Exchange Experience at the University of Granada, Spain – Sanja Dujaković (2024/2025)
"My name is Sanja Dujaković, and I am a fourth-year student at the Faculty of Economics in Banja Luka. During the previous semester, I participated in the Erasmus+ student exchange program, through which I had the opportunity to visit Granada, Spain. Even before enrolling at the Faculty, my wish was to take part in this program and, through it, to visit Spain. Before going on the exchange, I expected to improve my language skills, gain a better understanding of Spanish culture, and I also hoped to make new friendships. Although I was very excited, I also had some questions and uncertainties about what my life in a new environment would look like.
Granada, like many other cities in Spain, is famous for its numerous viewpoints from which you can admire the city from different perspectives. My fondest memories are tied to these places, where we would always gather, socialize, and enjoy the beautiful views. The lectures were interactive, and the semester was filled with various presentations and projects related to the courses. The Faculty and the International Office were always available and ready to help whenever I faced any difficulties.
I will always fondly remember the Spanish people, who are very patient and open to conversation, even when we speak different languages. If you try to communicate in Spanish, no matter how well or poorly you speak it, they will support you and be happy that you are making the effort. Also, the tapas culture — which has survived only in some parts of Spain — is still alive in Granada. With every drink you order, you receive a small complimentary dish. This makes every gathering with family or Spanish friends a true joy and pleasure.
The exchange experience helped me in many aspects of my life. For the first time, I experienced living among people from different backgrounds, with diverse habits and lifestyles. I also learned a lot about myself, and all these discoveries continue to influence my personal growth even after the exchange. To other Erasmus students, I would advise making the most of this opportunity — in the way that suits them best. In addition to meeting many new people, I would also encourage future students to engage more deeply with the local culture, meet local residents who can show them the city and country from a different perspective, and give this experience a richer and more meaningful dimension — as it did for me."
Published 27.10.2025 at 15:38
Business Informatics Students Achieved Remarkable Success at Thomas More Summer School 2025
At the beginning of September 2025 (01–05.09.2025) four students of the study program Business Informatics of the Faculty of Economics, University of Banja Luka, participated in the Thomas More Summer School in Antwerp, Belgium. The participants were: Sanja Dujaković and Darija Dlakić (third year), and Nikola Petković and Pavle Trbić (second year). In addition to the five-day stay in Belgium, the program also included two online sessions – one in the week before, and the other in the week after the mobility – so that the overall duration of the experience covered almost two weeks.
The theme of the summer school was “Lowering Barriers for Minority Groups in Retail”. The program combined lectures, interactive workshops and work on practical examples, and the professors led the students through the learning process in an interesting and engaging way. A special segment consisted of interactive activities and so-called energize tasks, which contributed to creating a friendly atmosphere and to the mutual connection of participants from different countries.
In addition to the academic part, city tours, visits to restaurants and cultural landmarks were organized, and the students also had enough free time to independently explore Antwerp – the regional capital and university center, known also as the largest port of Belgium. The city, its architecture, museums and rich gastronomic offer left a strong impression, and particularly significant were the evening gatherings and new friendships, among which the close cooperation with a group of students from Spain stands out.
One of the special moments was when the team in which the student Sanja Dujaković participated won first place for the most innovative project solution. This success represents an additional confirmation of the quality of the knowledge and skills of the students of the study program Business Informatics and of the Faculty of Economics, University of Banja Luka.
All travel, accommodation and food expenses were covered by the organizers through the Erasmus+ program and the cooperation that Thomas More University achieves with the Faculty of Economics, University of Banja Luka. Our study program was the only one delegated for this year’s participation, so all four places belonged precisely to the students of Business Informatics.
This experience showed the importance of international exchange and mobility programs, because they provide students with the opportunity to gain new knowledge, develop skills, get to know different cultures and build a network of contacts with colleagues from all over Europe. Thomas More Summer School 2025 will be remembered not only for its academic quality, but also for the friendships and memories that will last a long time.
Published 06.10.2025 at 17:27
Erasmus+ Exchange at Masaryk University in Brno, Czech Republic Tamara Trivešković, Jovana Bajić & Mihaela Crnadak – 3rd-year students, Faculty of Economics
Third-year students of the Faculty of Economics — Tamara Trivešković, Jovana Bajić, and Mihaela Crnadak — spent the winter semester of the 2024/2025 academic year on Erasmus+ exchange at Masaryk University in Brno, Czech Republic.
Brno is a vibrant blend of cultural richness, affordable living, and proximity to other European destinations. It’s a city full of young, approachable people, with universities that are highly committed to international cooperation. The academic environment is motivating and inspires both learning and exploration.
Our students had the opportunity to meet peers from across the globe. The experience broadened their horizons and left a lasting impact on both their academic and personal development.
Here’s what they shared about their exchange:
“Our student exchange experience in Brno, Czech Republic, was unforgettable and overwhelmingly positive. The three of us went through this journey together—exploring a new culture, studying in a different educational system, and making friends from all over the world.
We were truly satisfied and grateful for the opportunity, which brought us so much new knowledge, self-confidence, and beautiful memories.”
Published 16.06.2025 at 12:51
Anđela Spasojević, a second-cycle (Master’s) student at the Faculty of Economics, University of Banja Luka, spent the winter semester of the 2024/2025 academic year at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Italy.
“My stay in Venice brought me more than I ever expected. I took courses that combined economics and art, which opened up entirely new perspectives and approaches to learning. One of the highlights was working on a tourism project focused on the first Jewish ghetto in Venice.
In this international environment, I improved my English, learned the basics of Italian, and made friends from all over the world—which I consider the most valuable part of the exchange.
I also used my free time to explore Italy, visiting Padua, Verona, Bologna, Treviso, Naples, Belluno, and the Dolomites.
This experience helped me step outside my comfort zone, develop new skills, and see things from a different angle. I would encourage everyone to take advantage of the Erasmus+ opportunity—it brings knowledge, friendships, and memories that last a lifetime.
Published 14.06.2025 at 10:55
Erasmus+ Student Exchange “Digi Act” in Ohrid, North Macedonia – May 2025
Five students from the Business Informatics program and representatives of the E-Business Laboratory at the Faculty of Economics, University of Banja Luka — Danilo Rogić, Ernad Lepir, Marko Šarić, Dajana Miletić, and Sofija Španović — participated in the Erasmus+ exchange program “Digi Act”, held in Ohrid, North Macedonia, from April 27 to May 5, 2025.
The focus of the exchange was on the use of digital tools for socially responsible purposes and enhancing the position of young people in society.
Two of the participants, Danilo Rogić and Ernad Lepir, received tablet devices as awards for their outstanding engagement.
The Digi Act exchange gathered participants from Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, the Czech Republic, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Published 13.05.2025 at 13:05
Erasmus+ Student Exchange for Study at Thomas More University in Belgium
Željko Babić, Business Informatics Student
Željko Babić, a student of the Business Informatics program at the Faculty of Economics, participated in a student exchange through the Erasmus+ program at Thomas More University in Geel, Belgium.
Željko spent the winter semester of the 2024/2025 academic year at Thomas More University and successfully completed several courses that were later officially recognized by the Faculty of Economics in Banja Luka.
Reflecting on the invaluable experience he gained through the exchange, Željko shares:
"Participating in the Erasmus exchange at Thomas More University in Belgium was an extraordinary experience. I made new connections, expanded my knowledge and skills, and got to know different cultures. Through both my studies and travels, I enriched my academic and personal journey—something that will undoubtedly benefit me in the future."
Published 29.04.2025 at 21:20
Erasmus Experience – Miloš Kuzmanović, University of Granada
My name is Miloš Kuzmanović, and I am a third-year student at the Faculty of Economics in Banja Luka. I spent the second semester of this academic year on an Erasmus+ international exchange at the University of Granada. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, I successfully completed the exchange and remained in Spain from mid-February until the end of July.
My thoughts about going on exchange began long ago—actually, when I first enrolled in university. I’ve always loved traveling and exploring different cultures, so a program like this was an ideal opportunity for me. I must admit, at the beginning of my studies, I didn’t know much about how the Erasmus+ program worked.
Given my strong desire to study at a university outside of Bosnia and Herzegovina, I quickly got in touch with previous Erasmus participants. As luck would have it, one of my friends had already completed two exchange programs and was incredibly helpful throughout my application process. That’s exactly why I now want to share my experience with future students who are interested in studying at one of our partner universities.
It’s a great privilege to have friends all over the world. One day, when you travel, you’ll have someone to call who can show you around some of the greatest cities in the world. Many of them now invite me to visit them in Prague, Kyiv, Vienna, Rome, Paris, Houston, Mexico City, Chihuahua—and the list goes on. That’s what I’ll always be grateful for, and what this exchange gave me: the people. The beautiful experiences. The days spent together. Those are my friends and encounters I’ll carry with me for life—something no one can take away.
When I arrived in Granada, I spent four weeks physically attending university before the emergency situation began. After that, due to the worsening pandemic, the online learning system was organized within just three days. But even those four weeks were enough for me to understand what kind of institution I was part of. The University of Granada, and particularly the Faculty of Economics and Business where I studied, left a powerful impression on me.
Everything—from the professors’ approach and the support staff, to the freedom given to students and the stimulating learning environment—motivated me to grow and improve daily. The organization of teaching and the respect for students’ time were exceptional. One thing that truly surprised me was the professors’ attitude toward students—a friendly, peer-like relationship that grew stronger with each encounter. There were many class discussions where students’ opinions were not only welcomed but actively incorporated into the learning process—either as new ways to approach problems or fresh perspectives on key issues.
This classroom interaction created a constant sense of positive energy. Even when lectures lasted two hours, we didn’t feel tired or bored. I believe this is because students felt their presence truly mattered—knowing that their input could be recognized and used in shaping the next steps of the course. Especially in economics, the field we study, it’s crucial to have one’s own viewpoint on market trends, external influences, and real-world activity. This kind of teaching approach was deeply embedded in the program, and I honestly couldn’t find any fault in the system—even during that shorter, in-person period.
The lectures were of a very high standard and made use of the latest technology. Often, the material was based on current economic events, which were used as real-time case studies.
Since I was the only student from UNIBL doing an exchange in Granada that year, I didn’t know what to expect. Of course, before arriving, I had arranged accommodation and taken care of basic necessities. I also reached out to students from neighboring countries, and they became my first friends in Granada.
The experience I gained changed me significantly and made me a more open and mature person. Each day brought new people, new cultures, and a deeper understanding of the true purpose of this project. Surrounded by strangers in an unfamiliar city, you’re forced to step out of your comfort zone and adapt to the situation you find yourself in. For some, this might seem intimidating—but those moments profoundly shape your personality.
People in Granada, and Andalusia in general, are extremely friendly. I never had a single unpleasant experience. Even though my Spanish was quite limited at first, whenever I faced a challenge or confusion, strangers on the street always found a way to help. Over time, I let go of certain initial prejudices that might have held me back. The positive energy—both from the people and the ever-present sun—helped me fully embrace this new environment.
When I look at the different periods of my life, this Erasmus experience stands out as one that truly shaped me. The people I met broadened my understanding of cultural diversity and the importance of respecting everyone’s identity. It was a time of great inspiration and helped expand my worldview. On top of that, it was one of the best ways to improve my English and begin learning a new foreign language—Spanish.
At the end of this brief summary, one thing is clear: I am absolutely thrilled with the Erasmus+ program and would recommend it to any student who wants to explore another country, culture, way of life, language, and much more. This opportunity allows you to study at some of the most prestigious universities in Europe and travel extensively, as the program includes a scholarship for all participants.
I encourage everyone not to fear the challenge of navigating an unfamiliar country—because what seems like a challenge is actually a chance. One you’ll only miss if you don’t apply. This was my first Erasmus exchange, and it was a truly unforgettable life experience—one I would gladly repeat countless times. I sincerely hope and believe I’ll have the opportunity to apply again. And that alone, I believe, says enough to anyone wondering whether to take that leap.
Published 05.11.2020 at 23:42
My Experience from Glasgow, United Kingdom – Milica Marić
My Erasmus+ experience began when I decided I wanted to spend part of my studies abroad—to meet new people, become more independent, and improve my language skills. Around that time, at the beginning of May, a call was announced for student exchange at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. The decision came instantly—I would apply.
The application window was short, but with the help of the staff at the University and the Faculty of Economics, I managed to gather all the required documentation in time. The results were published in July 2017: I was accepted.
The period from September to December 2017 was marked by preparations. First, I had to find accommodation, and the student dormitory turned out to be the most affordable option. Then came the visa application process, searching for the most economical flight tickets, and arranging insurance.
On January 3rd, 2018, I was already on my way to Glasgow. I found the dorm without major difficulty, and in the room, I was welcomed by my roommate Emily from the USA. On the very first evening, I met people from different countries—France, Australia, Lithuania. The following days were reserved for orientation, getting to know the University, and exploring the city.
The University was founded in 1451, and its main building looks more like a castle than an educational institution. It was even considered as a possible stand-in for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films.
Although not the capital, Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland—lively and full of students. The people are warm, friendly, and will repeat something several times if you don’t understand them at first. The Scots greatly value their tradition, and it’s quite common to hear bagpipes on the street. It’s also perfectly normal to see someone walking around in a kilt for no particular reason. The only downside is the weather—Glasgow is very rainy and often experiences strong winds.
The lectures weren’t too demanding. I had four courses and a total of eight hours of lectures per week. To pass an exam, one first had to write an essay on a given topic, which accounts for 30% of the grade. This is usually done at the end of February or the beginning of March. Final exams take place in May, in written form, and they carry 70% of the final grade. The exams typically last two hours, and from four offered questions, students choose two to answer in essay form. Results are usually available about twenty days after the exam. Foreign students are allowed to use dictionaries during the exams.
Erasmus+ exchanges leave plenty of room for travel as well. I managed to visit a large part of Scotland, which truly amazed me. Among the better-known destinations, I would mention Edinburgh, Loch Ness, and the Isle of Skye—named by National Geographic as the fourth most beautiful island in the world.
In addition to that, I made friends from various parts of the world and got to know different cultures, which may be the most beautiful part of the entire exchange.
I also learned to navigate unfamiliar places more easily—and that sometimes, one needs to get lost in a foreign city to truly experience it. And that solo travel is a wonderful thing, once you gather the courage to try it.
All in all, the Erasmus+ exchange was an unforgettable experience, and I would recommend it to everyone as the best way to step out of your comfort zone. If you have any questions about the Erasmus+ program, feel free to contact me at: maric.milica@outlook.com
Published 11.10.2018 at 15:05