Embark on a powerful and intriguing journey into the bloody history of the Balkans. We will try to understand the causes behind the conflict that dissolved Yugoslavia and examine what the possibilities are for the future.

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.

Based in the capitals of Sarajevo (Bosnia-Hercegovina) and Belgrade (Serbia) we will talk with local students, many of whom are queuing up to leave the Balkans to seek new opportunities in Western Europe, to hear what are their dreams and thoughts. What are their fears? What do they hope for? We’ll examine the status on human rights for women and minority groups, the 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. On your trip home you may choose to use an interrail ticket to go to Hungary or Czech Republic. The choice is yours!