Experiential learning remains one of the most effective methods for preparing students for careers in global diplomacy and policy. At the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences, the University of Szeged, Hungary, provides its student body with direct access to the highest levels of European governance. Recently, Fruzsina Nánai, a second-year International Studies student, demonstrated exactly how academic theory translates into practical policy work by representing the University of Szeged at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
Bridge Academic Theory and European Policy at the University of Szeged
Studying International Studies requires more than reading textbooks about political systems and international relations. Students must understand the intricate, often complex realities of diplomatic negotiations and cross-border cooperation. The University of Szeged structures its curriculum to ensure learners do not remain confined to the lecture hall. By participating in high-level simulations and assemblies, students test their analytical skills against real-world European challenges.
Fruzsina Nánai’s recent academic journey highlights this institutional commitment. Selected to attend the European Student Assembly (ESA) in Strasbourg between April 20 and 22, she transitioned from analyzing European institutional frameworks in her coursework to actively walking the halls of the European Parliament. This direct exposure allows students to witness the procedural and informal dynamics of EU decision-making, providing a clearer picture of where their future careers might lead.
Schedule a free consultation to learn more about how the International Studies program at the University of Szeged integrates practical experience into its academic framework.
Understand the European Student Assembly and EUGLOH
Gaining entry to the European Student Assembly is a highly competitive process. The program, organized under the EUC Voices initiative, acts as a convergence point for university students across the continent. This year, the assembly received 2,889 applications from highly qualified candidates. Only 250 students earned a spot at the table. These selected participants represented 196 different universities, 54 European university alliances, 34 countries, and 54 distinct nationalities.
Fruzsina secured her place through the EUGLOH alliance. EUGLOH (European University Alliance for Global Health) connects the University of Szeged with eight other prominent European higher education institutions. This alliance exists to remove barriers to international mobility, facilitate joint research, and create collaborative learning environments. For students enrolled at the University of Szeged, Hungary, EUGLOH serves as a critical pipeline to pan-European opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible. The alliance effectively scales the reach of a regional Hungarian university to a continental level, ensuring its students compete and collaborate on equal footing with peers from across Europe.
Develop Practical Policy Proposals for the European Parliament
Focus on Digital Resilience and Cybersecurity
The European Student Assembly divides participants into specialized thematic panels to address current continental challenges. Fruzsina joined the panel dedicated to digital awareness, cybersecurity, and digital resilience. In an era where digital infrastructure underpins everything from national security to economic stability, this panel tackled some of the most pressing issues facing the European Union today.
During the assembly, participants do not simply debate; they draft actionable policy recommendations. Fruzsina actively contributed to the development of three distinct policy proposals. Her work focused on three critical areas:
- Safe Use of Artificial Intelligence: Establishing guidelines and regulatory frameworks that encourage AI innovation while protecting citizens from algorithmic bias, misinformation, and privacy violations.
- Cybersecurity Support for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs): Creating accessible, EU-funded mechanisms to help SMEs defend against increasing cyber threats, recognizing that these businesses form the backbone of the European economy but often lack the resources for robust digital defense.
- Reducing Digital Stress and Information Overload: Addressing the public health implications of constant connectivity, proposing strategies to promote digital well-being and mitigate the psychological toll of modern communication technologies.
These proposals reflect a sophisticated understanding of modern governance, blending technical digital literacy with socio-economic policy. For an International Studies student, drafting this type of legislation provides invaluable training in technical writing, consensus-building, and strategic thinking.
Gain Direct Insight into EU Decision-Making Processes
Reading about the legislative process of the European Union offers a foundational understanding, but observing it firsthand clarifies the nuances of political negotiation. During her time in Strasbourg, Fruzsina noted the stark difference between theoretical study and practical observation. The assembly exposed participants to the atmosphere of EU decision-making, showcasing how delegates from different cultural and political backgrounds compromise and collaborate.
The program structure itself mirrored actual EU procedures. The collaboration began online in January, months before the physical event in Strasbourg. This extended timeline required students to engage in long-distance communication, draft preliminary documents, and build trust digitally before meeting in person. By the time the participants arrived at the European Parliament, they had already established working relationships and refined their proposals, closely mirroring the preparatory work done by actual Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and their staff.
Explore our related articles for further reading on how international academic programs expose students to global governance structures.
Build an International Professional Network
Success in international relations and political science relies heavily on professional networks. The contacts made during programs like the European Student Assembly often become future colleagues, collaborators, and sources of cross-border intelligence. Interacting with 249 other highly motivated students from 54 nationalities allows participants to build a decentralized web of professional contacts spanning the entire continent.
For students at the University of Szeged, this networking is particularly advantageous. It positions them as connected professionals within the broader European political sphere. When these students eventually enter the job market—whether in Brussels, national governments, or the non-profit sector—they carry with them a rolodex of peers who understand the intricacies of EU policy. This network serves as a long-term professional asset that extends far beyond the duration of the assembly.
Translate Student Assembly Experience into Career Opportunities
The ultimate value of participating in the European Student Assembly lies in its tangible outputs. This is not an exercise in abstract debate. At the conclusion of the event, participants voted on a total of 85 policy recommendations. An impressive 84 of these recommendations were officially adopted. These approved proposals are formally submitted to the European Parliament and other European institutions, meaning the work produced by students directly enters the European policy dialogue.
For the individual student, this creates a highly persuasive addition to their professional portfolio. Fruzsina noted that her experiences at the assembly, combined with her ongoing International Studies coursework, have made the possibility of completing a professional internship at an EU institution a realistic goal. Hiring managers and internship coordinators at EU bodies look for candidates who possess not only academic knowledge but also proven experience in drafting policy and navigating multinational environments. Participation in an EUGLOH-backed initiative like the ESA provides exactly that proof of competence.
Leverage International Mobility Programs for Your Future
The pathway from a university classroom in Hungary to the floor of the European Parliament in France is not a matter of chance. It requires students to actively seek out and leverage international mobility programs. Alliances like EUGLOH exist specifically to facilitate these transitions, but students must take the initiative to apply, prepare, and participate.
Aspiring professionals in international relations should view these programs not as optional extracurricular activities, but as essential extensions of their degree requirements. The skills gained—cross-cultural communication, policy drafting, high-stakes presentation, and diplomatic negotiation—are difficult to acquire in a traditional classroom setting. By stepping beyond the standard curriculum, students take control of their professional development and differentiate themselves in a competitive global job market.
Apply to the University of Szeged for International Studies
The experience of representing a university at the European Parliament illustrates the high caliber of opportunities available to students who choose to study in Hungary. The University of Szeged continues to strengthen its international presence and expand its network of global partnerships, ensuring its students have access to the platforms that shape the future of the continent.
For prospective students looking to pursue a career in diplomacy, policy-making, or international relations, selecting an institution with active alliances and a proven track record of student mobility is a critical first step. The International Studies program at the University of Szeged offers the academic rigor and the practical avenues necessary to build a successful career in European and global affairs.
Submit your application today to begin your academic journey in International Studies at the University of Szeged, and take the first step toward engaging with the political structures of Europe.
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