IRO Goes Mobile

Jasmina Milovanović
Sava Popović
University of Arts in Belgrade, International Relations Office

Erasmus+ Mobility for Training at:

University of Banja Luka, Bosnia in Herzegovina

During the Training Mobility, realized in the period from 24 May to 28 May 2021, the Office of International Relations has had a fruitful working week with their counterparts at the University of Banja Luka. The following activities were successfully performed:

An introductory meeting with the Dean of the Academy of Arts prof. Dragana Purković Macan, Vice Dean for International Relations prof. Borjana Mrđa and with Erasmus + coordinator prof. Ivan Otašević. At the meeting, the Dean expressed a positive stance on the continuation of cooperation between the two institutions.

A series of meetings with the Vice Dean for International Relations, Prof. Borjana Mrđa and with Erasmus + coordinator prof. Ivan Otašević about the current project, as well as the possibilities and general plans for the next project. We discussed good practices that have been established in the partnership, as well as certain aspects of the cooperation that could be improved upon and made more efficient.

A series of working meetings with colleagues from the Central Office for International Relations of the University of Banja Luka, the Head of the Office Jelena Rožić and coordinator Đorđe Kenjalo. In addition to discussing the current and future cooperation between the University of Banja Luka and the University of Arts in Belgrade and the optimization of strategy on mobility projects, our colleague, Mr.  Kenjalo held a presentation on the ins and outs, as well as the benefits of the electronic service eZaposleni and eStudent of the University of Banja Luka, which includes electronic services used for the facilitation of mobility.

Furthermore, the Office of International Relations of the University of Arts in Belgrade held a presentation on the Erasmus + programme and opportunities offered by the University of Arts within the Erasmus+ KA107 mobility project, held for students and employees of the Academy of Arts of the University of Banja Luka. Among the attendees were the Vice Dean for International Cooperation, Erasmus + Coordinator of the Academy of Arts, Heads of Departments, interested students and professors of the Academy of Arts. An active discussion and Q&A followed the presentation on the possibilities of Erasmus+ exchange within the KA107 project.

In addition, during the mobility, we had the opportunity to see the deep-seeded connection between the Academy of Arts and the cultural life of Banja Luka. Professors and students are extremely involved in the cultural events of the city and are well-represented in cultural and artistic institutions of the city.

Finally, Banja Luka’s charm was anything but unnoticed. From the very moment we entered the city, the abundance of trees and green spaces was ever-present. When walking through the university campus, the parks and streets of Banja Luka, one gets the sense that the city was purposefully built within a forest, so as not to disturb the nature that freely blossoms in every corner. Abundant bike paths permeate the city and city dwellers are encouraged to use bicycles as a preferred mode of transportation. The river Vrbas that meanders through the heart of the city is clean, fast and beautiful, further connecting the city to the nature that surrounds it. The people were nice and hospitable, the food was great and our hosts have made sure that we feel as comfortable and as welcome as possible. This was a productive and pleasant week that was spent in good company and a splendid city!