The University of Miami School of Law and Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary have embarked on an exciting initiative through their new Erasmus+ Mobility agreement. The Erasmus+ is the European Commission's program to support education and training in Europe. The collaboration reinforces Miami Law's focus on international law and opens valuable opportunities for faculty exchanges, allowing professors from both institutions to visit one another, share their expertise through lectures, and actively engage with different academic communities.
At the beginning of the fall 2024 semester, Professor Gabor Erdos from ELTE and Paula Arias, Miami Law's International Moot Court Program director, participated in the innovative exchange program. During Erdos' visit to Miami, he taught a course on international contract law and mentored moot court students. He delivered a thought-provoking public lecture on international private law from the European Union perspective.
Following his visit, Arias traveled to ELTE during the fall break, where she co-taught a course titled "Practicing International Arbitration" alongside Erdos, delivered lectures on the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods, and presented her research on U.S. consumer arbitration in an open lecture. Her trip also allowed her to connect with fellow Colombian lawyers living in Hungary, enhancing her role as president of the Colombian American Bar Association, and her engagement with the Colombian community in the U.S.
"Spending a week in Budapest teaching subjects I am passionate about was truly a transformative experience," said Arias. "Immersing myself in a different academic environment, with its unique student culture and perspectives, broadened my own understanding and approach to teaching. The intellectual curiosity and engagement of the students, particularly their eagerness to learn about the USA and Latin American perspectives, was incredibly rewarding and inspiring."
The Erasmus Program aims to foster deeper collaboration between the University of Miami and ELTE by encouraging joint research and publication opportunities. Through collaborative scholarly projects, faculty members contribute to global discussions on significant legal issues, integrating insights from both American and European viewpoints.
Moreover, the agreement facilitated the arrival of ELTE Ph.D. student Robert Szalay to Miami in August. During his stay, Szalay engaged closely with the University of Miami faculty to advance his research on competition law and state aid. Such exchanges enhance academic collaboration and enrich both institutions' educational experiences, reinforcing international connections in legal education. Professors and students benefit from exposure to diverse teaching methodologies and learning environments by promoting cross-cultural exchanges.
"The Erasmus program truly embodies the spirit of cultural exchange," said Arias. "It not only broadened my perspective on legal education, but also ignited a deeper appreciation for Hungary's rich history and its place within the broader European context."
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