University of Sarajevo Representatives Participate in the EUPeace BIP Programme Dedicated to the Buddy System
From 1 to 5 June 2026, representatives of the University of Sarajevo participated in a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) organised within the framework of the EUPeace Alliance, focusing on the development and enhancement of the Buddy System, titled “Together We Thrive: Buddy Facilitation Skills and Cultural Awareness in International Mobility”. The programme was hosted by the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, Czech Republic, and brought together students and Buddy Programme coordinators from EUPeace partner universities.
The Buddy System represents an important support mechanism for international students during their mobility period. Through mentoring and peer support, local students (Buddy volunteers) help incoming students adapt more easily to a new academic, social, and cultural environment, contributing to their successful integration and a more enriching student experience.
The development of the Buddy Programme within the EUPeace Alliance is coordinated through the WP4 working group, with the aim of strengthening student engagement, inclusiveness, and support for international mobility. At the University of Sarajevo, the Buddy Programme is coordinated by the International Relations Office, while Buddy students support international students in familiarising themselves with the university, the city, and everyday life in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as helping them settle in during their first days of stay.
During the programme, participants exchanged experiences regarding the organisation of Buddy Programmes at their institutions, presented examples of good practice, discussed common challenges, and jointly developed proposals for improving existing support models for international students. Particular emphasis was placed on identifying ways to encourage greater student participation in this important initiative.
The programme included presentations of Buddy Systems from partner universities, workshops dedicated to equality, diversity, and inclusion, interactive sessions on interpersonal communication and challenges faced by international students, as well as numerous networking and team-building activities.
The University of Sarajevo was represented by four students, Aldin Pamuk (Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences), Lamija-Saliha Čačković (School of Economics and Business), Hana Tahirović (School of Economics and Business) and Hana Zaimović (Faculty of Electrical Engineering), along with the International Relations Office buddy coordinator, Mejsun Alghoul. They all shared their experiences gained through participation in the Buddy Programme during the 2025/2026 academic year, contributing to enriched exchange of knowledge and promoting the activities implemented by the University of Sarajevo within the framework of the Buddy Programme.
Participation in programmes such as this contributes to strengthening the internationalisation process at the University of Sarajevo, enhancing the quality of student mobility, and fostering an inclusive and supportive academic environment for both local and international students.
