Online Compostela Debate Academy Successfully Held with Students from Three Continents

The University of Pécs proudly hosted the 5th Online Compostela Debate Academy between 3–7 November 2025, bringing together students from Compostela Group of Universities (CGU) member institutions across Europe and Latin America for an intensive training in academic argumentation and public speaking.

The week-long online program jointly organized by the University of Pécs and the Compostela Group of Universities introduced participants to the principles of British Parliamentary Debate (BPD), helping them strengthen their critical thinking, argumentation, and public speaking skills. The Academy included interactive training sessions as well as a unique two-part debate tournament combining both written argument submissions and live debate speeches.

The keynote lecture was delivered by Professor István Tarrósy, who addressed debate cultures and political cultures in a global world. Debate training throughout the week was led by internationally recognized debate experts from Croatia, ensuring high professional standards and an engaging learning experience.

Altogether, the Academy hosted students from 10 universities across 4 countries — Mexico (University of Guadalajara), Spain (University of Lleida, Universitat Jaume I, Universidad de León, Universidad de Burgos), and Peru (Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, Universidad de Piura, Universidad de Lima, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos), Hungary (University of Pécs), — showcasing the truly global engagement of the Compostela Group of Universities.

Participants received 3 ECTS credits from the University of Pécs upon successful completion of the program. The language of instruction was English, and thanks to the support of the Compostela Group of Universities, the Academy was offered free of charge to students of member institutions.

The event was organized by the Study Abroad and Summer School Office of the International Centre at the University of Pécs.