The closing ceremony of the Gateway Program took place on December 17, 2024, marking the end of the Chinese-Hungarian student exchange program for the fall semester of the 2024/25 academic year at the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences.
During the ceremony, 22 students received their certificates in the presence of the farewell delegation, which included Prof. Dr. Tamás Antal, Vice Dean for Academic and General Affairs, Prof. Dr. Krisztina Karsai, Director of the Gateway Program, and Dr. Wang Rui, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute.
Prof. Dr. Tamás Antal opened the event with a speech, expressing his joy in celebrating the culmination of a program that exemplifies the success of international cooperation between two cultures. He stressed that the Gateway Program continues to provide an excellent platform for Chinese and Hungarian students and lecturers to build lasting connections and foster mutual understanding.
Prof. Dr. Krisztina Karsai underlined that the overarching goal of the program is to develop a new generation of young Chinese intellectuals who are well-versed in the European legal system and economy, capable of understanding its challenges, and prepared to offer meaningful solutions. She acknowledged the significant challenges faced by the students but praised their perseverance and the impressive results they achieved throughout the semester. Concluding her remarks, she extended a warm invitation for the students to return to the University of Szeged in the future, whether as students or professionals.
As one of the program’s lecturers, Prof. Dr. Péter Mezei also addressed the students, reflecting on the meaningful experiences they had during their time in Hungary. He emphasized the importance of the friendships they formed and the memories they created, highlighting how these will continue to enrich their personal and professional lives as they return home.
