Thirty Years of English Teacher Training in Berehove (1994-2024)

This article provides a detailed historical overview of the development and evolution of the English language teacher training program at the Ferenc Rákóczi II Transcarpathian Hungarian College of Higher Education in Berehove, Ukraine, spanning from its establishment in the mid-1990s to the present day. The primary goal of this study is to document the implementation and development of the initial program and new proposals, analyse their adaptation to changing educational needs, and highlight the commitment to fostering student talent and research. Employing a chronological narrative, supplemented by an analysis of departmental records, the article traces the program's progression from its initial affiliation with a Hungarian institution to its current status as a provider of comprehensive bachelor's and master's degrees in English philology. It examines key milestones, including the introduction of new specializations, the discontinuation of others due to ministerial directives, and the implementation of programs tailored to meet the region's evolving educational needs, such as primary school English teacher training. A significant focus is placed on the college's dedication to nurturing student research through initiatives like the Ilona Zrínyi Transcarpathian Hungarian Specialized Course, designed to cultivate gifted students, and the organization of annual scientific student conferences. Furthermore, the article highlights the program's efforts to facilitate student mobility through international exchange programs and participation in national and international competitions, demonstrating its commitment to aligning with European higher education standards. The underlying implications of this study lie in its demonstration of the resilience and adaptability of a minority language higher education institution operating within a modern geopolitical context. It underscores the importance of fostering student research, international collaboration, and continuous adaptation to educational reforms in enhancing educational quality and developing highly qualified English language professionals for the region