Ian D.G. Biggs also met with the students from the Institute of English and American Studies. The diplomat, who represents his country in Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia, visited Debrecen and the University for the first time. His delegation had a meeting with Károly Pető, Vice-Rector General, and Oszkána Kiszil, Director of Coordination and Strategy. Ambassador Ian D. G. Biggs praised the University of Debrecen for having more than 7000 foreign students.
Ian D.G. Biggs also met with the students from the Institute of English and American Studies. The university directors provided information on the role and activities of the Center for the Coordination of International Education and the wide range of courses offered in English. Other topics discussed at the meeting included the almost 500-year history of higher education in Debrecen, the Confucius Institute as well as the research and development at the university, and its related industrial cooperation, for example with BMW and GE.
In connection with international relations, the Ambassador and his staff offered their assistance in establishing contacts with Australian higher education institutions.
During the visit, the guests got to know the Main Building and the institution’s historic monuments as well as its unique University and National Library.
Ambassador Ian D. G. Biggs also delivered a lecture to students at the Institute of English and American Studies. The diplomat was invited to speak on cultural diplomacy, Australia’s foreign relations and the diplomatic tools for conflict management as part of an MA course in North American Studies entitled Practical Diplomacy.
The Institute of English and American Studies has been teaching and researching Australia’s literature, history and culture for about 30 years. There are five Australian students who are studying at the University of Debrecen, four at the Faculty of Pharmacy and one young student at the Faculty of Science and Technology.