Why foreigners from 20+ countries are learning Hungarian in Pécs this summer
Students from more than twenty countries are arriving in Pécs for the Hungarian Language and Culture Summer University, which kicks off on Monday. The University of Pécs (PTE) is organising the course, designed for learning Hungarian as a foreign language, for the 26th time.
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According to the university’s statement, participants will include students from countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mozambique, and the United States. The intensive two-week course welcomes learners of all ages, with the youngest student being 17 and the oldest 73. The program serves as a unique meeting point for different cultures, generations, and personal stories, the university said.
The aim of the summer university goes beyond language acquisition: participants also gain insight into Hungarian culture, with each day offering immersive learning both inside and outside the classroom. Instruction takes place across six language levels, tailored to individual needs, with each group guided by three instructors, several of whom contributed to the development of the course materials.
Model-based teaching approach
The core of the curriculum is based on the magyarOK textbook series, which follows a model-based teaching approach. It supports real-life language use, combining grammar instruction with cultural dialogues. Classroom learning is complemented by cultural programs, including themed city walks, gastronomic evenings, and a phonetics club where students can playfully improve their pronunciation.
Instructors at the PTE summer university view the event as a methodological workshop—a space to experiment with new teaching techniques on motivated students. The high number of returning participants shows that the course is not only about language learning, but also about forming lifelong friendships. Many students now return to Pécs as part of a close-knit circle of friends, the university added.
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