Erasmus – not just for students!
Adrián Gyarmati
took part in a five-day English language training course in Malta. He chose the island country primarily for its cultural diversity, and he improved his language skills with the help of native English-speaking teachers during the programme.
His goal was to become more confident using English, as he communicates with many foreign students at the faculty regarding Examination Centre matters. He found it enriching to get to know his fellow students from different countries, such as Poland, Germany, Libya, Japan, Switzerland, Brazil and France, as this gave him new perspectives and cultural experiences. During the course, he expanded his vocabulary and improved his pronunciation as well.
Of all the experiences he gained during the programme, the calm, less stressful lifestyle of the Maltese people made the deepest impression on him. He hopes to bring this attitude home and incorporate it into his work environment, where he strives to encourage his colleagues to work together as a team, which reduces stress and burnout.
Adrián Gyarmati would recommend the Erasmus programme to all his colleagues and fellow students because it offers not only language development and professional experience but also encourages independence and the opportunity to learn about new cultures. Thanks to the financial support, it is a great opportunity to gain experiences that can have a positive long-term impact on one's career.
Siklósi Enikő
the international coordinator for GTK, spent five days at the University of Nicosia's modern campus in the Greek part of the Cypriot capital as part of a staff exchange programme. One of her main goals was to gain first-hand experience of the organisation of the BIP programme and the Cypriot partner, as well as the coordinators and student accommodation options, so that she could support Hungarian students travelling abroad with her personal experience.
Enikő learned that GTK students can spend a semester at the campus located on the outskirts of the capital. The campus is divided into an Administration Area which includes the administrative offices and classrooms, and rooms reserved for social activities. There are also several shops on campus, including a convenience store, a hairdresser, and a cafeteria. The library, easily recognized by its green dome, is located nearby and can be accessed using a QR code.
The student dormitory (University Hall) is located opposite the university, across the road. There is a café and a reception area in the lobby of the multi-storey building. The floors are accessible by elevator, and rooms can be entered using magnetic cards. Each room has a bathroom, a small kitchen, a balcony and air conditioning, and there is a swimming pool on the roof of the building. Work is currently underway to expand the dormitory's capacity.
Enikő found staff mobility extremely useful as the organisers enhanced the programme by inviting guest speakers, included group tasks and supported the development of connections and collaborations. During the programme, she mainly learnt about the rules and organisation of the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP). As part of a group task, participants with and without experience worked together to design a BIP programme. One of the programme's aims was to develop a plan that the participants could implement in the future.
Enikő Siklósi also shared some useful tips for travelling to Cyprus:
- It is advisable to bring a plug adapter (they use three-pin plugs). Although USB charging is available in many places and European plugs are also used, it is better to be prepared. Some sockets may require a switch to be turned on.
- When travelling to Cyprus, it is worth flying into one of the two main airports: Larnaca or Paphos.
- The border between the Greek and Turkish parts is located in the old town of Nicosia. The border is guarded by armed personnel.
- In Cyprus, vehicles drive on the left side of the road, and the steering wheel is on the opposite side compared to most of Europe.
- Buses have standard ticket prices. However, if you need to take a taxi, she recommends Orfanou Transfers as they are fast and punctual and operate within Nicosia. You can book them via WhatsApp as well.
Photos: Adrián Gyarmati, Enikő Siklósi