The World as a Classroom: Stories from Our Students’ International Exchange
Students of the Faculty of Economics, University of Banja Luka, Nina Marić, Danilo Rogić, and Danilo Vračar, shared their experiences from international exchange programmes in Czechia, Greece, and China.
In a short video, they speak about their academic and personal impressions, new knowledge, cultural encounters, and the importance of international mobility for student development. Their experiences show how studying at foreign universities can become a valuable part of academic life, as well as an important step toward broader professional and personal growth.
We invite students to watch the video and learn more about the opportunities offered by international exchange.
Published 05.05.2026 at 21:57
Exploring New Horizons in the Czech Republic: My Mobility Experience (2025-26)
My name is Danilo Vračar and I am a fourth-year student at the Faculty of Economics, University of Banja Luka, majoring in Business Informatics. I spent the first semester of this academic year in Brno, where I was on an exchange program within the Erasmus+ program, at Mendel University. My stay in the Czech Republic was a great opportunity for me to combine my university obligations with getting to know a new environment. In addition to classes, I set aside a lot of time for traveling, so I had the opportunity to visit different parts of the country, from natural sites to old castles and historical cities.
As for the studies themselves, the classes were organized according to the master's study system, because the courses that correspond to our fourth year there are conducted at that level. Most of the work was based on projects and group work.
In Brno, I met a large number of people, both local and students from other countries. Through various activities, such as hiking, going to games, or socializing, I created new acquaintances and experiences that I will certainly remember. This exchange was meaningful to me both personally and academically, as I gained new knowledge and broadened my horizons through being in a different environment.
Published 28.04.2026 at 15:36
A Semester in the Czech Republic: A Turning Point in My Life (2025/2026)
My name is Danilo Rogić, and I am a fourth-year student in the Business Informatics study programme at the Faculty of Economics, University of Banja Luka. Thanks to the Erasmus+ programme, I had the opportunity to spend one semester on student exchange at Mendel University in Brno, Czech Republic. The five months I spent in this city represent far more than just a part of my studies. They were a deep and unforgettable life experience that will remain etched in my memory.
The desire to go on an exchange had been with me since my very first days at university, like a quiet source of motivation encouraging me to think more broadly and more boldly. Still, it was not until my third year that this wish grew into a concrete decision. Applying for the programme, although it initially seemed like a big step, turned out to be a simple and achievable process.
When choosing my courses, I was guided by the wish to gain more from this experience than simply having exams recognized. I wanted to learn something new, something that would further shape and develop me. For that reason, alongside similar subjects, I also attended courses in artificial intelligence as well as Czech language classes. The teaching was dynamic and required continuous effort and commitment, but that was precisely where its greatest value lay. The assignments we were given were not mere formalities, but real opportunities to develop practical skills and gain knowledge with genuine application.
Life in Brno was everything I had hoped for: dynamic, diverse, and fulfilling. Every day brought something new, and the weeks passed more quickly than I could have imagined. Weekdays were devoted to university responsibilities and socializing, while weekends brought new adventures and travels. Brno is a city that opens the door to Europe, as it is well connected, accessible, and ideal for exploration and discovery. Train travel left a particularly strong impression on me, as it was not merely a way of reaching a destination, but part of the experience itself. During my stay, I also visited many destinations outside the Czech Republic, including Kraków, Dresden, Vienna, Budapest, Málaga, and Auschwitz, and each new place carried its own story and emotion.
What made this period truly special, however, were the people I met. I spent time with students from different parts of the world, from Vietnam and India to Kazakhstan, across Europe, and even the United States. Through those conversations, friendships, and shared experiences, I came to understand just how vast the world is, and at the same time, how deeply similar the things are that connect us. For me, these encounters are more than memories. They are friendships I hope to keep and cherish.
When I look back on the entire experience, I realize that a student exchange is not just an academic step, but a life-changing turning point. I learned to be more independent, more confident in myself, and more ready to embrace new challenges. This experience broadened my horizons and showed me how important it is to step outside one’s comfort zone. To anyone considering going on an exchange, I can sincerely say: do not hesitate. Sometimes, it takes just one step for a whole new world to open before you.
Published 22.04.2026 at 12:22
Lana Radinković on Student´s Mobility in Brno: The beginning of a New Me (2025/2026)
My exchange in Brno at Mendel University in Czech Republic was much more than a study stay, it was a phase of personal growth, stepping out of the comfort zone and creating memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Arriving in a new city, in another country, with a different language and culture, was initially a challenge, but very quickly turned into a feeling of excitement and freedom. Brno won me over with its student energy, relaxed atmosphere and the warmth of its people.
The academic part of the exchange allowed me to get to know a different approach to learning; more interaction, teamwork and practical application of knowledge. Working in international groups further motivated me, because each discussion brought a new perspective. However, what made this mobility really special was spending time with students from different parts of Europe and the world. Through joint dinners, international evenings, trips and gatherings in student dormitories, I learned about cultures, traditions and ways of thinking that were far away from me until then.
Travels occupy a special place in my memory. Almost every weekend was a new adventure, from walking through the historic streets of Prague to exploring charming cities like Olomouc, all the way to discovering smaller towns and natural beauties. Every trip brought a feeling of freedom and togetherness, because those trips were an opportunity to connect even more and create memories that we still recount today.
This exchange brought me much more than ECTS points, it brought me new friendships, self-confidence, independence and a different view of the world. I learned to adapt, to be braver and more open to new experiences.
For me, Brno will forever represent the city where I grew up, studied and lived to the fullest.
Published 01.03.2026 at 09:54
Искуство са размјене на Менделовом Универзитету у Брну, Чешка Република – Дуња Балабан (2025/2026)
My name is Dunja Balaban, and I am a fourth-year student at the Faculty of Economics in Banja Luka, majoring in Management and Entrepreneurship. I spent this year’s winter semester at Mendel University in Brno as part of the Erasmus+ program.
Staying in Brno was an incredibly beautiful and unforgettable experience that allowed me to meet a large number of people from different countries and cultures. Studying in an international environment showed me how different the education system is compared to ours and taught me how to adapt to new environments.
In addition to the academic aspect, the exchange allowed me to travel and explore other European cities such as Prague, Karlovy Vary, Olomouc, and Vienna, and to realize that university life can be much more than just acquiring academic knowledge. I also made friendships that I am sure will last a long time. This experience significantly contributed to the development of my independence, resourcefulness, and self-confidence, and I consider it an excellent experience that I would sincerely recommend to every student.
Published 25.02.2026 at 21:07
Andalusian Lessons: Academic Life and Personal Development in Córdoba (2025/2026)
My name is Andrea Golić and I am a third-year student at the Faculty of Economics of the University of Banja Luka. Within the Erasmus+ program, I had the opportunity to spend one semester at the University of Córdoba in Spain, which was an extremely valuable academic and life experience for me.
I decided to go on exchange with the desire to gain new experience, to get to know a different way of studying and living, as well as to step out of my comfort zone. I expected to broaden my horizons, meet people from different countries, and improve my knowledge, which was fully achieved.
Classes at the host university were organized differently than at our university. The teaching was interactive and encouraged active participation of students, which helped me become more involved in classes and the course material. It is especially meaningful to me that through daily communication with colleagues from different countries I further improved my English, and at the same time learned the basics of Spanish, which enriched my stay in this country.
In addition to academic obligations, I used my free time for traveling and discovering new places. I visited Madrid, Seville, Málaga, Granada, Ronda, Cádiz, Marbella and Torremolinos, walked through the famous Caminito del Rey canyon, and went to Gran Canaria, and I also had the opportunity to travel to Portugal. Each of these trips left a special impression on me and allowed me to better understand the culture, tradition, and way of life on the Iberian Peninsula. The atmosphere in Córdoba, its rich history and architecture, as well as socializing with students from all over the world, are the details I will most often recount.
The Erasmus experience brought me greater independence, self-confidence, and readiness to accept new challenges. I gained new friendships and memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I would recommend all future students to take advantage of this opportunity, because exchange is not only an academic experience, but also a significant step in personal development.
Published 20.02.2026 at 20:29
Studying Under Andalusian Skies: My Semester at the University of Córdoba (2025/2026)
My name is Marija Vidović, and I am a third-year student at the Faculty of Economics, majoring in Economics and Business Management. As part of the Erasmus+ program, I spent one semester at the University of Córdoba in Spain, which was one of the most beautiful and meaningful experiences of my studies.
My desire to go on exchange began after listening to the experiences of friends who had already participated in the program. I wanted to experience a different education system, immerse myself in a new culture, and step out of my comfort zone. I expected to learn a new language, gain new knowledge, meet friends from different countries, and travel a lot — and I can say that these expectations were fully met.
Classes at the host university were highly interactive, with many group projects and assignments throughout the semester. This approach allowed us to build solid knowledge of the subjects even before the exam period. Professors encouraged students to share their opinions and actively participate in discussions. It was especially meaningful to me that the groups were composed of students of different nationalities, which helped me improve my English skills and also learn more about their countries and languages.
In addition to my academic responsibilities, I used my free time to travel. I visited Málaga, Marbella, Torremolinos, Seville, Madrid, and Ibiza, and from each city I took away special impressions and new insights. I attended flamenco performances, which left a strong impression on me, as well as the celebration of Three Kings’ Day, which is marked in Spain in a very festive and unique way. I often talk about how life in Spain is more relaxed and slower-paced, without constant rush and stress, and how much time spent with family is truly valued.
Published 20.02.2026 at 20:18
Student Mihajlo Laković on Student Mobility at Thomas More University, Belgium (2025/2026)
My name is Mihailo Laković, and I am a fourth-year student of the Business Informatics study program.
I carry very nice memories from my student exchange at Thomas More University of Applied Sciences in Geel, Belgium. I will remember that semester forever :D
I was very impressed by the organization of classes and the study system. In every course, the focus was on practical work and team projects, where we learned how to apply our knowledge through real-life tasks. I especially liked that the courses were organized in a way that required students to continuously work on assignments and submit their tasks. In some courses the final grade was based entirely on activity and work during the semester, without a final exam.
I liked Belgium because it is a highly organized and developed country, with many beautiful places and large cities to visit. The Erasmus program provides a good scholarship, which makes it possible to visit wonderful places without spending a lot of money. This part of Europe is very well connected by buses and trains, so organizing trips is extremely simple. I was also lucky to meet a great group of friends, and we spent our free time enjoying parties and traveling together.
Published 18.02.2026 at 19:45
Student Andrea Grbić's mobility at University of Padova, Italy (2025/2026)
My name is Andrea Grbić, and I am a third-year student at the Faculty of Economics in Banja Luka, majoring in Business Informatics. During the winter semester of the 2025/26 academic year, I had the opportunity to participate in a student exchange program in Italy, at the University of Padua.
My stay in Padua gave me opportunity to meet great people from all over the world and experience different cultures, traditions, and mindsets. From these experiences, great friendships were formed that went beyond national borders, and I am sure they will last for the whole life. Each day of the exchange was filled with new experiences, challenges, and unforgettable moments. The academic aspect of the exchange met very high academic standards. The lectures were very well organized, professors highly qualified, opened, and dedicated to their students. Classes included interactive content, group projects, and practical work. Thanks to this approach, I improved my knowledge in economics, as well as my proficiency in English and Italian. In addition to studying, I had the opportunity to travel across Italy and truly experience its long history and rich culture. From Sicily, Milan, and Turin to the Dolomites, Venice, Verona, and Bologna, each place left a special impression and made this experience even richer and more memorable.
This period of academic exchange represents one of the most beautiful and valuable experiences of my life. It brought me knowledge, self-confidence, new friendships, and memories that will stay with me forever.
Published 09.02.2026 at 14:06
Student Nina Marić after Greece, for the second time on exchange: Mendel University in Brno, Czech Republic (2025/2026)
Nina Marić shared her experiences from her second international study exchange:
„My name is Nina Marić and I am a fourth-year student at the Faculty of Economics, University of Banja Luka. Within the Erasmus+ programme, I spent the first semester of the current academic year on an exchange in Brno, at Mendel University. This was my second student exchange within the Erasmus+ programme.
My stay in the Czech Republic represented a balanced combination of academic responsibilities and everyday life in a new environment. I used my free time to travel and explore the country, during which I visited numerous national parks, natural sites, and medieval castles that constitute an important part of its cultural heritage.
Teaching at Mendel University was organised in line with master’s studies, as courses equivalent to the fourth year of studies at my home faculty are delivered at the master’s level within the Czech system. Course work was based on projects and a team-oriented approach, with a strong focus on sustainability as a common theme across all courses. As part of certain courses, company visits were also organised, providing insight into business practice.
During my stay in Brno, I established contacts with local and international students through shared activities such as hiking, attending sports matches, and karaoke evenings.I consider my exchange in Brno to be an important part of my academic path, as it represented an experience of living and working in a different educational and social environment, as well as a natural continuation of my development through international student experience.“
Published 04.02.2026 at 11:48