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From 2024 September 23 to 27, a delegation from the Bhutanese Royal Thimphu College (RTC) visited the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) as part of the Erasmus+ KA171 International Credit Mobility Programme. This initiative supports mobility partnerships between higher education institutions in Europe and non-EU countries, facilitating student and staff mobility for learning, teaching, and training.

    

The delegation members were Mr Mohan Rai, Associate Professor, Mr. Prakash Sharma, Finance Manager and Mr Tenzin Thinley, Sr. Estate Officer. The guests were welcomed by Dr. Zsuzsanna Tarr, Head of the Center for International Education at MATE Gödöllő Campus. They mutually presented their universities and the changes since the beginning of the partnership and also could exchange experience and good practice in academic and mobility cooperations. Dr. Imre Kovács, Head of Centre, gave a guided tour of the Museum of Agricultural Machinery, which was a great success with the guests. The museum offers a unique insight into the Hungarian history and the development of agriculture through its outstanding collection of agricultural machinery.

A highlight of the visit was a teaching mobility session at MATE Gyöngyös Campus, where Mr. Mohan Rai presented on the topic of "The Bhutanese Approach to Happiness in Tourism Management." This engaging lecture targeted Tourism MSc students of the host instructor Ms Anikó Dinya and offered valuable insights into how Bhutan’s unique perspective on happiness influences its tourism policies and practices. The session sparked lively discussions among students, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

   

Academic and international staff of MATE Buda Campus also welcomed the delegation and showed them around on campus.  The sensory laboratory was presented by Dr. Zoltán Kókai, the pilot fermentation plant by Dr. Szilárd Kun, the pilot beer plant by Dr. Gabriella Kun-Farkas and the operational technology practice plant by dr. Adrienn Tóth-Varga.

    

The visit concluded with an exploration of potential future projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing the partnership between RTC and MATE. Both institutions expressed a strong commitment to deepening their cooperation, with a focus on joint research, student exchanges, and faculty collaboration. This visit not only strengthened existing ties but also opened new avenues for academic collaboration, fostering a shared vision for sustainable development and cross-cultural exchange. As the delegation returned to Bhutan, they carried with them not just knowledge and experiences, but also a renewed sense of partnership that promises to enrich both institutions for years to come.