View of Parliament from the Buda Castle. Photos by an IWP student.Three IWP students attended a new study abroad course in Budapest, Hungary this summer.
This four-credit course was organized among three institutions: IWP, the Danube Institute think tank, and the Ludovika University of Public Service. “This study abroad course was designed to be a practicum and professional development to complement students’ IWP studies,” said Prof. John Tsagronis, who helped develop the course and advised the student participants.
In addition to the academic work involved, the trip was designed with a special focus on professional development, allowing students to engage with political leadership and international academic institutes. During the study abroad trip, the Danube Institute and Ludovika University of Public Service introduced IWP students to political leaders throughout the government in Budapest, representatives at the U.S. Embassy, and leaders in Hungary’s private sector.
Student participants had the opportunity to research and write on the geopolitics of Central Europe, cyber strategy, Western Civilization, transatlantic relations, NATO, and great power competition. The student participants initially developed their research plan with IWP Prof. John Tsagronis, proceeded to Budapest, Hungary to study under the guidance of a Senior Fellow at the Danube Institute and consult with faculty at Ludovika University, and finally returned to IWP to complete their studies. Ultimately, they will present their research at a colloquium at IWP.
Eotvos Lorand University Library, Budapest, HungaryThe IWP students also participated in several political and cultural events arranged by the Danube Institute, including discussion roundtables with members of Parliament; tours of the House of Terror, House of Music, Szent Istvan Basilica and Budapest Retro; private, weekly seminars at Ludovika on the history, politics, and culture of Hungary; a Hungarian Opera Night for Cultural Performances; and the Tusvanyos Political Retreat in Romania (attended by the Prime Minister).
One student commented: “The Budapest course exposed me to topics I have not had the chance to study previously, expanding my purview of research into international relations and statecraft. The academic portion of the course granted me access to resources I would have otherwise, allowing me to learn under tutors at the Danube Institute and the Ludovika University of Public Service. The professional portion set me up with meetings relevant to both my research and my career field. And the cultural portion allowed me to immerse myself in the Hungarian culture that I would otherwise not have had the opportunity to do.”
This study abroad was made possible through the work of Logan West (’24), who currently serves as a research fellow at the Danube Institute, and Michelle Watson (’14), who serves as a visiting senior fellow at the Danube Institute and was the academic tutor to the students during their visit.
IWP is very grateful to The Michael W. Haley Foundation and The Kemmerer Family Foundation for making it possible for our students to participate in this study abroad.
Prime Minister’s Library in the Prime Minister’s office