Road Map to Bosnia and Herzegovina
Application for Higher Education Institutions

About the Program

The Road Map to Bosnia and Herzegovina - Expanding Opportunities for U.S. Students funded by the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo and administered by American Councils for International Education, aims to equip select higher education institutions (HEIs) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) with the tools, resources, and networks necessary to attract U.S. students through academic programs and exchange programs.

Program Objectives

• Assess the current state of internationalization in BiH HEIs through a baseline survey, webinars, and training sessions, while providing targeted toolkits and resources to strengthen knowledge of partnerships, study abroad, and virtual exchange models.
• Increase BiH universities' internationalization capacity and build U.S.-BiH partnerships through a two-day workshop, expert-led sessions, and project-based road maps, supported by site visits, mentoring, and networking.
• Create a critical mass of BiH higher education experts in internationalization by developing a Bosnia Study Abroad Toolkit, facilitating mentorship and partnerships with U.S. universities, and sustaining engagement through peer learning and regular online meetups.

The Program Will Be Implemented In 3 Phases:

Phase I: Assessment and Virtual Engagement (October 2025 - November 2025)

• Conduct baseline assessment surveys.
• Train three Fulbright ETAs in assisting local HEIs on study abroad and internationalization.
• Host webinars introducing U.S. trends in study abroad, internationalization, and virtual exchange models.
• Distribute preparatory resources to BiH HEIs.

Phase II: In-Person Workshop and Site Visits (December 2025)

• Deliver in-person training sessions in Sarajevo.
• Conduct site visits to participating HEIs to tailor action plans.

Phase III: Resource Creation and Partnership Development (February 2026 - May 2026)

• Create and share the Bosnia Study Abroad Toolkit.
• Facilitate matchmaking between BiH and U.S. HEIs.
• Provide ongoing mentorship and support.
• Networking and Information Sharing.

Timeline

• Train three Fulbright ETAs in assisting local HEIs on study abroad and internationalization: November 4.
• Host webinars introducing U.S. trends in study abroad, internationalization, and virtual exchange models: the first webinar (week of November 17), and the second webinar (week of December 8) - exact day to be determined for both webinars.
• Deliver in-person training sessions in Sarajevo: December 3 and 4 (confirmed).

Eligibility Criteria for Participants

• Participants must hold a leadership or representative role within a Higher Education Institution or relevant Ministry of Education in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This may include positions such as Rector, Vice Rector, Dean, Department Head, Professor, Teaching Assistant with institutional responsibilities, or staff from research, international cooperation, or grants and development offices.
• Applicants should demonstrate a clear commitment to advancing the internationalization of their institution, with a particular focus on developing and strengthening international partnerships, student and staff mobility, joint programs, and participation in international exchange or collaboration initiatives. Prior involvement in international projects, bilateral or multilateral cooperation, or institutional strategies for global engagement is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in English is required, as all program activities including virtual sessions, in-person sessions, and follow-up will be conducted in English.
• Participants must commit to full and active engagement throughout all three phases of the program, which will take place between October 2025 and May 2026.
• Attendance at all scheduled activities is mandatory, including webinars, in-person meetings, mentoring sessions, and reciprocal visits or events, to ensure meaningful collaboration and institutional impact.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please email the American Councils for International Education office in Sarajevo, BiH at: ba@americancouncils.org