University of Sarajevo Hosts 95 Participants from 19 Countries at the 15th International Staff Training Week

The University of Sarajevo successfully organised the 15th International Staff Training Week from 18 to 22 May 2026, bringing together 95 participants from 59 higher education institutions across 19 countries. Through workshops, presentations, study visits, and intercultural activities, the event strengthened international cooperation and promoted the exchange of good practices in higher education and Erasmus+ mobility.

The International Relations Office of the University of Sarajevo successfully organised the 15th International Staff Training Week from 18 to 22 May 2026. This year’s edition was held in cooperation with two parallel international events: the Fifth International Social Sciences Week organised by the Faculty of Political Sciences and the Third International Teaching Staff Week organised by the School of Economics and Business of the University of Sarajevo.

Over the course of five days, the University of Sarajevo welcomed 95 participants representing 59 higher education institutions from 19 countries. The event brought together international relations professionals, administrative staff, and academics with the aim of exchanging experiences, developing international cooperation, and strengthening partnerships through Erasmus+ and other international initiatives.

Contact

EUPeace @ University of Sarajevo

eupeace@unsa.ba

Growing International Participation and Global Reach

Participants travelled to Sarajevo from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Türkiye, highlighting the growing international reach and attractiveness of the University of Sarajevo as a partner institution.

The week officially began with the opening of the exhibition “Erasmus España – Bosnia and Herzegovina: A Journey through Culture and Creativity”, organised by the International Relations Office in cooperation with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The opening ceremony featured addresses by H.E. María Molina Álvarez de Toledo, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Prof. Dr. Kemal Durić, Vice-Rector for International Relations, and Prof. Dr. Tarik Zaimović, Rector of the University of Sarajevo. The speakers highlighted the importance of long-standing academic and cultural cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Spain, particularly through Erasmus+ mobility programmes and joint projects.

The academic programme commenced with presentations introducing participants to Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the internationalisation strategy of the University of Sarajevo. The aim was not only to present institutional achievements but also to provide international guests with a deeper understanding of the country’s history, culture, and identity.

Knowledge Exchange Through Workshops and Collaborative Activities

A special component of the programme included a visit to the “Džemal Bijedić” University of Mostar, where participants joined activities within its international week. This joint initiative provided opportunities to explore international projects, strengthen inter-university cooperation, and discover the cultural heritage of Mostar.

One of the highlights of the week was the workshop “Mastering Erasmus+ at the University of Sarajevo + Erasmus Gone Wrong”, delivered by Adnan Rahimić. Through interactive discussions and group exercises, participants examined common challenges in implementing international mobility programmes and shared innovative approaches for overcoming them. Additional sessions featured presentations from the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen and the University of Granada, focusing on international summer schools and Erasmus+ promotion strategies.

The programme also addressed important topics such as inclusion, accessibility, and internationalisation at home. Participants learned more about the European University Alliance EUPeace through a presentation by Prof. Dr. Mirzana Pašić Kodrić and her students. Further discussions explored diversity, support mechanisms for students with fewer opportunities, and examples of inclusive practices shared by colleagues from Freie Universität Berlin, Riga Technical University, and other partner institutions.

The final day focused on future cooperation opportunities, particularly through Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs), the use of artificial intelligence in international relations offices, and strategies for increasing participation in international mobility programmes. The event concluded with the exchange of experiences, networking activities, and discussions on future joint projects and partnerships.

By bringing together representatives of 59 institutions from across Europe and beyond, the 15th International Staff Training Week once again demonstrated the University of Sarajevo’s commitment to internationalisation, intercultural dialogue, and academic cooperation. The event further strengthened the University’s position as a recognised regional hub for international collaboration and an active contributor to the European Higher Education Area.