Dr Niamh Lenahan in front of a building in Budapest
Wednesday, 19 June 2024

In June 2024, through the Erasmus Staff Mobility Fund, Dr Niamh Lenahan went to Eӧtvӧs Loránd University (ELTE), Budapest, Hungary for Erasmus Staff Week. Located in the city, the University provided ‘Intercultural Training’ for the week.

Niamh was the only Irish person there and the only person whose first language was English. There were representations from the following countries; Germany, Spain, France, Hungary, Ukraine, Norway, Finland, Belgium, Swizerland and Netherlands. The research and experienced-based program gave an insight into intercultural competencies while embedding them into a broader context of intercultural sensitivity, intercultural and inter-group relations. It placed a special emphasis on identity and the close connections between culture and human interaction. The programme also introduced possible strategies and means of developing an intercultural perspective and increase the efficiency of intercultural communication.

There was plenty of time to see the beautiful city. Divided by the Danube, Buda and Pest, it holds the largest parliament building in Europe. Its medieval streets and houses, museums, outdoor baths, riverside promenades and cafés can be easily explored by foot with the help of Google maps!