Introduction
I am Ádám P., a fourth-year PhD student and a CEA UM junior researcher. I come from Slovakia, and my alma mater is Charles University in Prague, where I studied law.
How was the application process?
The application process was simple and smooth. The CEA UM staff stayed in contact with us throughout, and whenever any questions or difficulties arose, they responded quickly and helpfully.
How did the move go?
Since my hometown in Slovakia is relatively close to Budapest and has good connections to the Hungarian capital, my move wasn’t a traditional one. On the first day, I arrived with just a suitcase, knowing that if I needed anything later, I could easily bring it with me on my next trip home.
Where do you see yourself in a few years, and how does the CEA UM help you on that path?
For a long time, I have planned that after completing my doctoral studies, I want to continue my professional career partly in practice and partly in academia. I believe that this dual approach is what truly helps to understand and grasp how law functions both in everyday life and in theory. However, to achieve the goals set by one’s dreams, diligence, knowledge, and the right connections are also necessary. The CEA UM Junior Programme (together with the University of Miskolc doctoral programme) offers outstanding opportunities to acquire the latter two—later I will explain in more detail how. Diligence and perseverance, however, always depend on us.
Was there anything you worried about before you came?
Since I am coming from a nearby country, speak Hungarian, and was already familiar with Budapest and Hungary, I didn’t have any major concerns. Of course, when entering a new environment, there is always some uncertainty, mainly regarding how well you’ll be able to fit in and perform in the new surroundings. In my case, these concerns quickly faded, thanks to the friendly atmosphere and the helpfulness of my colleagues.
If someone new joins us, we all do our best to make their integration as smooth as possible, whether it’s regarding work, bureaucracy, or even everyday matters, even if they are not familiar with the country or the language – we know from our own experience what kind of help might be needed.
What is everyday life like at the academy?
The relationship with colleagues and other interns is very direct and friendly. On one hand, this is great because when you arrive, you’re among friends. However, it’s important to also ensure that, alongside the casual conversations, we dedicate enough time to completing our tasks.
How much does the CEA UM support you professionally?
As a fourth-year PhD student, I have already met numerous other doctoral candidates, giving me a good perspective on the outstanding conditions that the CEA UM provides its junior researchers compared to other universities. The CEA UM itself hosts countless prestigious events, regularly attended by renowned academics from countries across the Central European region. These events provide excellent opportunities to build connections with these professionals, as well as to receive advice and support from them.
The CEA UM provides each intern with a separate financial support framework for professional development, which far exceeds the opportunities typically available at other universities. We have the possibility to attend numerous domestic and international conferences, which doctoral students can choose according to their individual interests. In addition, the CEA UM offers financial support for summer schools and even LLM studies. For example, I obtained my LLM degree at Tilburg University in the Netherlands with the support of the CEA UM.
In cooperation with the University of Miskolc, the CEA UM also runs its own LLM programmes—for example, in children’s rights and human rights—which are available tuition-free. The CEA UM also includes CEA Publishing, which operates several academic journals and publishes numerous, primarily comparative and gap-filling, books each year. These resources are, of course, accessible to interns as well, significantly supporting their professional development. Additionally, there is a separate budget for purchasing books, and we gain access to numerous academic databases.
What other opportunities does CEA UM offer?
In addition, the CEA UM organises numerous travel-based programmes for doctoral students, offering outstanding opportunities for both professional and personal development. We have already visited the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, the International Criminal Court in The Hague, as well as attended various conferences in Germany, Slovakia, Poland, and Croatia. This range continues to expand every year, as we can explore new locations and institutions, providing an even broader perspective on our profession. For example, this year we plan to visit the Court of Justice of the European Union in Luxembourg and attend a conference in the Czech Republic. It is important to note that, alongside these organised programmes, interns can also choose additional events they wish to attend. Furthermore, the CEA UM provides free language courses for its interns.
What is it like to live in Budapest?
Budapest is a fantastic large city with all its inherent features. It’s beautiful, vibrant, sometimes chaotic, and full of interesting programs. The public transport system is great, and there are excellent connections to almost anywhere. We interns also often meet up in the city outside of work hours or go on trips together, strengthening our sense of community.
Who would you recommend the CEA UM programme to?
If you enjoy self-improvement, like the international environment, are interested in the academic sphere, enjoy writing (you’ll do a lot of it), and want to get to know many new places and people, this is the place for you!
Isn’t it a disadvantage that the Academy is so young?
What matters is not how young it is, but the reputation it holds. Clearly, building such an image takes time. Over the past three years, the CEA UM has undergone tremendous development, with its staff and programme portfolio multiplying several times, and it continues to evolve. This brings a great deal of work and challenges, but it is the only way to become truly well-known and respected.
What has been your best experience so far at the CEA UM?
The summer universities and the LLM program have enriched me with exceptional professional knowledge. However, I don’t like to highlight specific events or moments, because that would overshadow the others, and numerous valuable experiences would be lost that way.
What message do you have for future juniors?
If you’ve found yourself in the answer three questions above, don’t hesitate to apply – you won’t regret it!
Ádám (SK)
