Go Hoosiers! - A Bárczi visit at Indiana University
At the invitation of Professor Sarah Hurwitz (Indiana University, School of Education) and Professor Lesley Davis (former Associate Dean of the IU Maurer School of Law and current Vice President for North American Partnerships at AccessAble USA), Csilla Cserti-Szauer (Institute for General Theory of Special Needs Education) and Gréta Kövecses (International Office) had the opportunity to spend a week at the School of Education of Indiana University.
Purpose of the Visit
The primary goal of our visit was to strengthen the relationship between our institutions and faculties. We aimed to establish frameworks for student and faculty mobility as well as lay the groundwork for future research collaborations.
Academic and Community Experiences
Throughout the week, we gained valuable professional insights and also experienced student life at Indiana University. We explored the impressive campus and Bloomington’s inclusive infrastructure designed to ensure equal access.
During Professor Theresa Ochoa’s class, we participated in an interactive seminar where future general education teachers discussed the legal background of special educational needs (ADA and IDEA) and connected it to real-life classroom practices.
Institutional Visits and Professional Meetings
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Indiana Institute on Disability and Community (IIDC): With John Andresen's assistance (Assistant Research Scientist, IIDC) we were introduced to university research and service networks related to disability, ranging from early intervention to career planning and accessible recreational activities.
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Stone Belt: This institution provides rehabilitation and employment services for adults with intellectual disabilities. Together with leaders Betta DeWees and Adam Hamel, we explored innovative approaches in the field, such as their workshop producing medical support equipment where more than 50 clients are employed. Discussions also touched on the possibility of Stone Belt becoming a future internship site for Bárczi students.
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Career Fair: We attended the graduation job fair for education majors, where elementary and secondary schools across Indiana presented their educational opportunities.
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“Teaching Together” program: In conversations with Professor K. Alisa Lowrey, Professor Sarah Hurwitz, and their doctoral students, we explored the principles of participatory higher education methodologies and their potential adaptation both in Hungary and in the United States.
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ADA Coordinators' Meeting: Invited by Professor Lesley Davis, we joined the state-wide gathering of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) coordinators. The focus was on accessibility, and through roundtable discussions we had the opportunity to present the participatory teaching model and reflect on its outcomes.
Building International Partnerships
We also held bilateral meetings with colleagues from the Global Gateway for Teachers and IU’s Office of International Partnerships:
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With Laura L. Stachowski (Faculty Director, Global Gateway for Teachers), we discussed contractual frameworks for faculty and student mobility and opportunities for future collaboration.
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With Seth Walker (Director for International Partnerships), we outlined the milestones for expanding our institutional-level agreement.
Future Outlook
As a next step, we plan to invite Professors Hurwitz and Davis as guest lecturers during the spring semester of the 2025/2026 academic year. We also aim to involve them in multiple courses, both in person and through online formats.
Indiana University School of Education - 2025
Indiana University School of Education - 2025
In front of a poster presenting the international relations of Indiana University School of Education
In front of a poster presenting the international relations of Indiana University School of Education
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