Encounter of Cultures

2014.04.27.

The first national contest in cultural diplomacy organized by our Institute took place on April 3-4

We would like to express our special gratitude to Ágnes Gáspár, protocol consultant, and János Lackfi, writer and poet, former professor of our university, for hosting the event.

We would also like to thank Pál Hatos, Dezső Szabó, and Zsolt Szabó from the Balassi Institute, Tibor Mezei and Oszkár Füzes from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Attila Zongor from the Corvinus University of Budapest for their devout work in the jury.

An interview with the winning team 'Pro Cultura':

How did you learn about the event in the first place?

The event itself was announced by a newsletter of the Corvinus University, and further information was provided by the Facebook group of the event.

Team members Lilla Mergl, Gergely Bognár, and Boglárka Judit Rusz

How did the team get together?

We have all been members of Practical Diplomacy Society, a student group at Corvinus University. When one of our members suggested the idea, the team almost immediately took shape. Further cooperation was all the more easy since we had all been friends before the competition.

What was the primary reason why you decided to participate?

Well, although everyone wants to win in a competition, our main aim was to take the challenge of being present at an event with so many well-prepared teams. Needless to say, we wanted to be as successful as possible, but we didn't set any minimum goals for ourselves.

How long have you been interested in the special topic of cultural diplomacy?

The basic curriculum of IR studies doesn't lay much emphasis on cultural relations, although these are probably the most efficient means of international peace-building. Preparing for the contest helped us a lot to broaden our horizon, since this specific area had largely remained outside the scope of our former studies.

Did you get any support from your own university? From what you learned there?

We relied primarily on our own experience. Some things we learned at our classes sure helped us, though; especially in elaborating issues in a systematical way.

How did you start your preparation (methods, topics)?

We payed special attention to the completion of the three required presentations and on the source material. These, in fact, turned out to be the focal points of the contest.

What was your overall opinion of the contest (organization, jury, participants, atmosphere)?

It was an extraordinary experience. The organization of the programs was highly professional. We also think that the jury did an outstanding job: not only could everyone feel their impartiality, but they were ready to give continuous feedback on our performance as well. We were especially pleased to be able to get into personal contact with some members of the other teams during coffee-breaks.

What are your plans for the future?

We would all like to continue with our studies on an MA level. A degree in International Relations is one of the most easily convertible ones, so we are yet to decide whether we would follow a career in foreign affairs or in the private sphere.

1st prize: Pro Cultura
Gergely Bognár, Lilla Mergl, Boglárka Judit Rusz

2nd prize: Panda Diplomats
Nikoletta Albert, Adrienn Dóra Hák, Judit Lakatos

3rd prize: Mr & Misses (on the above photo)
Klára Nagy, Eszter Szőnyi, Dávid Vörös