About the American University in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Transcription
About the American University in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Copyright (c) 2014 AUBIH American University in Bosnia and Herzegovina International Admission/Study Abroad Office ‘’American University in Bosnia and Herzegovina forms an integral part of an academic community of Bosnia and Herzegovina. I am impressed with the students’ quality and believe that both students and AUBIH will contribute to the future of this country.’’ Former US Ambassador to BiH, Patrick S. Moon Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), is one of Europe’s most vibrant and exciting cities. It is also one of Europe’s safest cities. But only little bit over 20 years ago, Sarajevo was enduring the worst siege any city ever had to endure. Now, the city is reborn and is open to the entire world. In addition to Sarajevo, BiH has four other key cities (Banja Luka, Tuzla, Mostar, and Zenica). Outside the cities, you will find a more traditional lifestyle and can enjoy Bosnia’s stunning rivers, lakes, flatlands, hills and mountains. Come to American University in Bosnia and Herzegovina (AUBiH) to study Balkan history; Balkan security; State building; Genocide, war crimes and traditional justice; and the language of Bosnia (‘’Bosnian- Serbian- Croatian’’) and take up a course as an internship in an international organization or an NGO. Students will meet regularly with a broad range of Bosnian, European, and American politicians as well as NGO representatives, diplomats, and BiH students. AUBiH offers insights into the many different ethnic, religious, and political backgrounds – all of which make up BiH’s complicated tapestry. Few places offer such a deep perspective of diplomacy, state building, conflict resolution, and commendable resilience. Summer 2015 Study Abroad At AUBiH The following classes will be taken by all program participants. Balkan History This course examines the cultural and historical legacies of the Balkans, with a focus on Bosnia and Herzegovina, from prehistory to the present day. Particular emphasis will be placed on the rise and fall of various empires in the region (i.e. Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empire), and the introduction of Christianity, and subsequently Islam to the area during the first half of the course. The second half of the course will focus on the modern history of Yugoslavia, the 1990’s conflict, and the political and economic state of Bosnia and Herzegovina today. Genocide, War Crimes and Transitional Justice The term Bosnian genocide is used to refer either to the genocide committed by Serb forces in Srebrenica in 1995, or to the ethnic cleansing campaign that took place throughout areas controlled by the Serb Army during the 1992- 1995 war in Bosnia and Herzegovina and neighboring countries. The first objective of the course is to provide in-depth critical knowledge of topics related to genocide and war crimes in historical and legal perspective and then to focus on the role of the Hague Tribunal, human rights, national courts and reconciliation efforts in Bosnia. The second objective of the course is to critically evaluate the role of law in dealing with mass crimes and transitional justice. This will be done by way of comparison of the Bosnian case with similar cases and countries. During the course, students will visit Srebrenica- Potočari and learn about the history directly on site, listen to guest speakers, lead discussion, and visit locations relevant for research. Materials used during the course will consist of selected articles and book chapters, documentaries and oral histories, alongside presentations by visiting lecturers. Balkan Security The goal of this course is to study security, geopolitical and geostrategic relations in the Balkans and the development of global peace and security policies. Emphasis will be placed on the history of conflict and security in the region including contemporary wars as well as problems of world division, spheres of great forces, geopolitical order, and the influence of major actors: the UN, NATO, diplomats, NGOs, and humanitarian aid organizations. Particular emphasis will be placed on areas that present challenges to modern security: Terrorism, production and sale of weapons of mass destruction, and ethnic conflict. State Building This course will serve as a Bosnian case study for Conflict Resolution. It will include a focus on the role of key diplomats, negotiators, and International Intervention in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Balkan Region as well as a contextual comparison to other state building scenarios such as Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Bosnian/ Croatian/ Serbian Language A basic conversational language class will be offered for students to acclimate themselves with the Bosnian language and culture. If students already have a beginning level knowledge of the language, arrangements will be made for upper level language instruction. Seminars Seminars will be used to complement and add to the information given in the aforementioned classes. Academic lectures will be supplemented by afternoon and weekend trips to sites of historical importance, guest lectures, Q&As with local leaders, and museum visits. They will include meetings and briefings with various Political and Community leaders from around Bosnia and Herzegovina. See page 6 for a list of possible speakers. Co-op Internship During their two month stay in Bosnia, participants have the option to co-op at a local or international company or organization. See page 7 for a list of possible co-op posts. List of Speakers Will include meetings and briefings with various Political and Community leaders from around Bosnia and Herzegovina. Including but not limited to: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Various Parliamentary Members The American Embassy The Office of High Representative Constitutional Reform Leaders International Commission on Missing Persons Leader of Bosnia’s Catholic Dieses Leader of Bosnian Islamic Community Leader of Sarajevo’s Jewish Community Leader of Bosnian Serb- Orthodoxy Advisors to the Bosnian Presidency Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) European Forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR) Association Bosnian Family (BOSFAM) The Prosecutor’s Office Center for Nonviolent Action Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Nansen Dialogue Centre EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina Co-op Internship Posts Possible Co-op Internship Posts may include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • The Office of High Representative EU Delegation to BiH American University in Bosnia and Herzegovina Offices International Commission on Missing Persons Center for Nonviolent Action Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) International Organization for Migration (IOM) International Monetary Fund (IMF) United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) United Nations Development Program (UNDP) World Bank International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) Regional Co-operation Council (RCC) Nansen Dialogue Centre Local NGO’s About the American University in Bosnia and Herzegovina AUBiH The American University in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a multi-ethnic, career-oriented university. AUBiH is the only American-accredited university in former Yugoslavia (accredited by www.acics.org). Classes at AUBiH are held in English and are based on the American liberal arts system with Undergraduate, Graduate and Doctoral studies, which are also in line with European standards (Bologna Principles). In accordance with the mission of the University, the goal is to provide quality university education for students throughout the region that follows world trends in the specialized areas of finance, public relations, international law, information technology, cybersecurity, national and international security, and multimedia and graphic design. The AUBiH Sarajevo Campus is located in the cosmopolitan center of Sarajevo just blocks from the Bosnian Parliament, the US Embassy, the central train and bus station, several main shopping centers, and city green spaces. Our Students Students at our University are dynamic, highly intelligent, and motivated. They come to study at AUBiH from throughout the region and aspire to help the country emerge from its recent past by influencing the next generation of leaders. They are willing to invest their time, intellect, and energy in order to gain the skills necessary to succeed and excel in the contemporary marketplace. About Sarajevo City of Sarajevo Sarajevo is the capital and largest city of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sarajevo has attracted international attention several times throughout its history. In 1914 it was the site of the assassination that sparked World War I, while seventy years later it became the host city of the 1984 Winter Olympics, and eight years after that it became known as the location of the longest city siege in modern history. The city is famous for its traditional religious diversity, with adherents of Islam, Eastern Orthodoxy, Catholicism, and Judaism coexisting there for centuries. Due to this long and rich history of religious diversity and coexistence, Sarajevo has often been called the ‘’Jerusalem of Europe’’. Cuisine & Cafe Culture Cuisine Cafe Culture Bosnia and Herzegovina’s cuisine is balanced between Western and Eastern influences. It tends to be rich and relies heavily on dairy products and meat, particularly beef, lamb, and pork, which is often grilled or barbecued. People usually shop for ingredients daily. Meat is always well prepared and often organic. In the towns and cities, a wide variety of quality restaurants can be found serving mainly Italian, Mediterranean, Viennese, and traditional cuisine. Much of Bosnian social life centers on coffee and in Sarajevo there are more café per capita than in any other European city. See a friend on the street, have a coffee. Need to conduct a business meeting, do it over coffee. Want a break from grocery shopping, have a seat at the coffee shop in front of aisles 9 and 10. The traditional coffee is ‘’bosanska kafa’’, similar to what is commonly known as Turkish coffee. Espresso and white coffee are also served in towns and cities. Drinking tea is also a local tradition, although herbal teas are preferred. They are often organic, coming straight from the forest. Nightlife Nightlife Popular clubs The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo is well known for its wonderful nightlife. The opportunities for nightlife activities in Sarajevo are plenty and range from entertainment in cinemas and clubs to opera and theatre performances. You can also find frequent festivals arranged in the city, showcasing the local’s popular interests such as jazz and film. The City has hundreds of café/ bars, some with live music, others with DJ’s, rock music, and a lovely one in the middle of the Turkish quarter which has a huge aviary as its centerpiece. Stroll around and discover some new places for yourself! Hacienda Cinemas Club The Club Celtic Pub Cheers Guiness Pub Baghdad Barhana Barka Central Café Babylon Ort Accommodation Our international and out-of-town students can stay at the International Students Hotel Emiran (www.emiran.ba). Emiran is a four star hotel and it provides a high standard of accomodation to its guests. Among its many services, students can enjoy their stay in a single room and have a free access to the fitness center, sauna and turkish baths. The hotel is located approximately 10 kilometers from AUBiH. The city transportation in Sarajevo is well organized and students can ride a tram from Emiran to AUBiH for under $1 per ride. Getting around Sarajevo is a city that is very easy to walk around and most locals do not own cars. Public transportation consists of trams, trolleys, and busses. The tram lines run in one direction in the city’s Old Town (Stari Grad/ Centar) and in two directions in the New Town (Novo Sarajevo). Taxis are very cheap in Sarajevo, generally costing around $2.50 in town and around $15.00 if you wish to get to destinations on the city’s outskirts. Most taxi drivers are very friendly to foreigners but it is advised that visitors ask around to find out the average cost of a ride to their destination and make sure the driver is using a meter in order to avoid being overcharged. In Sarajevo’s center, biking is becoming more popular, but streets tend to be narrow. There are new bike paths built in Sarajevo. The city has several city parks and lovely tree lined pedestrian walkways where cars are not allowed and many people ride bikes for leisure. Testimonials Anne Cunliffe, AUBiH Peace and Conflict Summer Program 2013 participant Qendresa Selimi, AUBiH Peace and Conflict Summer Program 2013 participant Without a doubt, the best part of my stay in Sarajevo was my internship. At first when I found out I would be working for the small local organization “Zasto Ne” I was disappointed to not have been placed in one of the big names such as the OSCE or IRI, but by the end of my stay I couldn’t be happier. Working in such a small, intimate, relaxed setting I had endless opportunities to ask my coworkers questions and learn about the political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Additionally, instead of doing mindless office work I was honing my research skills doing interesting research on Freedom of Information laws in Europe. In regards to the program, overall I really liked it and enjoyed my time here. The apartments were great with a great location. My internship was really interesting and I really enjoyed the people I worked for. The classes I thought were great, and for the most part the professors were as well. As I said before, Professor Predrag is really an amazing professor. Aside from that I want to say that AUBiH students have been absolutely amazing all summer in helping us with everything we need and I really appreciate it. Branka Damjanović, AUBiH Peace and Conflict Summer Program 2013 participant It was my first time in Sarajevo and I have never fallen in love with a city faster! Our apartments were right in the Old Town and the people are so incredibly friendly. The professors teach in subjects they personally have experience in and it is material you would rarely find in the US so I would highly recommend this program because of its courses and accompanying excursions. For me, it was a beautiful way to spend two months of my summer and I will never forget my time there! Kelsey Aho, AUBiH Study Abroad Student 2013/2014 My experience in Bosnia has been shaped by the city’s limitless hospitality. While, I have only been here a month and a half, I feel as if Sarajevo is my home. Making Tikvenica (pumpkin pie) with my host-family and getting coffee with a professor, are just a few ways of connecting with Sarajevo’s traditions and culture. I could not be more excited to spend my entire academic year studying and interning in Bosnia! Dr. Denis J. Sullivan, Professor of Political Science & International Affairs at Northeastern University, Boston, USA AUBiH is the best possible resource for Americans studying in Bosnia, whether short term or long term. The administrators, faculty, staff, and students of AUBiH go above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to making connections to the appropriate people to meet; learning first-hand about the complexities, diversity, and beauties of BiH; and simply enjoying all the great aspects of Bosnia-Herzegovina, beginning in Sarajevo and continuing throughout the country. I have worked closely with AUBiH for 4 years, and I look forward to continuing our partnership for many more to come. Dr. Yehuda Lukacs, Associate Provost for International Programs Director, Center for Global Education, George Mason University Sarajevo, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, offers students an unparalleled opportunity to study conflict and peacemaking. In January 2013, 20 undergraduate and graduate students from George Mason University were hosted by the American University of Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of a traveling seminar focusing on post-communism that also included Berlin, Budapest, and Belgrade. The program in Sarajevo included high level meetings such as the President, members of Parliament and diplomats from the American embassy as well as meetings with business and community leaders and students. One of the highlights of the visit was a tour of Srebrenica where thousands of Bosnian Muslims were murdered during the war. The entire program was well crafted, balanced, nuanced and highly enriching. Students gained insights into the dynamics of the conflict and conflict resolution from multiple perspectives and left the city with a sense of real accomplishment and understanding. Mary Kate Schneider, Fulbright Research Fellow at AUBiH, Fall 2013 I am extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to study abroad in BosniaHerzegovina (BiH) not once but twice—the first time, for two months in Spring 2013, and the second time as a Fulbright U.S. Student Research Fellow during the 2013-14 academic year. My dissertation analyzes education in BiH, and my research has taken me to schools throughout this amazing country, where I have met many Bosnian students, parents, and teachers. My research travels have made readily apparent the incredible contrasts that exist within this small country, from people to terrain and everything in between. When I am not traveling around BiH, I am based in Sarajevo, and one of the most striking things about this city is the amount of diversity that is packed into so many small spaces. The hallmark of a Sunday morning in Sarajevo is the sound of church bells ringing from the Catholic and Orthodox cathedrals in the center of town, while at the same time the call to prayer emanates from the city’s many mosques. These simultaneous sounds serve as a vivid reminder that Sarajevo is truly the heart of Europe, situated at a crossroads between East and West, at once both Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman, ancient and modern. This feeling of being at a crossroads is reflected in the presence of a vibrant international community in Sarajevo. As a visiting student, I have had the opportunity to meet and interact with not only the local population but also with people from all over the world. There is a juxtaposition of cultures here that I have never experienced anywhere else, and to say that my time in BiH has opened my eyes would be an understatement. More accurately, my experience living and researching in BiH has taught me to savor small victories, appreciate little details, and to be ever-aware of the many perspectives through which the world is seen. Mwafaq Abu-shanab, AUBiH Study Abroad Student 2010/2011 The experience to live and study in BIH is priceless as you discover part of the world that is unbelievable, in every aspect of life. There is no part of the world where you see people survive with very little means whilst being happy about it. No one knows the secret of the magical fountain that always brings you back to the magical old town, which is perfect with its imperfections. The only feeling I had when I was about to leave BiH was nostalgia. The feeling of exasperation I felt from the simplicity of the people and the honesty of their smile is simply inspirational. If I had the opportunity to study and live in BIH again I would not think twice about going back. Hannah Fillmore- Patrick, AUBiH LLM Student 2011/2012 I’m came from the United States. I had never lived abroad before I began the masters program in International Law at AUBiH so, at first, I didn’t know what to expect. Despite my reservations, studying in Bosnia-Herzegovina turned out to be the greatest adventure I’ve ever had! Not only did I learn from great Bosnian and American professors in the classroom, life outside the classroom challenged my worldview and taught me so much about the amazing diversity of culture this world holds. My year in Sarajevo is one I’ll always cherish and one I wish I could relive over and over again! Mujtaba Ali, student that visited Bosnia and AUBiH during Summer of 2012 as part of Dialogue of Civilizations program at Northeastern University My short stay in Bosnia is one of my most memorable experiences as a student at Northeastern University. The time our group spent in Bosnia Herzegovina was, simply put, amazing. I have never been so immediately or so strongly endeared to a location as I was to this country. Sarajevo’s beauty and atmosphere would have been more than enough to justify spending our time there, let alone the amazing variety of people and places we went to see during our stay. There are countless memories I take with me from our time in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Many come from the structured activities: meeting President Izetbegovic, Jakob Finci’s dry humor, the debate at Parliament, the beauty and tragedy of the Srebrenica procession -- these are but a few. Many cherished moments also come from the time given to us to explore and learn on our own. Walking through Baščaršija for hours and hours, sitting at cafes, talking to locals. Eating cevapi for the first time. The breathtaking views of Stari Most in Mostar, and the beautiful lodgings we enjoyed there. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the wonderful friends we made during our stay. The students and faculty from AUBiH were nothing but friendly to us, and went far, far out of their way to make us feel welcome and at home in Sarajevo. I cannot wait to return to Bosnia -hopefully as soon as this coming January -- and to continue learning, exploring, and enjoying myself in the Balkans [Mujitaba was indeed able to return to Sarajevo for 6 months to take Bosnian/ Croatian/ Serbian language at AUBiH as well as intern at the Organized Crime And Corruption Reporting Project]. Excursions and Touristic Interest Hiking Bosnia’s mountainous landscape naturally lends itself to incredible plateaus, waterfalls, and caves that are great for hiking and exploring. Any level of experience can be accommodated whether a short hour long walk through the hills and waterfalls around Sarajevo and Mostar or day long and overnight treks and caving expeditions. If hiking without a guide, do not wander away from any obvious trails. Rafting Bosnia and Herzegovina is a long name for a country that measures just over 50,000 km2. However, the country is blessed with a beautiful natural environment which is a combination of Alpine and Mediterranean climates. Historically, BiH has been at the crossroads of East and West and this is visible in the country’s architecture and cultural heritage. Please contact [email protected] for more information. BiH is a water rich country where one can find clear blue and bright green rivers meandering through dramatic canyons and countryside. Just within driving distance from Sarajevo, Mostar, and Banja Luka are some of the most beautiful and attractive rivers in Europe: the Vrbas, Tara, Neretva, and Una rivers are all great for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Professionally guided tours are available for day and weekend excursions. AUBiH will organize one rafting trip for the entire group. Mostar Mostar, meaning keeper of the bridge, is situated in Herzegovina between beautiful mountains and the Neretva River. The Neretva’s size and geographical location helped Mostar early on to become a popular trading post. The city’s iconic stone bridge was built during the time of the Ottoman Empire in 1565. The famous architect Mimar Hajrudin set out on what some said was impossible mission, joining the city over the Neretva River with a single span stone bridge. The Buna Spring The Buna Spring and the adjacent Ottoman house located near Mostar is one of the most visited tourist attractions in BiH. The spring emerges from the base of a mountain and produces about 20 cubic meters of water per second. Međugorje Međugorje is a town located on a mountain high above Mostar. It is a popular site for religious pilgrimages because of apparitions of the Virgin Mary. Jajce The small town of Jajce is built on the connecting point of two major rivers: the Pliva and the Vrbas. The well known symbol of Jajce is its picturesque waterfall measuring 17 meters. In Jajce, one can witness the remains of the Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and AustriaHungarian empires; as well as the Bosnian, Hungarian, and Yugoslavian kingdoms, and Christian, Jewish, and Islamic sites. The combination of city’s historical and geographic importance enables it to be one of Europe’s most interesting and beautiful towns. Adriatic Coast Bosnia and Herzegovina’s tiny strip of Adriatic Sea is a wonderful beach paradise for old and young alike. The country’s little claim to the sea is called Neum, a newly built resort town just an hour’s drive from the famous cities of Dubrovnik and Mostar. Neum offers sandy beaches and an abundance of water sports in the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic. Banja Luka The city of Banja Luka is the second largest city in Bosnia and the capitol city of the Republika Srpska, one of BiH’s two entities. Banja Luka is situated on the Vrbas River and is well known for its broad avenues and numerous parks which are great for walking and biking. One of the most famous icons of the city is the old Fortress; now used as a park and location for many popular concerts and festivals. Banja Luka makes good use of its location by the river with many great cafés and restaurants located on its bank and exciting water activities and rafting excursions available nearby. Bosnian Pyramids Visočica hill, located 20 kilometers from Sarajevo, has recently attracted a great deal of scientific and archaeological interest with many claiming that the curiously shaped mountain is actually an ancient pyramid. Whether they were constructed in ancient times or are simply phenomenal natural formations there is no doubt that Visočica hill and other nearby mountains are beautiful and intriguing aspects of the landscape. Moreover, true history lovers and believers can find newly published news stating that the pyramid was built more than 29,000 years ago which makes Bosnian pyramid older than worldwide famous Egyptian ones. Lonely Planet Sarajevo has been named among the top 10 in the best cities to visit in the Lonely Planet guide’s ‘Best in Travel 2010’. The guide praises the city saying “Displaying its cultural riches with insouciance, Sarajevo moves to the rhythm of an Austrian waltz with a Slavic lilt and a Turkish flourish in its architecture, thriving arts scene and temperament it betrays evidence of all three. It’s a neatly contained and walkable city, hemmed in within the leafy valley of the Miljacka River. The old city, based on Bascarija, has long been the redoubt of poets, filmmakers, authors and musicians.” Once known for tragic reasons, Bosnia and Herzegovina now features in travel plans as people realize what this country has to offer: age-old cultures, stunning mountain landscapes, access to the great outdoors and a sense of adventure. This most easterly point of the West and the most westerly point of the East bear the imprint of two great empires. Five hundred years of domination, first by the Turks and then briefly by the Austria-Hungarians, have inexorably influenced the culture and architecture of this land. Read more at: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/ bosnia-and-hercegovina#ixzz2kzBLalrQ National Geographic (Sarajevo voted as one of Best Trips in 2014) Please find below article from National Geographic (http://travel.nationalgeographic. com/travel/best-trips-2014/#/sarajevo-bosniazlatna-ribica-bar_72700_600x450.jpg) where Sarajevo is voted as one of Best Trips in 2014. Read more about Bosnia and Herzegovina at: http://www.bhtourism.ba/eng How you can have a positive influence Tuition Fee and Living Expenses In addition to enhancing their educational experience through learning and studying in Bosnia and Herzegovina, study abroad students have the opportunity to have a meaningful and positive influence on the people and situation in Bosnia. The US has previously and is presently facing many challenges when it comes to racial and ethnic diversity. Representing this diversity and being open to talking about social problems are two incredible abilities American students have when visiting BiH. You can enjoy an extremely low cost of living from housing to food and entertainment while studying at the American University in Bosnia and Herzegovina. While residing in Sarajevo, which offers everything from opera, ballet, theatre performances to film and jazz festivals, you can enjoy the benefits of living in a big city at a small cost. As Mark Twain wrote in his famous book Innocents Abroad: The New Pilgrims Progress ‘’Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.’’ Likewise meeting individuals from around the world can help broaden the world view of some locals or offer hope and encouragement for the majority of Bosnians that are open minded and forward thinking. Additionally, there are many volunteer opportunities and needs for service projects and help around Sarajevo. If you are interested in participating in such projects while studying abroad in Bosnia and Herzegovina please contact: [email protected] Cost of the Program $ 3,850.00 The cost includes application fee, technology fee, health insurance, housing, travel excursions, and tuition tor 5 courses. Grand Total WELCOME TO SARAJEVO Address International Admission / Study Abroad Office Fra Anđela Zvizdovića 1 71000 Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina Email [email protected] www.aubih.edu/en/studyabroad