Taking epidemiological regulations into account, the event was held in the virtual space of the world-famous Maxwhere software, a creation independently developed by Széchenyi István University.

In autumn semester of academic year 2020/21, three hundred and thirty-five students of non-Hungarian citizenship and nationality, originating from 51 countries, commenced their studies at Széchenyi István University. The number of Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship holders, including new entrants, is now 292 students, originating from 44 countries.

In the virtual space can be seen Dr Orsolya Pacsay-Tomassich, State Secretary for the Hungarian Diplomatic Academy and the Stipendium Hungaricum Programme, as well as Dr Eszter Lukács, Vice-Rector for Educational Affairs, giving her welcome speech.

Scott Donovan welcomed the new students on behalf of former scholarship holders. As part of the event, online visitors can participate in the intercultural sensitization workshop designed by Dr Júlia Szőke, associate professor, entitled “Preparation for being interculturally competent”, by assessing the level of their own intercultural competence.

In addition to the presentations, an information brochure and an orientation website for first year students of the University have been uploaded into the virtual space, making it easier from an administrative point of view for new international students to start the academic year.