The Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music joins the Institute of International Education’s Generation Study Abroad initiative

IIE’s Generation Study Abroad seeks to mobilize resources and commitments with the goal of doubling the number of U.S. students studying abroad by the end of the decade. Under the new partnership, the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music will take concrete, action-oriented steps to expand opportunities for study abroad.

"As president of the Liszt Academy, I regard it as my obligation not just to preserve the past and our traditions, but to find rejuvenation, a unique voice and profile."
(Dr. Andrea Vigh, President of the Liszt Academy)

As of May 2015, Generation Study Abroad partners to date include over 400 colleges and universities of all sizes and types across the country and around the world, as well as 14 governments, 25 education associations, more than 100 international partners, and 100 study abroad, K-12, and social network organizations who have committed to specific goals to increase the number of U.S. students studying abroad. Commitments include actions to diversity the population of students who participate in study abroad and provide additional financial resources to make this possible.

IIE launched Generation Study Abroad early last year in the belief that the number and proportion of today’s students who graduate with an educational experience abroad is far too low. Currently, fewer than 10 percent of all U.S. college students study abroad at some point in their academic career, according to the Open Doors Report on International and Educational Exchange published by IIE with support from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Generation Study Abroad aims to grow participation in study abroad so that the annual total reported will reach 600,000 by the end of the decade.

“Globalization has changed the way the world works, and employers are increasingly looking for workers who have international skills and expertise,” says Dr. Allan Goodman, President of IIE. “Studying abroad must be viewed as an essential component of a college degree and critical to preparing future leaders.”

About Generation Study Abroad

IIE’s Generation Study Abroad seeks to significantly increase study abroad participation by bringing employers, governments, associations, and others together to build on current best practices and find new ways to extend study abroad opportunities and resources to tens of thousands of college students whose needs are not currently served by existing programs. Generation Study Abroad will sustain an ongoing dialogue about the need for more students from all backgrounds and in all fields to gain international experience. This will include research to identify and break down barriers hindering students from studying abroad, communications to share strategies and best practices to increase study abroad, and fundraising to mobilize additional financial resources.

About the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music

The Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music in Budapest is the only music academy in the world that was founded by Franz Liszt. The piano virtuoso, composer, conductor, teacher, author and philanthropist established the institution in 1875. Very few music schools have had such an immense impact on the development of the world's musical scene as the Liszt Academy. Franz Liszt, Jenő Hubay, David Popper, Ernst von Dohnányi, Béla Bartók, Leo Weiner, Zoltán Kodály, György Ligeti or György Kurtág are all among the great professors of the Academy while Fritz Reiner and Sir Georg Solti (Chicago), Eugene Ormandy (Philadelphia) and Georg Szell (Cleveland) were among the most emblematic conductors in the United States.

The impressive list of our Honorary Faculty Members bridges genres, continents and ages. Our prestigious alumni were – and still are – beacons in every musical field, whose contributions to the world's cultural heritage are immeasurable. Education here focuses on understanding the meaning of music, mastering the instruments and the art of ensemble playing. Those who enter the Liszt Academy know that attendance involves a serious commitment to a perfectionist approach in music. Studying here means hard and disciplined work under the guidance of professors who are renowned artists, visiting professors at other illustrious universities, jury members of international competitions – for whom teaching is a passion.

Classes are conducted on a one-to-one basis and in small groups, workshops. The Liszt Academy does not strive to train students in large numbers but respects the individual needs and characteristics of each talented student. These private classes symbolize the core of our education method: establishing a close relation between student and professor to encourage professional advancement through mutual understanding and empathy. All classical instruments, singing, opera, jazz and folk music, orchestral/choral conducting, music pedagogy, composition are offered as majors on both BA and MA levels. Music pedagogy education is based on the Kodály concept; the Liszt Academy, with its Kodály Institute, is the place where the pedagogical legacy of Kodály is most authentically maintained.

Students of the Academy have the unique opportunity to visit concerts free of charge. In our unparalleled concert hall only the most acclaimed and celebrated musicians play along with the professors and students of the Academy. Only in the past few years we organized concerts with Joshua Bell, David Lang, Steve Reich, Chick Corea, Brad Mehldau, Charles Lloyd, the Emerson String Quartet, Sandra Shapiro, Malcolm Bilson, Luiz Demoura Castro and many more.

The Liszt Academy is proud of being granted the European Heritage Label in 2016. The recognition claims that the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music brings Europe’s music heritage to the forefront whilst holding true to its spirit of openness, creativity and innovation and its European and international character. It features on the European Union’s list of European Heritage sites because of the significant role it plays in the history and culture of Europe. The school is also proud of respecting cultural and racial diversity.

The Academy with its beautiful Art Noveau main building is located in the heart of Europe in the capital city of Budapest. Due to the location of our main building in the downtown area, the teeming cultural life of the city is within reach: the most famous theatres, cinemas, operas, musical theaters and museums are all offering exceptional events for those who desire to experience European culture. During the nights, Budapest has a lot to explore: the internationally recognized restaurants are the paragons of Hungarian and ethnic cuisine, while the iconic “ruin pubs” are the centers of the vibrant nightlife. While the city has a lot to offer, the cost of living in Budapest is undeniably affordable.

The city is in the close vicinity of the most remarkable cities of the region: Vienna, Prague, Venice or Krakow are only a few examples of the famous destinations one can easily visit by train. We welcome dedicated students at the Liszt Academy with a high sensitivity in music and a determined pursuit of artistic excellence.

About the Institute of International Education

The Institute of International Education is a world leader in the international exchange of people and ideas. An independent, not-for-profit organization founded in 1919, IIE has a network of 19 offices and affiliates worldwide and over 1,200 member institutions. IIE designs and implements programs of study and training for students, educators, young professionals and trainees from all sectors with funding from government agencies, foundations, and corporations. IIE also conducts policy research and program evaluations, and provides advising and counseling on international education and opportunities abroad.