The Balkans

Embark on a powerful and intriguing journey into the violent history of the Balkans. We will try to understand the causes behind the conflict that dissolved Yugoslavia and examine how to work with reconciliation between ethnic and religous groups.

I the 1990s – deeply affected by the dissolution of the communist dictatorships in Eastern Europe – the Balkans were blown apart by a bloody civil war rooted in the earliest history of the region. Since then the republics of Bosnia-Hercegovina, Serbia and Kosovo have tried to find their own place in a new world order and with the memories of mad crimes against humanity imprinted in their history and cultural consciousness.

Together with NGOs, human rights organisations and local politicians we will examine the root causes of the conflict, navigate the cultural peculiarities and commonalities, and not least try and find out what the future holds for the peoples of the region.

The future of the Balkans

Based in the capitals of Sarajevo (Bosnia-Hercegovina) and Belgrade (Serbia) we will talk with local students. Many are queuing up to leave the Balkans to seek new opportunities in Western Europe, and we will ask them what are their dreams and thoughts? What are their fears? What do they hope for? We’ll examine the state of human rights for women and minority groups, freedom of the press, and the consequences of the rise of national-conservatism in Western Balkan. During the study trip we will also visit Srebrenica, the center of one of the conflict’s most brutal genocides.

During our travels we will have the opportunity to experience the marvelous landscapes, ranging from mountains, stretches of golden fields, western and eastern inspired architecture, colourful bazars and city life.

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We sampled the local cuisine, visited jazz bars, watched a basketball match, stopped off at a pub, and enjoyed a communal dinner together. We wandered through the streets of Sarajevo and Belgrade, discovering two beautiful cities with distinctly different cultures.

Johan

Student F25

Throughout Belgrade and Sarajevo, we met with journalists, political activists, and visited several museums, all of whom shed light on the lasting impact of Yugoslavia on the region’s current political landscape. It was fascinating to learn how difficult it remains to implement political reforms, largely because of deep-rooted disagreements that can be traced back to the breakup of Yugoslavia.

Johan

Student F25

Travel dates

Autumn 2026: 29 September to 08 October.

Traveling teachers

  • Asker Bjørk Hansen

    Teacher