We are presenting the international activities, mobility and scholarship programs of Pázmány Péter Catholic University in a two-part interview series. This time, Dr. Bence Tamássy, Head of the Central Office for Foreign Affairs, will present the mobility programs, institutional and other international cooperations and activities.

What are the main tasks of the Central Office for Foreign Affairs?

The main role of the Central Office for Foreign Affairs (KKO) is to perform tasks related to the international affairs and activities of the University at a central level. This includes developing the internationalization strategy of the entire University, monitoring and assisting in its implementation, and centrally coordinating international relations. In addition, we are responsible for submitting international applications and managing international mobility programs at the university level. We participate in building the University's international relations, and together with the Vice-Rector for Foreign Affairs and Scientific Management, we represent the University in International Organizations.

However, perhaps our most visible and important task for the students is the coordination of international mobility programs. Of course, the management of the Erasmus+ program is the first to be mentioned, but in addition to this, we are also responsible for the coordination of several other programs with international relevance, such as the CEEPUS program, the Stipendium Hungaricum Program, the Scholarship Program for Christian Young People and the Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship Program, as well as the KA 220 Higher Education Strategic Partnerships, the Hubert-Curien Balaton Program and the Makovecz Scholarship Program. In all of these cases, it can generally be said that the implementation of mobilities takes place at the faculty level, in the Faculties’ International Relations Departments. We provide the institutional-level administration of these programs.