The Faculty of Economics, University of Banja Luka had the pleasure of welcoming two students from the University of Siena, Italy, as part of the Erasmus+ exchange program. Vincenzo Mei and Carmine Mattia Marmo, both second-cycle (Master’s) students at the University of Siena, spent the summer semester — from February 28 to June 30, 2025 — studying at the Faculty of Economics.
During their semester in Banja Luka, the students attended classes, took part in academic and extracurricular activities, and immersed themselves in the local culture and everyday life of the city. Their presence significantly contributed to the internationalization of teaching and to the exchange of experiences among students and academic staff alike.
Such exchanges represent a vital part of our international cooperation efforts, strengthening academic ties and creating opportunities for future joint initiatives between the Faculty of Economics in Banja Luka and the University of Siena.
We share the students' experiences first-hand:
Vincenzo Mei:
"I never would have imagined that my Erasmus experience in Banja Luka would turn out to be so beautiful and fascinating. Every aspect of this place left a lasting impression on me: the city, the nature, the history – both recent and ancient – but most of all, the people. I truly believe there are no kinder, more welcoming people than those from the Balkans. Their way of life is very similar to the Italian one, and perhaps that's why I felt at home from the very beginning.
The university was simply perfect: professors were always available, understanding, and highly knowledgeable. Thanks to them, I was able to fully enjoy this experience and return to Italy with a much broader cultural background.
To any future student who may read this message: I strongly recommend coming here. Words alone can’t do justice to the beauty of this experience – you can only truly understand it by living it."
Carmine Mattia Marmo:
“This Erasmus experience in Banja Luka has been truly meaningful for me, both academically and personally. Studying in a different environment allowed me to engage with a new academic system, which enriched my learning approach and overall educational path.
I would also like to highlight the professionalism and helpfulness of the professors, who were always supportive and approachable — this really made a difference. On a personal level, living in Banja Luka gave me the chance to discover a different culture, appreciate the local traditions, language, and the warmth of the people. It wasn’t always easy to adapt at the beginning, but that challenge made the experience even more valuable.
It’s an experience I would recommend to anyone ready to step out of their comfort zone, grow, and learn more about themselves”
Gallery
