Land of learning, reading reaps rich rewards in cultural achievements

Hungary's citizens enjoy reading immensely - so much so that it is universally perceived as a revered activity throughout society.

With an average reading level of 50 books per person annually, Hungary's reading per capita ranks No 2 in the world, next only to the Israelis, who are famous for their fondness of reading.

Hungary has nearly 20,000 libraries. So in a country with a population of only 10 million, 500 people on average can theoretically access a local library.

Naturally, a nation that so advocates reading and learning will reap rich dividends.

To date, the country has celebrated 14 Nobel laureates who are Hungarians or have strong relationships with Hungary. Their fields span physics, chemistry, medicine, economics, literature, peace and many other disciplines - more than enough for a small nation to be proud about.

The country's scientific and technological achievements have won world acclaim. It has been said that a diploma acquired there is recognized internationally because of the superiority and the integrity of the education system.

A landmark law for universal education of all citizens - passed in 1868 by the parliament, two years earlier than Britain - is known locally as the "brilliant" compulsory education system.

Compulsory education in Hungary lasts 12 years, resulting in more than 98 percent of the population finishing basic education, and about 67 percent of the workforce completing specialist technical training or a variety of vocational education.

In addition, many young people have mastered foreign languages including English, German and French.

Due to its high quality of teaching and achievements in the fields of science and technology, Hungary is now one of the most popular EU countries for students for further studies.

The education levels in dentistry, nursing, cardiac surgery and veterinary medicine are world class, and the medical education system in Hungary is also renowned throughout Europe, drawing many foreign students to conduct their studies there.

In addition, engineering and business studies in Hungary have a first-rate reputation.

Moreover, students in Hungary enjoy many opportunities to exchange with EU institutions, which has laid a solid foundation for their future careers.

China and Hungary have had close cooperation in the fields of culture and education for a long time. Early in 1997, the countries signed an agreement on mutual recognition of academic degrees and diplomas.

In 2006, the first Confucius Institute in Hungary - the Confucius Institute at Eotvos Lor��nd University - was founded. Later, another three Confucius Institutes were established in Hungary.

Among them, the Confucius Institute for Traditional Chinese Medicine at Pecs University was the first Confucius school of traditional Chinese medicine in Europe.

Its establishment is widely seen to have strengthened bilateral exchanges and cooperation in the field of traditional Chinese medicine, and helped Hungarians learn Chinese and Chinese culture.

Founded in 1367, Pecs University was the first university in Hungary and it is also one of the oldest universities in Europe.

Bodis Jozsef, president of Pecs University, recently expressed gratitude for the support of the two governments in establishing the Confucius College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Hungary.

He said that it would help enhance China's friendship with Hungary and promote the development of bilateral relations.

(China Daily 11/28/2017 page19)