Europe House welcomed students to an interactive presentation of one of the most successful EU programmes - Erasmus+ as part of the wider ErasmusDays campaign held throughout the world to raise awareness of the opportunities offered through this initiative. Students were joined by Ambassador Luigi Soreca, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina and EU Special Representative to BiH as well as numerous Erasmus+ alumni who shared their unique experiences.

During his welcome speech, Ambassador Soreca underlined the importance of youth mobility and exchange programmes as well as their influence on empowering new generations to be actively involved in the EU integration process. “Erasmus+ is a truly European experience - one that transcends borders and languages, representing the true spirit of European unity and cooperation. For many people that take part in Erasmus+ it is a life changing experience – a chance to study abroad, meet new people, gain new perspectives. It is important to encourage and motivate others to apply and seize this opportunity. Erasmus+ is a programme that helps you step out of your comfort zone, grow, learn, understand and also support Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path towards membership in our Union.” said the Ambassador.

The interested students had the opportunity to learn more about the programme from the University of Sarajevo staff coordinating the process as well as to listen to personal experiences from the Erasmus+ alumni who shared their mobility journeys and noted how the exchange supported their academic and career goals.

While considering the encouraging rise in applications from the BiH students as well as the increase in international students arriving to BiH for mobility schemes, the participants agreed that mobility opportunities should be more promoted and presented to students across the country. As part of the activities for ErasmusDays, Europe House will organise, in coordination with the University of Tuzla, an Info Day on 16 October to share the possibilities to students from the Tuzla region as well.

The majority of Erasmus students happily note that the exchange enriched their lives and opened new possibilities - Sergej Mačar, a Sarajevo born graphic designer and photographer is one of them. Mačar’s internationally awarded exhibition “Sur”, inspired by his experiences during an Erasmus+ exchange, was opened in Europe House in the presence of the Deputy Head of Mission of the Spanish Embassy Sol Cabanas. “I am very proud that Spain is one of the top destinations of the Erasmus+ programme for BiH students. I was also an Erasmus student and it is a great experience that I still cherish today. The Erasmus experience is much more than just an academic exchange, it is really a life changing experience connecting people from across borders and strengthening the European identity,” said Cabanas.

The exhibition is a multi-year cycle of street and documentary photography developed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Spain and Portugal, exploring the themes of globalization, identity and belonging. The exhibition will be open until 1 November 2025.