EÉTK Showcased Its Expertise on Five Fronts at EFYE 2026

The University of Szeged Student Counseling and Support Centre (EÉTK) and the Special Needs Support Office (SANSZ) contributed to the conference through five professional presentations and posters, showcasing innovative approaches to student support, inclusion, mental health, and retention.

International Collaboration Begins Before the Conference

Prior to the official opening of EFYE 2026, the Student Counseling and Support Centre welcomed a distinguished delegation from the University of Antwerp for a professional exchange and study visit.

We were honoured to host:

• Hilde Janssens – Coordinator, Unit Guidance for Students & Study Advice

• Eva Goethals – Student Counsellor

• Antje Simon – Student Counsellor

• Femme Swinnen – Coordinator, Information & Communication Team, Student Services and Affairs

• Samantha Brunt – Diversity & Inclusion Policy Advisor

• Yana Shokh – Diversity & Inclusion Policy Advisor

• Evelyne Mancel – Staff Member, Study Career Guidance

The meeting provided an excellent opportunity to exchange experiences on student counselling, mentoring, diversity and inclusion, student well-being, and institutional support services. Although time was limited, the discussions highlighted many shared challenges and promising practices, laying the foundation for future collaboration between our institutions.

“Should I Stay or Should I Go?” – Supporting Students in Critical Decisions

Edit Anna Garab and Gréta Pipicz presented the University of Szeged’s Life-Management Test, a structured assessment tool developed to support students experiencing uncertainty about their academic pathway. The presentation demonstrated how the instrument helps students reflect on motivation, persistence, satisfaction, and personal direction while supporting counselling interventions and informed decision-making.

Understanding the Invisible Load Behind Student Success

Judit Tessényi and Gréta Pipicz presented the poster “Roots, Wings and the Invisible Load: Understanding First-Year Students’ Well-Being in Transition.” Based on counselling data and student well-being assessments, the poster explored the hidden academic, emotional, and social burdens carried by first-year students and translated these findings into practical retention and support strategies.

Making Invisible Struggles Visible

Éva Nagygyörgy’s presentation, “Invisible Struggles, Visible Success: An Institutional Response Supporting First-Year Students with Disabilities,” highlighted the integrated support model developed by the University of Szeged. Through practical examples and institutional data, the session demonstrated how early intervention, coordinated support, and inclusive practices can strengthen belonging and reduce attrition among students with disabilities.

Peer Support as a Bridge to Well-Being

Levente Molnár introduced the KortársAid Peer Support Programme through their presentation “KortársAID – Peer Support Group, Aiming for the Well-being of Students.” The session showcased how trained peer supporters help students build trust, access support services, strengthen resilience, and develop a sense of community during their transition to university life.

Juggling for Success

Ágost Jeddi’s poster, “Juggling for Success: Innovative Movement-Based Support for First-Year Students with Special Needs,” presented a unique movement-based intervention designed primarily for students with ADHD and learning disabilities. The programme combines skill development, concentration training, community building, and well-being promotion through structured juggling activities, offering an innovative and transferable model of inclusive student support.

Sharing Good Practices with the International Community

The contributions of EÉTK and SANSZ demonstrated the University of Szeged’s commitment to student-centred support, inclusion, mental health promotion, and evidence-based retention practices. From disability support and counselling interventions to peer mentoring and innovative skill-development programmes, the showcased initiatives attracted considerable international interest and generated valuable professional dialogue.

We would like to congratulate all presenters, poster authors, volunteers, and contributors who represented the University of Szeged throughout the conference. Their work clearly demonstrates the institution’s ongoing commitment to supporting students not only academically, but also personally and socially during one of the most critical periods of their educational journey.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to the EFYE 2026 Organising Committee, the Directorate for Academic Affairs of the University of Szeged, and all conference volunteers for delivering an inspiring, welcoming, and professionally outstanding international event. The conference provided a unique platform for learning, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas that will undoubtedly continue to shape first-year student support practices across Europe.

We look forward to meeting our colleagues again at future EFYE conferences and continuing the conversations that began in Szeged.