Common Values, Uncommon Experience - Our Erasmus+ Story from Cáceres (2025/26)
We are Milena Škorić and Andrea Dakić, second-year students at the Faculty of Economics in Banja Luka. During the summer semester of this year, we had the opportunity to take part in the Erasmus+ programme as part of the project "Common Values of the European Union", a one-week exchange that took place in Cáceres, Spain.
Our stay in Spain was a truly beautiful and unforgettable experience that allowed us to gain new knowledge, discover different cultures, and broaden our perspective on the academic world. We had the opportunity to learn about European values and principles, and through practical examples, to reinforce what we already knew and absorb a great deal that was new to us.
Beyond the academic part of the programme, we also had the chance to travel and visit other cities in Spain: Madrid, Seville, and Málaga.This exchange enriched us with new friendships, taught us confidence and adaptability in an unfamiliar environment, and sparked in us a genuine desire to take part in similar programmes in the future.
Published 04.06.2026 at 15:02
PhD Student Nikola Amidžić on International Exchange Week in Spain (2025/26)
From May 25th to 29th, 2026, I had the opportunity to participate in an international exchange program at the University of Extremadura in Cáceres, as part of an Erasmus+ international project that the University is conducting with partner institutions from the Western Balkan countries. During my stay, I took part in the international program “Common Values of the European Union: Global Values” alongside students, faculty members, and administrative staff.
The program was dedicated to the study of the common values of the European Union, with a special focus on democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and environmental protection. Lectures and workshops were led by professors from the University of Extremadura as well as distinguished experts from other European universities. Through interactive discussions and collaborative work in international teams, we had the opportunity to exchange experiences, analyze contemporary European challenges, and deepen our understanding of the European integration process.
In addition to the academic component of the program, the exchange offered an exceptional opportunity to become familiar with Spanish culture, traditions, and lifestyle. The city of Cáceres, known for its rich history and its exceptionally well-preserved old town (a UNESCO World Heritage site), made a strong impression on me. Being in an international environment also allowed me to establish contacts with colleagues from different countries and academic backgrounds.
I would particularly emphasize the openness and hospitality of our hosts at the University of Extremadura, who made all participants feel welcome and fully included in all of the program’s activities. The organization of the program was of a high standard, and the combination of academic content, workshops, and cultural activities enabled us to gain new experiences.
Participation in this exchange was a valuable experience that contributed significantly to my personal and professional development. In addition to gaining new knowledge in the fields of European integration and international cooperation, I established contacts that will be useful in future academic and professional endeavors. For these reasons, I would recommend that all students take advantage of the opportunities offered by international mobility programs, as they represent a unique chance to gain new knowledge, learn about different cultures, and develop the competencies needed in the modern international environment.
Published 04.06.2026 at 14:39
The World as a Classroom: Stories from Our Students’ International Exchange
Students of the Faculty of Economics, University of Banja Luka, Nina Marić, Danilo Rogić, and Danilo Vračar, shared their experiences from international exchange programmes in Czechia, Greece, and China.
In a short video, they speak about their academic and personal impressions, new knowledge, cultural encounters, and the importance of international mobility for student development. Their experiences show how studying at foreign universities can become a valuable part of academic life, as well as an important step toward broader professional and personal growth.
We invite students to watch the video and learn more about the opportunities offered by international exchange.
Published 05.05.2026 at 21:57
Exploring New Horizons in the Czech Republic: My Mobility Experience (2025-26)
My name is Danilo Vračar and I am a fourth-year student at the Faculty of Economics, University of Banja Luka, majoring in Business Informatics. I spent the first semester of this academic year in Brno, where I was on an exchange program within the Erasmus+ program, at Mendel University. My stay in the Czech Republic was a great opportunity for me to combine my university obligations with getting to know a new environment. In addition to classes, I set aside a lot of time for traveling, so I had the opportunity to visit different parts of the country, from natural sites to old castles and historical cities.
As for the studies themselves, the classes were organized according to the master's study system, because the courses that correspond to our fourth year there are conducted at that level. Most of the work was based on projects and group work.
In Brno, I met a large number of people, both local and students from other countries. Through various activities, such as hiking, going to games, or socializing, I created new acquaintances and experiences that I will certainly remember. This exchange was meaningful to me both personally and academically, as I gained new knowledge and broadened my horizons through being in a different environment.
Published 28.04.2026 at 15:36
A Semester in the Czech Republic: A Turning Point in My Life (2025/2026)
My name is Danilo Rogić, and I am a fourth-year student in the Business Informatics study programme at the Faculty of Economics, University of Banja Luka. Thanks to the Erasmus+ programme, I had the opportunity to spend one semester on student exchange at Mendel University in Brno, Czech Republic. The five months I spent in this city represent far more than just a part of my studies. They were a deep and unforgettable life experience that will remain etched in my memory.
The desire to go on an exchange had been with me since my very first days at university, like a quiet source of motivation encouraging me to think more broadly and more boldly. Still, it was not until my third year that this wish grew into a concrete decision. Applying for the programme, although it initially seemed like a big step, turned out to be a simple and achievable process.
When choosing my courses, I was guided by the wish to gain more from this experience than simply having exams recognized. I wanted to learn something new, something that would further shape and develop me. For that reason, alongside similar subjects, I also attended courses in artificial intelligence as well as Czech language classes. The teaching was dynamic and required continuous effort and commitment, but that was precisely where its greatest value lay. The assignments we were given were not mere formalities, but real opportunities to develop practical skills and gain knowledge with genuine application.
Life in Brno was everything I had hoped for: dynamic, diverse, and fulfilling. Every day brought something new, and the weeks passed more quickly than I could have imagined. Weekdays were devoted to university responsibilities and socializing, while weekends brought new adventures and travels. Brno is a city that opens the door to Europe, as it is well connected, accessible, and ideal for exploration and discovery. Train travel left a particularly strong impression on me, as it was not merely a way of reaching a destination, but part of the experience itself. During my stay, I also visited many destinations outside the Czech Republic, including Kraków, Dresden, Vienna, Budapest, Málaga, and Auschwitz, and each new place carried its own story and emotion.
What made this period truly special, however, were the people I met. I spent time with students from different parts of the world, from Vietnam and India to Kazakhstan, across Europe, and even the United States. Through those conversations, friendships, and shared experiences, I came to understand just how vast the world is, and at the same time, how deeply similar the things are that connect us. For me, these encounters are more than memories. They are friendships I hope to keep and cherish.
When I look back on the entire experience, I realize that a student exchange is not just an academic step, but a life-changing turning point. I learned to be more independent, more confident in myself, and more ready to embrace new challenges. This experience broadened my horizons and showed me how important it is to step outside one’s comfort zone. To anyone considering going on an exchange, I can sincerely say: do not hesitate. Sometimes, it takes just one step for a whole new world to open before you.
Published 22.04.2026 at 12:22
Lana Radinković on Student´s Mobility in Brno: The beginning of a New Me (2025/2026)
My exchange in Brno at Mendel University in Czech Republic was much more than a study stay, it was a phase of personal growth, stepping out of the comfort zone and creating memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Arriving in a new city, in another country, with a different language and culture, was initially a challenge, but very quickly turned into a feeling of excitement and freedom. Brno won me over with its student energy, relaxed atmosphere and the warmth of its people.
The academic part of the exchange allowed me to get to know a different approach to learning; more interaction, teamwork and practical application of knowledge. Working in international groups further motivated me, because each discussion brought a new perspective. However, what made this mobility really special was spending time with students from different parts of Europe and the world. Through joint dinners, international evenings, trips and gatherings in student dormitories, I learned about cultures, traditions and ways of thinking that were far away from me until then.
Travels occupy a special place in my memory. Almost every weekend was a new adventure, from walking through the historic streets of Prague to exploring charming cities like Olomouc, all the way to discovering smaller towns and natural beauties. Every trip brought a feeling of freedom and togetherness, because those trips were an opportunity to connect even more and create memories that we still recount today.
This exchange brought me much more than ECTS points, it brought me new friendships, self-confidence, independence and a different view of the world. I learned to adapt, to be braver and more open to new experiences.
For me, Brno will forever represent the city where I grew up, studied and lived to the fullest.
Published 01.03.2026 at 09:54
Искуство са размјене на Менделовом Универзитету у Брну, Чешка Република – Дуња Балабан (2025/2026)
My name is Dunja Balaban, and I am a fourth-year student at the Faculty of Economics in Banja Luka, majoring in Management and Entrepreneurship. I spent this year’s winter semester at Mendel University in Brno as part of the Erasmus+ program.
Staying in Brno was an incredibly beautiful and unforgettable experience that allowed me to meet a large number of people from different countries and cultures. Studying in an international environment showed me how different the education system is compared to ours and taught me how to adapt to new environments.
In addition to the academic aspect, the exchange allowed me to travel and explore other European cities such as Prague, Karlovy Vary, Olomouc, and Vienna, and to realize that university life can be much more than just acquiring academic knowledge. I also made friendships that I am sure will last a long time. This experience significantly contributed to the development of my independence, resourcefulness, and self-confidence, and I consider it an excellent experience that I would sincerely recommend to every student.
Published 25.02.2026 at 21:07
Andalusian Lessons: Academic Life and Personal Development in Córdoba (2025/2026)
My name is Andrea Golić and I am a third-year student at the Faculty of Economics of the University of Banja Luka. Within the Erasmus+ program, I had the opportunity to spend one semester at the University of Córdoba in Spain, which was an extremely valuable academic and life experience for me.
I decided to go on exchange with the desire to gain new experience, to get to know a different way of studying and living, as well as to step out of my comfort zone. I expected to broaden my horizons, meet people from different countries, and improve my knowledge, which was fully achieved.
Classes at the host university were organized differently than at our university. The teaching was interactive and encouraged active participation of students, which helped me become more involved in classes and the course material. It is especially meaningful to me that through daily communication with colleagues from different countries I further improved my English, and at the same time learned the basics of Spanish, which enriched my stay in this country.
In addition to academic obligations, I used my free time for traveling and discovering new places. I visited Madrid, Seville, Málaga, Granada, Ronda, Cádiz, Marbella and Torremolinos, walked through the famous Caminito del Rey canyon, and went to Gran Canaria, and I also had the opportunity to travel to Portugal. Each of these trips left a special impression on me and allowed me to better understand the culture, tradition, and way of life on the Iberian Peninsula. The atmosphere in Córdoba, its rich history and architecture, as well as socializing with students from all over the world, are the details I will most often recount.
The Erasmus experience brought me greater independence, self-confidence, and readiness to accept new challenges. I gained new friendships and memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I would recommend all future students to take advantage of this opportunity, because exchange is not only an academic experience, but also a significant step in personal development.
Published 20.02.2026 at 20:29
Studying Under Andalusian Skies: My Semester at the University of Córdoba (2025/2026)
My name is Marija Vidović, and I am a third-year student at the Faculty of Economics, majoring in Economics and Business Management. As part of the Erasmus+ program, I spent one semester at the University of Córdoba in Spain, which was one of the most beautiful and meaningful experiences of my studies.
My desire to go on exchange began after listening to the experiences of friends who had already participated in the program. I wanted to experience a different education system, immerse myself in a new culture, and step out of my comfort zone. I expected to learn a new language, gain new knowledge, meet friends from different countries, and travel a lot — and I can say that these expectations were fully met.
Classes at the host university were highly interactive, with many group projects and assignments throughout the semester. This approach allowed us to build solid knowledge of the subjects even before the exam period. Professors encouraged students to share their opinions and actively participate in discussions. It was especially meaningful to me that the groups were composed of students of different nationalities, which helped me improve my English skills and also learn more about their countries and languages.
In addition to my academic responsibilities, I used my free time to travel. I visited Málaga, Marbella, Torremolinos, Seville, Madrid, and Ibiza, and from each city I took away special impressions and new insights. I attended flamenco performances, which left a strong impression on me, as well as the celebration of Three Kings’ Day, which is marked in Spain in a very festive and unique way. I often talk about how life in Spain is more relaxed and slower-paced, without constant rush and stress, and how much time spent with family is truly valued.
Published 20.02.2026 at 20:18
Student Mihajlo Laković on Student Mobility at Thomas More University, Belgium (2025/2026)
My name is Mihailo Laković, and I am a fourth-year student of the Business Informatics study program.
I carry very nice memories from my student exchange at Thomas More University of Applied Sciences in Geel, Belgium. I will remember that semester forever :D
I was very impressed by the organization of classes and the study system. In every course, the focus was on practical work and team projects, where we learned how to apply our knowledge through real-life tasks. I especially liked that the courses were organized in a way that required students to continuously work on assignments and submit their tasks. In some courses the final grade was based entirely on activity and work during the semester, without a final exam.
I liked Belgium because it is a highly organized and developed country, with many beautiful places and large cities to visit. The Erasmus program provides a good scholarship, which makes it possible to visit wonderful places without spending a lot of money. This part of Europe is very well connected by buses and trains, so organizing trips is extremely simple. I was also lucky to meet a great group of friends, and we spent our free time enjoying parties and traveling together.
Published 18.02.2026 at 19:45