2023/24 Budapest Fellowship Participants: Meg Hansen, Paul Thomas Moran, John Wesley Reid, James Carrabino
July marked the successful completion of the Budapest Fellowship Program (BFP), a 10-month immersive research scholarship co-organized by Mathias Corvinus Collegium and the Hungary Foundation.
The Budapest Fellowship Program enabled four fellows, James Carrabino, Meg Hansen, Paul Thomas Moran, and John Wesley Reid to work and live in Budapest, Hungary for a period that stretched from the beginning of September 2023 up until July 2024.
Fellows partook in a wide range of activities, mainly research and professional development, and various networking events. There was also a major emphasis on immersion into Hungarian culture and history, to better understand the country’s contemporary issues. Over the ten months, this took the form of research at host institutions, engagement with think tanks, policymakers, and the media. Site Visits to several important institutions and trips around the Carpathian Basin gave our Fellows a hands-on approach to learning more about Hungary.
Learning from History for a Better Future – a Cultural Deep Dive
BFP’s distinguished host institutions – Danube Institute, the Committee of National Remembrance, the MCC School of Law, and the Youth Research Institute – served as a strong basis for their research and theoretical explorations on several topics such as free speech, Hungarian identity-making, the effect of literature on our youth, and Hungarian and American perceptions of one another since the start of the Cold War. The mentors assigned by these institutions played a crucial role in guiding and aiding the Fellows during their stay.
The research conducted by the Fellows transcended traditional boundaries, taking on an interdisciplinary approach that spread beyond conventional pen and paper methods. The scholars communicated their innovative ideas and narratives through compelling articles, podcasts, and engaging lectures, igniting discussions and promoting dialogues on pertinent regional and global issues.
“The BFP is the perfect solution to amplify a mid-career professional into a better-rounded international enthusiast. Through this program I was able to grow in my own understanding of international relations, developed keen affections for Hungary, and sharpen my teaching skills. These ten months were humbling, encouraging, and professionally beneficial.” – John Wesley Reid
Throughout their ten-month stay, the fellows embarked on a fascinating journey across Hungary, immersing themselves in the rich history of the country and the region. They boldly explored the abandoned labor camp in Recsk, engaged in profound discussions to enrich their understanding of Calvinism in Debrecen, and absorbed the centuries of coronation history in Székesfehérvár, they explored Lillafüred and Miskolc and the Hungarian aristocracy’s legacy in Keszthely and the ancient town of Tihany. Alongside the breathtaking countryside, they ventured to ethnic Hungarian communities in the Carpathian basin, including visits to Transylvania in Romania and Kassa in Slovakia, gaining valuable insights and experiences along the way.
“BFP offered me an unparalleled experience to discover the beauty of Hungarian literature, to understand European and world politics from a new perspective, and to engage my passion for classical piano performance in one of the pre-eminent music cities of the world. But it also enabled me to connect with my own Hungarian heritage on a deeper level than I ever imagined.” – James Carrabino
The participants fully embraced Hungarian culture during their time in the program. The program provided many opportunities for cultural immersion, such as working lunches, film screenings, language sessions, book discussions, and site visits. In addition, the participants took part in seminars on political theory, legal development, foreign policy, and Hungarian history to gain a deeper understanding of Hungary.To further deepen their understanding of Hungary, the Fellows actively engaged in seminars on political theory, legal development, foreign policy, and Hungarian history.
“The support I had helped and encouraged me to gain a footing in the publishing world. My colleagues helped me take things more in stride, focus more on my literary analysis talent, and experience Hungary from a more experienced perspective.” – Paul Moran
The active participation of the Fellows in the thought-sharing and educational initiatives of the Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC) was a crucial component of their program. Through their involvement in open discussions and teaching assignments, they expanded their understanding of Hungarian intellectual and cultural life, significantly contributing to MCC’s achievement of its objectives.broadened their knowledge of Hungarian intellectual and cultural life, which greatly aided MCC in accomplishing its objective.
In conclusion, BFP Fellows experienced a uniquely transformative 10 months that, in addition to its academic foundation, delved deeply into the local and regional culture, politics, and history. While they did not forsake traditional publications, dynamic forms of thought exchange such as podcasts, lectures, and seminars revitalized their time spent here.10 months, which other than its academic base, reached far into local and regional culture, politics and history. While they didn’t abandon conventional publications, dynamic forms of thought exchange like podcasts, lectures, and seminars invigorated their time spent here.
“The Budapest Fellowship Program was a very enriching experience and I am grateful for all the valuable opportunities that it afforded me. I will remember my time ar the Danube Institute as a remarkable time of professional and personal growth.” – Meg Hansen
Thank you to the all Budapest Fellowship Program Mentors, host institutions, and partners for making this year a valuable learning experience for the fellows. .
