Developing Global Competencies in Minority Education in Transylvania: An Impact Assessment of the Gimi2US Academic Mobility Model

Type of Abstract (select): Individual Presentation

Abstract (max. 250 words):
Introduction: Transatlantic educational and cultural exchange programs strengthen intercultural dialogue and foster pedagogical innovation, especially within Hungarian minority education in Transylvania. Launched in 2024, the Gimi2US model serves this mission by providing Hungarian high school students from Transylvania with an intensive, experience-
based academic immersion in the United States. The program enhances students’ linguistic competence, global awareness, and cultural sensitivity, while reinforcing their personal and community identity.
Method: In spring 2025, 26 students from Székelyudvarhely and Marosvásárhely participated in
a two-week academic mobility program. Educational modules were hosted by partner institutions in Indiana, including the University of Evansville, North High School, Evansville Day School, and Reitz Memorial High School. Students attended U.S. high school and university classes, workshops, and community activities, and lived with host families for full cultural immersion. The impact assessment used a structured quantitative questionnaire and small-group qualitative interviews.
Results: Overall, 89% of participants reported increased English communication confidence,
82% experienced the U.S. creative and participatory learning environment as entirely new. Moreover, 68% expressed a stronger motivation to pursue future international studies. The program reinforced attachment to the Hungarian community in Transylvania, with most intending to use their international experience to contribute to the development of their home region. Qualitative interviews included statements such as, “The world feels much more accessible to me now.”
Conclusion: The Gimi2US model shows that well-structured educational mobility programs effectively develop global competencies, reinforce minority identity, attachment to the homeland, and contribute to nurturing future leaders who are both internationally minded and deeply connected to their Transylvanian roots.


Brief Professional Bio (max. 100 words):
Anna Gergely is a globally minded educator and business owner in Indiana, originally from Transylvania. She serves as co-president of EduMed LLC and is the co-founder of Gimi2US, a Hungarian–American educational and cultural exchange initiative designed for high school students in the US, Transylvania, and Hungary. She holds a B.S. in Global Business and an Executive MBA from the University of Evansville. Anna began her international education career at the Institute for Global Enterprise at the University of Evansville and continued at Evansville Day School, where she served as Marketing and Auxiliary Revenue Director, chaired the Global Languages Department, and led a range of international educational projects. gergelyanna20@gmail.com

Sidonia Nicolae, B.S. HR Management, M.S. Psychology, was born in Bucharest and spent much of her adult life in Transylvania and Budapest. She has been appointed by the Hungarian government as the Honorary Consul of Hungary for Indiana. She has extensive experience in human resource management in the Clinical Research industry, and she is experienced in the field of positive psychology. She has conducted workshops in mental health for the hispanic population of Indianapolis. She is an advocate for children dedicated to the welfare of children in foster care. sidoniani@yahoo.com

Dr. Istvan Gergely, MD, PhD, MSc, is an orthopaedic surgeon with over 25 years of expertise in hip and knee arthroplasty, combining clinical excellence with academic leadership. A Senior Researcher at Indiana University School of Medicine and surgeon at RMH and MotionMed Institute, he holds an MD and PhD from Medical School Marosvasarhely and a Master’s in Health Service Management. He has served as Vice Chair of Orthopaedic Department, Director of Romania’s Regional National Arthroplasty Program, and leader of the Mureș County Bone Bank. An active educator and mentor, co-founder of Gimi2US initiative, he now also serves as President of the Hungarian Medical Association of America – Transylvanian Chapter. igergely@iu.edu