International Week 2026 in Budapest: Leading Across Cultures

From Monday 22 June to Friday 26 June 2026, MaastrichtMBA participants will gather in the vibrant city of Budapest for the first international week of the year. Hosted by our long-standing partner, Corvinus University of Budapest, this immersive experience forms part of the Responsible Leadership elective under the theme Perspectives on Responsible Leadership.

A week designed for impactful leadership

This international week is crafted to challenge and inspire participants to rethink leadership in a rapidly evolving global context. Through a mix of academic sessions, experiential learning, and real-world exposure, students will explore how responsible leadership translates into practice. The week culminates in group projects, where participants apply newly acquired insights to contemporary leadership challenges and present their outcomes.

A strong and enduring partnership

The collaboration between Maastricht University School of Business and Economics and Corvinus University reflects a long-standing academic partnership rooted in international exchange and shared educational values. Over the years, this relationship has evolved into a dynamic platform for joint learning experiences such as this international week.

Learning in an inspiring environment

Participants will be welcomed at Corvinus’ state-of-the-art Gellért Campus, one of Hungary’s most sustainable academic buildings. With panoramic views across the city, modern hybrid learning facilities, and dedicated collaborative spaces, the campus provides an ideal setting for interactive workshops, team assignments, and reflection.

 

A highlight of the social programme is a midweek networking evening on the rooftop terrace, offering participants the opportunity to connect while discovering Hungary’s rich wine culture.

Programme highlights

The 2026 edition brings together a carefully curated set of learning experiences:

 

  • Decision-Making for Executive Leadership (FLIGBY)
    Led by Zoltán Buzády, this flagship module focuses on discovering personal leadership effectiveness through the concept of Flow, helping participants align performance with purpose.
  • Workshop: Gender and Leadership in Central and Eastern Europe
    An interactive session exploring regional perspectives, diversity challenges, and inclusive leadership practices.
  • Case Competition: Leadership in M&A Contexts
    Participants will tackle real-life merger scenarios, analysing complex decision-making processes within a Central European business environment.
  • Company Visits
    Students will gain firsthand insights into leadership across different organisational contexts, including:
    Zwack Unicum – a historic company shaped by resilience through political and economic change
    Jókenyér – a modern family business with a strong focus on people-centred leadership
    Ízlelő Restaurant – a unique initiative promoting inclusion through meaningful employment

Skills for the responsible leader

Throughout the week, participants will strengthen key leadership capabilities, including critical self-reflection, complex problem-solving, and intercultural communication. Exposure to the Central and Eastern European context provides fresh perspectives that challenge assumptions and enhance adaptability.

A city that inspires

Beyond the classroom, Budapest offers a rich cultural and historical backdrop. Participants are encouraged to explore iconic landmarks such as:

  • Castle District: Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church
  • Hungarian Parliament Building
  • St. Stephen’s Basilica
  • Shoes on the Danube Bank
  • Széchenyi Lánchíd
  • Heroes’ Square

A final word

This international week is more than an academic module, it is an opportunity to step outside familiar frameworks, engage with new perspectives, and further shape your identity as a responsible leader. Come prepared to question, to reflect, and to grow.

 

 

This article presents a preview of the elective week on Perspectives on Responsible Leadership at Corvinus University, Budapest, Hongary. This elective module of our Responsible Leadership elective is part of the executive modular part-time MaastrichtMBA programme. The programme has a Triple Crown accreditation and is aimed for professionals with at least 5 years of working experience.