Főcím

Professor Kurt A. Stahura, PhD, came from New York state to the Károly Róbert Campus in Gyöngyös for the Spring semester. In the interview with him, he told us what courses the students will be able to meet him, shared his first impressions of Hungary and also revealed why he chose this country and this region.

​​​​​Why did you decide to choose this university, this city (Gyöngyös)?
Dr. Kurt A. Stahura: I have a good friend in New York state who is a medical doctor. He was raised in Gyöngyös. He is aware of my academic research. He was a childhood friend of a scholar who shares my academic interest in tourism - Dr. Bujdosó Zoltán. I will be working with graduate students on their research projects and teaching classes at this campus. Károly Róbert Campus of MATE has scholars that I look forward to working with and they are strong in the area of tourism research as well.

In which subjects will the students be able to meet you?
Dr. Kurt A. Stahura: I will teach courses in tourism. I will also give lectures to PhD students in tourism, business, and education. I will be giving lectures in Gyöngyös and Gödöllő.

What is your favorite subject you teach and why?
Dr. Kurt A. Stahura: I enjoy History, tourism, business and education. There are many common themes across all of these subjects. One’s education is a mosaic with pieces that draw from many disciplines. All of these disciplines change, evolve and overlap.

What are your impressions of Hungary?
Dr. Kurt A. Stahura: I really enjoy Hungary. There is a rich history here and the people are proud of their heritage. They should be. The people in Hungary are very welcoming and kind.

My grandparents moved to the United States from Southern Poland. The cultures have similarities and parallel histories as the Austo-Hungarian empire used to include that area of Poland. My grandmother used to make soups and prepare foods that have a familiar tastes when I eat here.

What would you take away from the American education system? Is it different from Hungarian?
Dr. Kurt A. Stahura: The American education system has changed over the course of my lifetime and my time in higher education. Computers and the internet have changed the system. On-line classes have changed the system. Facebook and online platforms have changed the way our minds process information. AI is going to change the system even more looking ahead.

There are similarities and differences between the US and Hungarian systems. I talk about this with scholars from this country. I think countries throughout the world including the US and Hungary are trying to figure out how to best prepare young people for the rapidly changing world.

As far as I can see, you have given lectures in other European countries. During your career, which country was the most interesting where you taught? Why?
Dr. Kurt A. Stahura: I have given lectures in different countries in Europe and Asia. Each of the countries have been interesting in their own way. Spain, Ukraine, Netherlands, Germany, Greece, Vietnam, Singapore etc. I like to read about history and both Europe and Asia have so much that they have contributed to the world. I am fascinated by geopolitics and the whole world is trying to figure out their place and role in the changing landscape.