by Farah Rasmi, CERES MA Candidate, Class of 2019

Professor Robert Austin selected a group of six M.A. students for a unique and enriching experience to conduct research in Budapest, Hungary. The group included Athanasios Kipouros, Anna Herran, Olivia Klasios, Emily Lalande, Silviu Kondan, and Farah Rasmi. This opportunity was the field research component of his course on Hungary made possible thanks to the generous support and guidance of Tom and Irene Mihalik. After extensive preparation, the students met Prof. Austin in Budapest in December 2017 to conduct a series of interviews and meetings with various stakeholders from a wide array of professional backgrounds.

Immersed in the culture and history of the city, all of the students were given an opportunity to meet some of the most influential individuals in their fields of interest. “I found the group interviews very helpful for the general knowledge and connections they provided, but still liked the high degree of freedom we had to arrange our own interviews,” said Athanasios. His project on the effect of the national railway and its history on Hungarian nationalism took him beyond Budapest to the city of Gyor, where he met Mr. Bela Mohacsi of Raba Axle, an expert in the field and history of heavy manufacturing in Hungary. Athanasios also met with Dr. Peter Bodrogi at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, whose office was “practically a museum” thanks to the many artifacts he had collected over the years.

Olivia and Emily’s research topics evolved around the representation of women in the Hungarian parliament. Meeting Mrs. Marta Demeter, a member of parliament, was a particular highlight for them. “It was so fascinating to be able to talk to a parliamentarian!” said Emily. They were also inspired by the work of Aniko Gregor at Eötvös Lorand University, who helped start one of the first homegrown Women’s Studies program in Hungarian Universities.

At any point that week, crossing Kossuth Square meant that students were most likely run into Anna. Her research on the relationship between monuments and nationalism, and the reconstruction of the Square led her to Tamás Wachsler. As the architect in charge of the reconstruction of the Kossuth Square, Mr. Wachsler provided Anna with priceless information for her research. She thus got to see “some of the plans he designed for this restoration, as well as some older pictures, which [she] had never seen before.”

By meeting over ten stakeholders for his research on brain drain and immigration from Hungary, Silviu was able to “develop a sincere appreciation for the work that they do and for Hungary’s exceptional role in the European region.” Among the people he interviewed were Mr. Jon Hoisaeter from the UNHCR Deputy Representative for Central Europe, Dr. Gergely Bodnar working in the Prime Minister’s Office on Citizenship Affairs, and Andras Kovats, the Director of Menedek – Hungarian Association for Migrants.

As part of her research on the effect of the refugee crisis on the Jewish community of Budapest, Farah got to interview Mr. Andras Heisler, the president of the Jewish Federation of Hungary, Mazsihisz. His input on the situation in Hungary was both enlightening and indispensable to her work. She was further amazed by the work and knowledge shared with her by Mr. Bulcsu Hunyadi of Political Capital on radicalism and extremism in the country.

Most inspiring, however, were the group visit to and private tour of the Parliament with Prof. Austin and Mr. and Mrs. Mihalik. As a group, the students met with Mr. Eugene Megyesy, advisor to Prime Minister Viktor Orban, and got to deepen their knowledge of the current political state of Hungary.

A wonderful mix of culture and academia, this visit was highlighted by the Christmas market and visits to the many historical sites around Budapest. Thanks to Professor Robert Austin and Mr. and Mrs. Mihalik, the students were all able to experience the true beauty of Central Europe, some for the first time ever. Running around the city, meeting, interviewing, and dining with inspirational individuals, this week will forever be remembered and cherished by the students both personally and professionally.