In mid-January, our Faculty hosted a special international visit welcoming a small group of students and accompanying staff members from the Tsinghua University PBC School of Finance of Beijing. The event brought together Chinese and Hungarian students creating an engaging and friendly atmosphere focusing on cultural exchange and shared experiences.
The event began with a short introduction to ELTE and the Faculty of Economics delivered by Dr László Szívós, GTK’S Director of International Affairs and Programmes. His presentation provided an overview of the university’s academic structure and educational system, offering a peek into what it meant to study economics in Budapest.
Next, a presentation by a representative of Tsinghua University followed, who introduced the institution, its academic focus, and its role within Chinese higher education, while also sharing insights into everyday university life in Beijing.
After the presentations, the discussion turned to cultural topics, with a special focus on the upcoming Chinese New Year. The Chinese students talked about the traditions, customs, and rituals connected to the celebration, and explained the significance of the Year of the Horse.
One of the highlights of the visit was an interactive workshop during which the Chinese guests introduced the Hungarian participants to basic Chinese characters and elements of calligraphy. Among these was the character for “fortune” (福), which, according to the visitors, is often displayed upside down during the Chinese New Year. This is because the word for “upside down” sounds the same as the word for “arrival” in Chinese, symbolizing the arrival of good fortune. The activity was not only educational but also entertaining as, for most GTK students, this was the first time to try Chinese calligraphy. To make the experience even more memorable, the visitors brought small gifts related to Chinese culture, which were warmly received by the Hungarian students.
After the workshop, the group took a guided tour of ELTE’s Astoria campus. The visitors explored lecture halls and student spaces, sharing impressions about the differences and similarities between ELTE’s campus and their own back in Beijing. One particularly interesting stop was GTK’s Exam Centre, where our students typically write their midterms and exams. This gave the guests an understanding of how assessments are organized and conducted at the Faculty.
Overall, the visit was a meaningful and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Beyond the formal presentations, it offered a chance for students from different cultural and academic backgrounds to connect on a personal level. The event clearly demonstrated the value of international cooperation and student exchange, leaving participants with new perspectives, shared memories, and a stronger sense of the global academic community.