ERASMUS CHANGING LIVES OPENING MINDS fOR 25 YEARS

Piroska
Bakos
‘Keeping all your options open’
Home institution:
University of Pécs, Hungary
Host institution:
European University Viadrina
Frankfurt/Oder, Germany
Field of study:
Hungarian and Communication
Studies
Duration:
6 months (1998-1999)
As one of Hungary’s first group of students to participate in Erasmus, Piroska
Bakos was able to focus on topics not available at her home university. ‘By
studying mass media and communication in Germany I was able to see new
ways of thinking. It made a big impression on me. It improved my language
skills and encouraged me to be open to new experiences.’
Following graduation, the Erasmus experience helped her gain employment
in the media industry. ‘Following a series of internships in Germany, I started
work in public television as a news presenter and reporter covering Germanspeaking
countries.’
Her time spent abroad was also important in her position as spokesperson
during Hungary’s first EU Presidency in 2011. ‘Intercultural communications,
cultural diversity and migration are now important topics – these were all issues
we dealt with during my studies more than a decade ago.’ In this role she has
been able to encourage students to take advantage of spending time abroad.
‘In the current financial environment, it is good to keep an open mind and your
options open. Erasmus helps you to understand more about different cultures
(and how they co-exist) and how the world is changing.’
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