Debrecen4U July 22, 2025

The 98th Debrecen Summer University has begun

Nearly 80 students from 27 countries came to the 98th Debrecen Summer University to learn about the Hungarian language and culture.

The aim of the programme is for participants to learn Hungarian and gain an understanding of Hungary’s culture and history.

 Lara Minneboo came to Debrecen from the Netherlands; the young girl also has Hungarian ancestors. “My mother is of Hungarian origin, and I would like to speak to her in her native language. I am here because I would like to get closer to Hungarian culture and identity,” she explained.

Participants arrived from twenty-seven countries, with the majority from the United States of America, as well as significant representation from Poland and Slovenia. The youngest student is 16, while the oldest is 86 years old.

Students can learn Hungarian at different levels in the language course. “For language learners, it is always best to study locally, in the given destination country, and there is indeed a kind of aura to the Summer University summer courses that cannot be repeated,” director of the Debrecen Summer University, Péter Szaffkó, emphasised.

Thirty-three attendees participate in the programme with scholarships. The university, several church organisations and the city of Debrecen also provide support to the students.

“For us, the people of Debrecen, it provides a significant presence every year, as during the successive rounds, hundreds of foreigners get to know not only the Hungarian language and Hungarian culture but also the city of Debrecen, and then they will carry our good name around the world,“ we heard Deputy Mayor István Puskás.

The students study at the Summer University for four weeks. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to get to know Hungarian culture and participate in various excursions.

Source and photo credit:debrecen.hu