Chinese Language Course at SZE Welcomes All Ages This Autumn

Created: 2025.09.08. 12:13

Széchenyi István University is once again opening the doors to its popular Chinese language course, which invites participants of all ages to discover one of the world’s most fascinating languages. Children are introduced to Chinese through playful, interactive activities, while adults can enjoy an engaging and experiential learning journey. Applications are open until 10 September for the free autumn courses, which offer participants of all ages a gateway to a new culture.

Chinese has been taught at Széchenyi István University for more than a decade. The first groups were launched in 2012 in cooperation with the Confucius Institute, and the programme has been running ever since. From 2022 onwards, pupils from several primary and secondary schools also joined, gaining not only language knowledge – from pronunciation to basic characters – but also cultural experiences. At the end of the school year, each child even received their own Chinese name.

In recent years, visiting Chinese professors and language instructor have enriched the programme, providing an authentic learning environment. Parents sometimes joined the sessions as well, turning the course into a shared community experience. From the beginning, the University’s aim has been to strengthen its ties with China through language education, building on partnerships with more than a dozen Chinese higher education institutions.

This September marks a new stage for the initiative: alongside children’s groups, university students and adults will also be able to take part. Participants will be divided by age and language level, ensuring that beginners and advanced learners, children and adults alike, receive training tailored to their needs. Classes are taught by both Hungarian and Chinese native-speaking teachers, meaning that even those without English knowledge can join. This is particularly valuable for younger learners, who benefit from Hungarian explanations while gradually immersing themselves in the foreign language.

The teaching methods are adapted to each age group: for the youngest, practising Chinese characters often feels like drawing, while adults build up practical vocabulary useful for travel or work. “Learning Chinese is both a challenge and a joy. Our aim is to make sure the lessons are not dry but memorable experiences. Cultural immersion is also central: the courses are complemented by festivals and community events, where participants can discover Chinese traditions, customs and gastronomy. The Lunar New Year celebration was a great success, with both Hungarian and international students taking part. Our next event will be the Mid-Autumn Festival on 7 October at the Győr campus, open to the whole city and region,” said Réka Orosz-Barczi, Head of the University’s Centre for Language and Culture.

Réka Orosz-Barczi, head of Széchenyi István University’s Centre for Language and Culture, says the Chinese language course offers participants not only language skills but also cultural experiences. (Photo: András Adorján)

The programme also fits into Széchenyi István University’s internationalisation strategy, where Chinese partnerships play an important role. “China is a key strategic partner for us. It is especially important that more and more of our students and local participants gain an insight into the Chinese language and culture. The number of Chinese students at Széchenyi is growing year by year, and we aim to build a strong community here in the region,” added Ms Orosz-Barczi.

Interest in Chinese is steadily increasing: more young people are choosing it alongside English, German or French, and some are even planning to continue their studies in China with scholarships. The first lessons for the new groups will take place during the week of 15 September on the Győr campus. Participation is free of charge, and applications are open until 10 September. Further information is available by emailing nykk@sze.hu