Unique Summer Travel Study Program in Bosnia and Herzegovina
This summer, Green Visions, an eco-tourism and outdoor adventure agency in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the BHeart Foundation, a non-profit organization based in the U.S., are offering a unique travel study program in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The program is open to students and young adults, aged 16 - 27, from all over the world. The travel study program will provide an immersive experience by combining eco-tourism, guest lectures, workshops, volunteer work, adventure, and fun activities.
Over the course of two weeks, the program participants will:
- Visit five beautiful cities (Sarajevo, Mostar, Jajce, Banja Luka and Bihać), several smaller towns and villages (Blagaj, Drvar and Tušila), dozens of the country’s well-known landmarks, several mountains and some of the country’s stunning rivers;
- depending on interest, participants may be able to add on an optional two-day trip to Dubrovnik and the Croatian coastline;
- Participate in lectures on various topics including BH’s socialist and antifascist past, war and post-war reconstruction, resilience and resistance, transnational migration, and environmental issues, among others;
- lectures will be led by experts in each field including academics, journalists, government officials, activists, and nature enthusiasts;
- Meet and engage in discussions with other youth from around the globe;
- Engage in meaningful volunteer work to aid the local communities;
- Explore the country’s breathtaking nature (including through hiking and rafting) as well as experience the rich cultural and social life.
The goal of the program is to provide an immersive student experience into Bosnia and Herzegovina’s social, political, cultural, and natural environment while engaging in physical and volunteer activities. This experience will allow participants to not only “discover” BH in its complexity, but to reflect on and examine their own worldviews, biases, and ways of life. Participants will be encouraged to consider BH and their home country in a comparative light, allowing them to realize that their way of life is just one among many, while also being connected to all others.
We are confident that participants will leave Bosnia and Herzegovina with fuller hearts, more open minds, some answers and many more questions…
The cost of the program, EUR 1,690, includes accommodation, most meals, transportation, experienced tour leaders, mountain guides, and guest speakers. The price does not include airfare, international insurance, or meals that are not noted in the itinerary.
The number of participants is limited to 7 per group so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible!
We look forward to seeing you this summer in Bosnia and Herzegovina!
Vidimo se u Bosni I Hercegovini!
DEPARTURE DATES & APPLICATION DEADLINES
- July 07 - 17, 2023, Application deadline: May 20, 2023
- July 28 - August 07, 2023, Application deadline: June 10, 2023
- Category
- Study Trips
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Program participants will be mentored by international scholars and university professors, such as Senada Šelo Šabić, Senior Research Fellow, Institute for Development and International Relations Zagreb.
- Visit five beautiful cities (Sarajevo, Mostar, Jajce, Banja Luka and Bihać), several mountains and villages and some of the country’s most stunning rivers
- Participate in lectures on BH’s socialist and antifascist past, war destruction and post-war reconstruction, resilience and resistance, transnational migration, environmental and other issues, led by academics, journalists, government officials, activists, and nature enthusiasts
- Meet and engage in discussions with other youth from around the globe
- Engage in volunteer work in the community
- Explore and enjoy the country’s breathtaking nature (including hiking and rafting) as well as the rich cultural and social life
Day 1 - Sarajevo Arrival
Sarajevo Arrival, transfer to Sarajevo Old town, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Dinner / Hotel Cosmopolit, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Day 2 - Banja Luka
Full day in Banja Luka and old fortress of Kastel. Meet up with the grassroots Center for the Environment and a discussion about the state of the environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina.Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Hotel Moskva, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Day 3 - Bihac
Full day in Bihac.
Lectures for the day:
- 1.5 hr lecture on Environment, Ecotourism, and Activism (3 PM-4:30 PM);
- 1.5 hr Ethnographic exercise and reflection (5 PM-6:30 PM)
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Hotel Opal, Bihac, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Day 4 - Tito's Cave and Una National Park.
Full day in Bihac with a visit of Tito's cave in Drvar & Una National Park, Strbacki buk in afternoon hours
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Hotel Opal, Bihac, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Day 5 - Jajce & Mostar
Morning in Jajce with a visit of middle age fortress, and journey to Mostar, late afternoon arrival to Mostar.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Hotel Almira, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Day 6 - Mostar
Full-Day in Mostar; Topics: identity and conflicts/perceptions. A presentation and walking tour in Mostar with a focus on cultural identity and how and why the Mostar old bridge is regarded differently by people from different ethnic groups + guest speaker
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Hotel Almira, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Day 7 - Neretva Rafting
Transfer to Konjic with Neretva Rafting & swimming in the River.
Late Afternoon transfer to Tusila village, Dom Vrela
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Mountain Hut Vrela, Tusila village, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Day 8 - Hike in and around Umoljani village
Tusila Village Overnight, Topics: environment, rural life, culture/traditions, natural system. Field visit to Umoljani village. An opportunity to see how people live in rural Bosnia. Overnight in a local hut and eat locally prepared food and discuss the effects man has on the environment and fragile ecosystem. We'll do a 3-hour walk to Studeni Potok (Stream). + guest speaker
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Mountain Hut Vrela, Tusila village, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Day 9 - Sarajevo
Sarajevo Discovery, Topics: war and some post-war. Tour and discussion about the last armed conflict, the siege in Sarajevo, visit the tunnel etc. Discussion with people who experienced the war. + guest speaker
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Hotel Cosmopolit, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Day 10 - Sarajevo
Day in Sarajevo. Sarajevo and Bosnia-Herzegovina through the centuries, tour and discussion with the local historian. Discussions with leaders from the government and non-governmental sector.
Breakfast / Hotel Cosmopolit, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Day 11 - Sarajevo Departure
Sarajevo Departure, transfer to Sarajevo International Airport
Breakfast
Fact File
The main goal of the program is to provide a holistic and immersive student experience of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s social, political, cultural, and natural environment while engaging in physical and volunteer activities. This experience will allow participants to not only “discover” BH in its complexity, but to reflect on and examine their own worldview, biases, and way of life. Participants will be encouraged to look at both BH and the US in a comparative light, allowing them to realize that their way of life is one among many, but is also connected to all others.
We want you to take off your lenses, open your eyes and immerse yourself in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We are confident that at the conclusion of this transformative program, you will leave Bosnia and Herzegovina with a fuller heart, a more open mind, some answers and many more questions…
What is included: Transportation during the entire trip with 20+1 MiniBus (including Airport transfers); Fully equipped English speaking Tour Leader / Guide & BHeart Staff member; Accommodation for 10 nights; Meals specified in the itinerary; City tours & sightseeing at Sarajevo, Mostar & Blagaj with all entrance fees, Trebevic Cable Car entrance fees, Neretva Rafting with all safety gear & VAT.
What is not included: Flights to and from Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bosnia; Meals not specified in the itinerary; International travel insurance; Optional tipping to leader, guides and local staff; Souvenirs and items of a personal nature (sodas, alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.); Single Supplement, 180EUR (NOT available in Tusila village at Mountain Hut Vrela for 3 nights); Any items not specifically mentioned in the program.