Can you please tell us about your studies before you started the dual degree programme?
I have a BA and a MA in International Relations from Pázmány Péter Catholic University. During the Master’s level, I had two specializations: EU Studies and Cultural Diplomacy. Since 2015, I’m also a student at ELTE Faculty of Law.
From where did you hear about this programme?
I heard about this opportunity from PPCU. They started working out the details of the dual degree programme when I was already in Portugal with an Erasmus scholarship. Since last year, it is very well advertised in both countries. In Lisbon, most of the people who favour to apply for Católica (Catholic University of Portugal) and IEP (Institute for Political Studies) also consider to join one of the joint degree programs. As Hungary is becoming a more and more popular destination among young people, the name PPCU immediately awakes the curiosity of the students.
What was your motivation to participate?
Católica and more precisely IEP is the best institution of political sciences in the country, but it is highly acknowledged by international knowledge centres as well. It has deep roots of history and tradition and there is a highly-educated, inspirational professorial college with visiting international fellows, diplomats, and politicians. Educational standards and requirements are pretty high, but in the end, the efforts result in a valuable, strong diploma. The Governance, Leadership and Democracy course seemed to be a great extension of my previous knowledge since it was a more specialised area inside International Relations. When I applied for this program I was already attracted by the country, the language, and the culture so it was an exciting period of my life, not only in educational terms, but also in personal development.
How should we imagine the life of an international dual degree student on a daily basis?
In Lisbon the GLDS (Governance, Leadership and Democracy Studies) program was launched with the aim of providing space and time for students to gain professional experiences and to work besides going to the university. Therefore, most of the classes were late in the evening and on Saturdays. I personally worked for the Hungarian Embassy in Lisbon for a couple of months while being a student, but many of the participants had permanent jobs. Those who were “professional” students had much more time during the day to get prepared for the classes, to explore the beauties of the city or just to enjoy the beach. After my internship ended, I also tried to find the appropriate balance between school and pleasure.
Are you in touch with the other dual degree students?
I know some people who joined us as part of the Polish-Portuguese joint degree program, but I rather keep in touch with my ex-classmates from Portugal, Germany, Poland, US, Brazil or Syria. We had an active social life besides school: we went out to restaurants, jazz clubs, parties and helped each other getting prepared for tests and exams. It was really great to see some of them again at the graduation ceremony.
What was the biggest challenge for you in this programme? What skills did you need to accomplish this degree?
It was a completely new city, in the beginning I didn’t speak Portuguese and basically this was my very first long term foreign experience. The program itself was in English and even if I didn’t have language barriers, I had to overcome my shyness and argue as the other self-confident students did: clearly and firmly, no matter what the topic was. Since most of the classes were practical lessons in small groups, we had to discuss the readings day after day, present our views and argue with each other. Besides the readings we had to submit several papers, therefore we had a chance to improve not only our oral but, also our writing skills.
What are your future plans?
Currently I’m working for UNICEF Hungary at the Pledge Fundraising Department and I’m happy to deal with children rights related affairs. I would definitely like to improve my Portuguese and get back to the country as often as possible. I’m proud to call not only PPKE but also UCP as my Alma Mater. Both institutions have given me a lot: joyful months in two wonderful cities, the friendships of lovely people and lifelong experiences.
