Featured

Between 24 January and 6 February 2026, twelve students from the Faculty of Business of GFE took part in a short-term professional internship organized by the GK Erasmus+ Office in cooperation with the Atlantic Centre of Education in Ireland.

The idea of taking students to this excellent training institution had been formulated years ago; however, the framework and financial background required careful consideration and planning.

Following extensive consultations with the Hungarian National Agency of the Erasmus+ programme, the Tempus Public Foundation, the professional programme gradually took shape. It was implemented in a blended format, combining both in-person and virtual components.

During the in-person phase of the programme, in line with the specific nature of professional internships, the focus was on skills development. Special emphasis was placed on essential competencies for future career paths, such as language, intercultural, negotiation and presentation skills, as well as public speaking, teamwork, the process of becoming a cohesive team, and the constructive articulation of opinions.

Day by day, our students became increasingly open, and their development was almost tangible. An exceptionally close teacher-student relationship developed with their instructor, Purva Srivastava. She spoke very highly of the group:
“It was truly an honour to teach this group. I don’t know how, but I managed to connect with each and every student in a way that best supported their daily development. I can say with complete conviction that throughout my teaching career, this has been one of the most positive, sincere, and diligent groups I have ever had the pleasure of teaching.”

The practical component of the course is still ongoing. After several marketing-focused lessons, the marketing director of the training centre assigned tasks to the groups. Students are creating various social media content in diverse formats, which the Atlantic Centre will soon use in its promotional activities.

In addition to participating in workshops, students also had time to explore the region and the city of Galway. They visited Connemara National Park, where they toured the still-operating monastery, Kylemore Abbey, and took fantastic photos of one of Ireland’s most popular natural attractions, the Cliffs of Moher, which has served as a filming location for numerous movies. They also went treasure hunting in the local museum, sampled local gastronomy, and by now every participant knows how delightful the “soup of the day” can be! Students were captivated by the city, the school, the seaside promenade, the abundance of restaurants offering live music every evening, Irish culture, and some even attended an Irish dance house.

There were students who attended class on the final day with tears in their eyes—and have longed to return ever since. One thing is certain: something changed in the participating students. The two weeks spent there bonded them together; the shared experiences will remain with them forever and continue to connect them. Many expressed how much they had learned and developed even within such a short time. Several are considering completing their mandatory internship in Ireland.

Overall, it can be stated that the programme was highly successful in every respect. According to the students, it exceeded all their expectations. Although the organization process was lengthy and not always simple, it was undoubtedly worth the effort.

The participants would like to express their gratitude to Erasmus+ coordinator Csefkó Monika for her comprehensive organizational work and care, to Dean Dr. Zoltán Árpási and language teacher Dr. Renáta Árpásiné Bagossy for their supportive presence accompanying the group during the first week of the programme, as well as to GFE and the Faculty of Business for their financial contribution.

Finally, here are a few quotes from student feedback:

“This two-week period was one of the most beautiful times of my life.”
“…I had the chance to meet wonderful people…”
“…I gained lifelong experiences.”
“I appreciated the diverse and meaningful tasks, which simultaneously developed my self-confidence, team spirit, and various skills.”
“…thanks to the programme, I gained a great deal of new knowledge and experiences.”
“…it provided opportunities for both individual development and teamwork. The city is incredibly charming, enriched by typical Irish music, pubs, various vendors, and cultural attractions.”
“It was an unforgettable experience for me. This period was full of joy, exploration, and inspiring moments.”
“These two weeks gave me countless new experiences and insights.”
“Not only the time spent learning, but also the excursions were fantastic.”
“I was pleasantly surprised—it was even better than I expected! A beautiful place, with programmes well balanced with free time, and truly useful in developing practical skills such as language proficiency, teamwork, independence, and handling stressful situations. I would gladly return in the future!”
“These were the best two weeks of my life, full of learning and joyful moments.”
“…I hope I will have the opportunity to participate in another equally meaningful Erasmus programme in the future.”