24-28 October 2022
In order to promote the Erasmus programme and strengthen the networking of the University of Sarajevo with higher education institutions across Europe, the Department for International Cooperation of the University of Sarajevo organised the Eighth International Staff Training Week for foreign teaching and non-teaching staff, held from 24 to 28 October 2022.
On this occasion, the University of Sarajevo hosted representatives from 12 higher education institutions, including:
- Palacký University of Olomouc, Czech Republic
- University of Artois, France
- Catholic University of Lille, France
- University of Poitiers, France
- Philipps University of Marburg, Germany
- Saarland University, Germany
- Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Italy
- Polytechnic Institute of Beja, Portugal
- Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iași, Romania
- University of Gothenburg, Sweden
- Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakıf University, Turkey
- University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
Following the example of many European universities, the University of Sarajevo organised a series of activities aimed at promoting mobility programmes such as Erasmus+, and at increasing both incoming and outgoing international mobility of students, teaching/research, and non-teaching staff. The goal was to support professional development, academic advancement, and the acquisition of international experience.
The main topics of this year’s Staff Week addressed the challenges and obstacles that Erasmus coordinators face during the implementation of international mobility programmes. The event created a platform for discussion and exchange of opinions, experiences, and best practices on overcoming difficulties related to incoming and outgoing mobilities.
The first day (24 October) was dedicated to introducing the host country and city — Bosnia and Herzegovina and Sarajevo — as well as to presenting the University of Sarajevo, the work of the International Relations Office, and UNSA’s internationalisation programme. Afterwards, participants took part in a special UNSA cultural and educational tour, visiting several members of the University.
The tour began at the Academy of Music, where guests were welcomed by Vice Dean for International Cooperation, Prof. Dr. Amila Ramović, who presented the history of the institution and its significant role during the war, when concerts were held even under siege, preserving the spirit of the city and its people.
The visit then continued to the Faculty of Catholic Theology, where Prof. Josip Knežević, Vice Dean for Science, and Prof. Oliver Jurišić, Vice Dean for Teaching, introduced guests to the long-standing tradition of Catholic theology in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Participants also visited the Church of St. Cyril and Methodius and the Faculty Library, where M.Sc. Irena Pejić, Senior Librarian, presented the Faculty’s rich collection.
The final stop of the tour was the Faculty of Islamic Sciences, where guests were welcomed by Prof. Dr. Aid Smajić, Vice Dean for International Cooperation. The visitors were greeted with Bosnian roses and sweets, and, on the occasion of the celebration of the month of Mevlud, enjoyed a performance of ilahi by the Faculty choir. Prof. Smajić also gave a lecture about the Faculty, its history, and the place of Islam in Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The visit concluded with traditional Bosnian coffee, where guests experienced the unique symbiosis of cultures, religions, and architecture that the University of Sarajevo proudly represents.
Throughout the five-day programme, the International Relations Office facilitated participation in various presentations, seminars, and workshops, as well as networking among partners and the exchange of good practices and experiences. In addition, the event served as an excellent opportunity to promote Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina and to present the University of Sarajevo as a reliable and attractive partner for numerous international projects.
