A Different Way of Thinking: Corvinus MBA Students Reflect on Their Warsaw Study Trip
Bringing together participants from different universities, academic disciplines, and cultural backgrounds, the program created a truly international learning environment where students gained new perspectives, explored diverse approaches to research and management, and learned from both one another and distinguished faculty members. In addition to Corvinus’s diverse MBA cohort, the program also welcomed students from universities in Poland, Lithuania, and Vietnam.
The programme combined the Forum of Economic Ideas, interactive workshops, academic discussions, and an industry presentation by Budimex, offering a well-balanced mix of theory and practice. Throughout the week, participants explored qualitative and quantitative research methods, systematic literature reviews, artificial intelligence in research, sustainable innovation, responsible management, and cross-cultural leadership. Although each session focused on a different topic, they all pointed toward a common conclusion: better decisions emerge when analytical thinking is combined with curiosity, ethical responsibility, and openness to different perspectives.
One of the highlights of the programme was the Forum of Economic Ideas, where participants examined how organisations respond to today’s increasingly complex business environment. Discussions on cross-cultural reputation demonstrated how concepts such as dignity, honour, and face continue to influence leadership and communication across societies.
The forum also featured a session by Corvinus professor Miklós Kozma, Business Models Under Tension: Digitalisation, ESG, and the Art of Scaling Responsibly. Drawing on themes such as digital efficiency, institutional pressure, and stakeholder visibility, the session explored how organisations are increasingly expected not only to grow, but to grow responsibly. One message resonated strongly with many participants: while companies may shift the costs of growth to labour, nature, data, or time, they cannot eliminate them. The discussion challenged students to look beyond the simple promise of “digitalise, scale, win” and consider the long-term consequences of managerial decisions.
For Corvinus MBA student Kariev Kubanychbek, the international setting was among the most valuable aspects of the experience.
“The trip challenged me to rethink familiar business problems through different cultural perspectives. It reminded me that some of the strongest ideas emerge when we are willing to listen to people whose experiences and assumptions differ from our own.”
Learning continued well beyond the classroom. Exploring Warsaw together, continuing conversations after workshops, and discovering the city’s history and culture provided opportunities for participants to engage with one another in a more informal setting. Whether walking through the Old Town, sharing dinner after a full day of sessions, or reflecting on the day’s discussions, students found that some of the most meaningful learning occurred through conversation, cultural exchange, and shared experiences. These moments strengthened friendships, expanded professional networks, and deepened mutual understanding across cultures.
Reflecting on the themes of innovation and responsibility that shaped many of the discussions, Corvinus MBA student Saadeh Haya Monther noted:
“What I valued most was seeing how growth, innovation, and sustainability can be discussed together rather than as competing priorities. The experience reinforced that responsible leadership means understanding the broader impact of our decisions and being prepared to learn continuously from different perspectives.”
For participants, the Warsaw Study Trip offered far more than new academic knowledge. It strengthened their confidence in discussing complex topics, reinforced the value of collaboration across cultures and disciplines, and demonstrated how research, innovation, and intercultural understanding complement one another. It also encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones, adapt to a new academic environment, and see familiar business challenges from fresh perspectives.
Looking back, many students agreed that the greatest takeaway from Warsaw was not a single lecture or workshop, but a different way of thinking. Throughout the week, participants were encouraged to question assumptions, listen to diverse perspectives, and connect research with real-world challenges. They returned to Budapest with new knowledge, stronger professional networks, lasting friendships, and a deeper appreciation that effective leadership is built not only on expertise, but also on curiosity, collaboration, and a willingness to keep learning from others.
The experience also reflected a broader characteristic of the Corvinus MBA: learning that extends beyond the classroom and beyond national borders. Through international opportunities such as the Warsaw Study Trip, students are able to engage with contemporary business challenges, exchange ideas with peers from different backgrounds, and develop the global perspective increasingly required of responsible leaders.