Interview with Dr. Renata Čuhlová - International Teaching Week

When research meets education

For many, the path to becoming a professor is paved with a desire for lifelong learning. Our guest, who specializes in business management, marketing, and international trade, views the profession as a perfect harmony between two worlds. "I chose an academic career because it allows me to combine continuous intellectual exploration with sharing knowledge," she explained. "I value the opportunity to engage in research and deepen my understanding of my field, while also contributing to students’ learning and development. This combination is what makes academia particularly meaningful to me."

Exploring the Nuances of Communication and Trade

The Professor’s teaching portfolio is diverse, focusing heavily on how we interact in a commercial and global sense. Her courses explore how brands communicate across different channels and how this influences consumer behaviour. Beyond marketing, she also leads a course in Intercultural Communication, which "examines how cultural differences shape communication styles, perceptions, and interactions in both business and everyday contexts." Furthermore, through an International Trade course, students gain an essential understanding of "global markets, trade relationships, and the key factors that influence international business activities."

Deep Dives and Cultural Symbols at UPFBE

During the International Teaching Week, Dr. Čuhlová focused on the intersection of these topics. The sessions were dedicated to International Marketing Communication, specifically investigating "how cultural differences influence perception of certain sales promotion and commercials symbols used in communication."

The experience was far from a one-way lecture. By incorporating interactive tasks and seminar-style discussions, the Professor was able to witness the analytical skills of our students firsthand. The lectures were interactive, with discussions that the students responded to very well. She was "pleasantly surprised by their level of interest and their ability to connect theoretical concepts with practical examples."

First Impressions of Pécs: A City of Atmosphere

While no stranger to Hungary, this was her first time in Pécs. The city’s reputation for history and culture lived up to the hype, leaving a lasting impression. She mentioned to me that “I was really pleasantly surprised by the city, it has a very unique atmosphere, combining rich history with a lively student environment". "I especially enjoyed the architecture and the relaxed vibe of the city."

About the International Teaching Week

The main focus of this event was the exchange of cultural and academic perspectives, which is invaluable. For our guest from Brno, the event was "well organized, which made it easy to focus on both teaching and engaging with colleagues."

Professor Renata told me that this week was an "excellent platform for networking" and exploring the campus environment, strengthening the ties between Masaryk University and the University of Pécs. 

Nagy Virág