On Wednesday (9/11/2022), the main hall of the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Pécs transformed into a vibrant place, hosting the much-anticipated Intercultural Encounters 2022 event. Organized by Dr. Adrienn Fekete, this event aimed to bridge cultural diversity and strengthen bonds among international students, especially those from the Intercultural Communication class.

Students and lecturers gathered in the main hall. (Source: Csortos Szabolcs)

More than a hundred people crowded the main hall where this event was held to witness the wonderful cultural diversity of the Intercultural Communication students from Hungary, Turkey, Brazil, Argentina, and Indonesia which was represented by the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) awardees. With a warm opening speech and a welcoming song, Dr. Adrienn set the stage for an evening of cultural exhibition and exchange.

IISMA Pécs awardees performing Tari Poco-Poco. (Source: Csortos Szabolcs)

The festivities began with an energetic cheerleading dance performance by the university’s cheerleading team, the PTE Cheerleaders, that lit the audience with enthusiasm and excitement. Following this, the Indonesian students from the IISMA program once again amazed the audience with a mesmerizing Tari Poco-Poco performance, showcasing the beauty of their traditional dance from Maluku. Christin, one of the IISMA Pécs awardees, then took center stage to close the Indonesian performances by singing Dawerai Isai, a Papuan folk song. She mesmerized the audience not only with her voice but also her piano performance. As the evening progressed, the hall was filled with more diverse cultural performances by the Turkish, Hungarian, Brazilian, and Argentinian students through folk dances and musical performances that showcased the beauty of their cultures.

IISMA Pécs awardees’ catwalk. (Source: IISMA Pécs Archive)

However, the highlight of the evening came with the IISMA Pécs awardees’ traditional costumes catwalk, marking the beginning of the country presentation session, where the students had the opportunity to share more of their country’s rich culture and heritage. Handmade posters were brought by the students to the stage while delivering the presentation so that the audience could see visual snippets of the country and its culture.

Hungarian booth with posters and Hungarian snacks. (Source: IISMA Pécs Archive)

Accompanying the presentations on the stage, mini booths of food and culture exhibitions were also filled with international students where they could taste various culinary delights and learn more about the customs and traditions of each country represented. From the sweetness of the Indonesian fruit cocktail Es Buah to the savory of the Hungarian bread Pogácsa, the exhibition offered such a unique culinary exchange experience to the attendees.

IISMA Pécs awardees serving Indonesian snacks on their booth. (Source: Csortos Szabolcs)

As the Intercultural Encounters 2022 event came to an end, it was clear that its aims of promoting intercultural understanding and strengthening relationships among students had been met. Through music, dance, and food on that evening, international students and the attendees had built connections beyond borders, proving that unity in diversity is not just a motto, but a reality for the IISMA awardees at the University of Pécs.