SIT Serbia, Bosnia, and Kosovo: Peace and Conflict Studies in the Balkans
- Location: Belgrade, Serbia
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Language of Instruction: English
- Class Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Introduction
Belgrade is the capital and largest city of Serbia. It is located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, where the Pannonian Plain meets the Balkans. The urban area of the city of Belgrade has a population of 1.34 million, while over 1.65 million people live within its administrative limits. Belgrade has a great mix of hip, young neighborhoods interspersed with historical ones at a reasonable price. This program includes trips to Bosnia and Kosovo.
The program examines current challenges and opportunities that have resulted from the breakup of Yugoslavia and the violent wars in the region during the 1990s. Coursework and excursions will allow students to gain a greater understanding of how peace building, post-conflict transformation, and international intervention affect state formation, human rights, and transitional justice in the Balkans.
- Visa:
Students will pay $250 for a student residency permit received after the program commences. Students will be given an immigration letter to enter Serbia.
Non-US Citizens should consult with SIT and Denise Allison, Director of International Student Services before applying to the program.
DAllison@haverford.edu
610-896-2960 - Fees: Students pay Haverford tuition, room, and board to Haverford College. Haverford will then be responsible for submitting payments to the program.
Academic Overview
Requirements
Strong writing skills and an interest in journalism are necessary for the journalism track. A writing sample may be required as a part of the admissions process. Students are required to enroll in an appropriate-level Serbian/Bosnian/Croatian language course.
Academic Credit
Students must complete 16-17 semester credit hours each semester. Major, minor, and concentration transfer credit will only be granted for courses in which students receive a grade of a C or above.
Curriculum
Courses
Required:
1. The Breakup of Yugoslavia and the Wars of the 1990s
2. Peace and Conflict Studies in Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Kosovo
3. Serbian/Bosnian/Croatian Language
Option of:
1. “Research Methods and Ethics” with an Independent Research Project or Internship
OR
2. “Field Ethics of Journalism in Serbia, Bosnia, and Kosovo” with an Independent Study Project in Journalism
Course Highlights
History, Human Rights, Internship, Journalism, Political Science, Peace and Conflict Studies
Note: Changes occur frequently. Students are responsible for finding the classes they need and consulting the official site of the institution.
Non-Academic Overview
Orientation
During the first week of the program important topics such as academics, health, safety, and culture are discussed.
Number of Students
TBA
Housing/Meal Plans
Homestay only. Each student lives with a carefully selected host family. Living with a host family greatly contributes to an understanding of the realities and challenges facing the Balkans today and provides an excellent opportunity to improve language skills. All meals are provided. While traveling, other accommodations during the program may include guest houses and hostels.
Haverford students may not opt for independent off-campus housing – that is, housing not arranged by the program.
Options
- Semester
Dates
- Semester I: Early September to mid-December
- Semester II: Early February to mid-May
Application Deadlines
- Semester I: March 1
- Semester II: October 15