The University of Sarajevo hosted the 14th International Staff Training Week from 20 to 24 October 2025, welcoming representatives of 15 higher education institutions from 10 countries. The event brought together international relations officers, administrative and teaching staff to exchange experiences, foster cooperation, and strengthen partnerships through the Erasmus+ programme and other international initiatives.
Participants came from the following universities and institutions:
- University of Graz (Austria)
- KU Leuven (Belgium)
- Palacký University Olomouc (Czech Republic)
- Mendel University in Brno (Czech Republic)
- University of Tartu (Estonia)
- University of Poitiers (France)
- University Paris 8 (France)
- Budapest Metropolitan University (Hungary)
- University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti–Pescara (Italy)
- University of Trieste (Italy)
- University of Trento (Italy)
- Vytautas Magnus University (Lithuania)
- University of Barcelona (Spain)
- Ankara University (Türkiye)
- Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University (Türkiye)
The program began with a welcome session where participants were greeted by Prof. Dr. Kemal Durić, Vice-Rector for International Relations, and the International Relations Office team. The introductory session included an overview of the history, organizational structure, and internationalization strategy of the University of Sarajevo.
Through the interactive activity “Human Bingo”, participants had the opportunity to get to know one another and build connections, followed by a crash course in the Bosnian language and a walking tour of Sarajevo, which showcased the city’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
The second day was dedicated to mobility management and practical aspects of the Erasmus+ programme. Participants were introduced to best practices in student mobility presented by the University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti–Pescara, and a presentation on Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs) by the University of Barcelona.
During the “Erasmus Gone Wrong” panel discussion on challenges in mobility logistics, participants addressed issues such as visa procedures, financial and administrative aspects, recognition of mobilities, inclusion, and green practices, followed by reflections and group discussions. The day concluded with a networking dinner and informal exchange of experiences.
The third day, focusing on “Internationalisation at Home,” explored digitalisation and inclusion practices in international education. The International Relations Office of UNSA, in cooperation with the University of Tartu, presented innovative approaches to the use of artificial intelligence in International Relations Offices, while KU Leuven shared its experiences in developing buddy systems and inclusive student practices.
Afterward, the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Sarajevo presented the KA2 CBHE project “APLE – Architecture and People Learning Europe” as an example of successful cooperation within the Erasmus+ programme. The day concluded with final preparations for the 15th UNSA Study Expo – Scholarship Fair.
On Thursday, 23 October, the Rectorate of the University of Sarajevo hosted the 15th UNSA Study Expo – Scholarship Fair, which brought together partner institutions, embassies, and organizations presenting mobility, scholarship, and international study opportunities to UNSA students and staff. The fair attracted significant attention and served as an important platform for direct interaction between the local and international academic communities.
The week concluded with a certificate ceremony and a farewell coffee, marking the end of an inspiring week filled with collaboration and learning.
The 14th International Staff Training Week once again reaffirmed the University of Sarajevo’s commitment to promoting internationalisation, intercultural dialogue, and institutional cooperation. Through workshops, networking, and joint learning, the event further strengthened international partnerships and inspired new initiatives within the Erasmus+ programme and European University Alliances framework.
