The University of Mostar Brought Together Partners from Ten Countries as Part of Mobility Week

The University of Mostar and its International Relations Office organized the 5th International Staff Mobility Week, which took place from March 24 to 28. During the five-day program, the University hosted 40 representatives from partner institutions in Poland, Slovakia, Lithuania, Germany, Turkey, Austria, Spain, the Czech Republic, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This year’s mobility week theme, Building Effective University Alliances, was chosen because university alliances play a crucial role in the future of higher education. They bring numerous benefits as well as challenges, such as introducing the European Label, developing joint European degrees, new mobility regulations, and other innovations in higher education. The University of Mostar has recognized the importance of participating in this process and has become the first university in Bosnia and Herzegovina to join the European Alliance EUPeace through the Erasmus+ European Universities – Development of new, deep institutional transnational cooperation initiative. This theme highlights the strategic importance of strengthening partnerships and internationalizing higher education, which is one of the University of Mostar’s key objectives.

The official opening of the program marked the first day, where participants were welcomed by representatives of the University of Mostar’s administration. Prof. Dr. Sanja Bijakšić, Vice-Rector for International Relations, emphasized the importance of international collaboration and the University’s role in strengthening academic networks. She highlighted how such initiatives are excellent opportunities for establishing long-term partnerships and jointly addressing the challenges facing higher education. Representatives from partner institutions had the opportunity to learn more about the University’s work through a presentation by Dr. Inja Stojkić, Head of the Office for International Relations.

During the program, participants introduced their institutions and took part in panels and roundtable discussions on topics related to international mobility, university alliance development, and the implementation of cooperation programs. Special attention was given to presentations on European university alliances, including EUPeace, EMERGE, SEA-EU, and EUTOPIA, as well as discussions on the role of collaboration in improving education and scientific research.

Participants also visited various organizational units of the University, including the Faculty of Medicine and Dental Clinic, the University of Mostar’s Center for Information Technology (SUMIT), and were introduced to the work of the Office for Students with Disabilities and the University’s Student Union. During their tour of the Rodoč Campus, participants visited the laboratories and sports facilities of the Faculty of Science, Mathematics, and Education. The program was enriched with cultural and social activities, such as a city tour of Mostar, a visit to the University of Mostar’s Museum of Modern Art, and participation in the Art and Wine workshop.

The mobility week also provided an opportunity for additional meetings and the expansion of cooperation. Rev. Prof. Dr. Habil. Rafał Kowalski, Vice-Rector for Promotion and Development at the Pontifical Faculty of Theology in Wrocław, used this opportunity to visit the Theological-Catechetical Institute in Mostar, where he was hosted by Mons. Dr. Petar Palić, Bishop of Mostar-Duvno and Apostolic Administrator of Trebinje-Mrkan. This meeting further strengthened academic and inter-institutional cooperation between the two institutions.

In addition to university visits, a delegation from Spain took the opportunity to visit Jozo Martinović Secondary School of Economics, Juraj Dalmatinac Secondary School of Civil Engineering, and the Secondary School of Tourism and Hospitality in Mostar. These visits enabled discussions on the potential for initiating Erasmus cooperation at the secondary education level, further expanding opportunities for international exchange and collaboration.

On the final day of the program, a formal certificate award ceremony was held for the participants, marking the conclusion of yet another successful and the largest-ever International Staff Mobility Week organized by the University of Mostar. This event once again confirmed the University’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation and creating new opportunities for the development of academic and research projects. Organizing such events not only enhances the global visibility of the University but also strengthens its capacity for further partnership development and international initiatives.