight into the broad subject of social and cultural differences in educational settings.

Academic English Studies
This course prepares students to read academic texts, build academic vocabulary and improve listening skills. They learn practical skills to promote their academic careers, such as how to take notes during lectures and participate in classroom discussions. Students learn how to reflect and think critically through experiential learning.

 

LAW

Current Challenges of European Integration in a Global Context
This 10-day course focuses on current issues of European integration in a global context from a legal perspective. The course includes the following topics: The Role of the European Parliament in the EU Institutional Structure; Judge-made Laws in the EU: The Role of the Court of Justice; The Protection of Fundamental Rights in Europe; Regulating and Managing Migration and Asylum: the EU Perspective; The Protection of the Environment in the European Union; Information and Communication Technology Law in the EU and the World; and International Protection of Minorities: The European Model in Context.

Public Administration Challenges in a Global Context
The aim of the program is to acquaint students with the main characteristics of Public Administration in a global and European context. The topics cover various aspects of public administration and analyze current challenges in this field, taking into account the relevance of EU membership for Public Administration. The course includes lectures, workshops, field trips and social programs.

 

ARCHITECTURE

Summer School for Architects *
The program introduces key concepts and theories to architecture students and provides insight into future careers in architecture. The two-week course takes place in the architecturally rich city of Pécs. The program includes the following topics:

• Contemporary European Architecture
• Integrated Heritage Protection
• Visual Communication in Architecture (portfolio, brand and visualization)
• Green Urbanity – Smart Cities

NATURAL SCIENCES

Sustainable Water Resource Management and Wetlands Rehabilitation in Central Europe *
The program focuses on the following topics: Wetland rehabilitation, smart storm water management, the effect of the EU Water Framework Directive on sustainable water resources management, and remote sensing and GIS tools for water resource management. It includes a variety of field excursions, meetings with individuals and representatives of organizations, and lectures in computer labs.

Wildlife Photography, Natural History, Science Communication *
The course is led by a National Geographic photographer and biology professor. It focuses on discovering the natural history of the Mecsek Mountains and surrounding habitats where Pécs is located. Participants will learn how to find exciting plants and animals, how to photograph them effectively, and how to publish on different scientific and social media platforms.

 

HEALTH SCIENCES

New Trends and Techniques in European Nursing
This one-week program offers theoretical and practical experiences to students in the field of Nursing Science and Nursing Education in Europe. The program includes hands-on practice with the most frequently used nursing technology, such as phlebotomy, blood group evaluation with bed-side testing, insertion of peripheral venous access, bladder catheterization and central vein insertion. The course focuses on the new trends and techniques in the developing field of Nursing Science and includes visits to different patient care facilities in Pécs.

The Quality of Life (Health, Recreation and Ecoturism)
The aim of the program is to introduce students to the unique recreational and rehabilitative possibilities of the South Danube region resulting from special environmental factors in the area and the multicultural social environment. In this 10-day program, theoretical lectures and field trips will give participants a deeper understanding of the recreational and rehabilitative factors helping specialists in the field of health, eco and sport tourism to organize high quality programs in this area of Hungary.

 

MUSIC

Hungarian Folk Music and Folk Dance
This academic and entertaining course provides students with insight into Hungarian folk tradition and includes a special Hungarian dance program with traditional live music. The methods of teaching include lectures, presentations, videos, live music, instrument displays, and hands-on practice. Topics include introduction to folk music knowledge, instruments, and dance types and dialects.

* Only available during the summer.

Our programs are more than just study – they’re fun, too!

Here are some student reviews of the different programs we offer at The University of Pécs:

“My stay in Pécs was a life-changing experience. The friendships I made will last a lifetime, and the cultural experience is something I’ll always treasure.”

“The schedule is perfect. You come, you learn, you experience.”
 

“Beautiful campus, great accommodations in the dorms, and extremely helpful and motivated staff.”

“The four weeks here have been very fulfilling. I have gained a lot from taking several teachers' classes. At the same time, the scenery in Pecs is very beautiful and I like it very much.”

For more information, please contact Dr. Gyöngyi Pozsgai, Head of Office (Study Abroad and Summer School Office) at pozsgai.gyongyi@pte.hu !