Expertise in Cultural Diversity and Shared Challenges
In December 2023, a significant milestone was reached as the University of Banja Luka (Bosnia and Herzegovina) officially became a member of the Across Alliance. This development is celebrated for several compelling reasons.
Firstly, the University of Banja Luka brings a wealth of experience in dealing with cultural diversity in its wide range of courses and teaching experience, deeply embedded in its history and tradition. This expertise is invaluable as we seek to promote understanding and collaboration across diverse backgrounds within our Alliance.
Secondly, the alignment of our subject areas with the core focus of the Alliance is evident through Banja Luka’s proximity to the EU border. This geographical positioning inherently exposes the university to the challenges prevalent in cross-border regions, a shared concern among our Alliance members. Moreover, the citizens of Banja Luka and the broader region of Republic of Srpska share this reality, amplifying the significance of collaboration.
Thirdly, the inclusion of the University of Banja Luka expands the scope of our cooperation possibilities and dissemination activities, particularly within the Western Balkans region. This enhances our capacity to achieve our shared goals of promoting education, research, mobility, and cooperation.
Expanding Cooperation Possibilities
Kristina Pantelic Babic, Vice-Rector for International and Interuniversity Cooperation, emphasizes the university’s strategic fit within the Alliance, stating, “Our location in a cross-border region and our status as the largest public University in the Republic of Srpska and second-largest public university in Bosnia and Herzegovina make the University of Banja Luka a perfect ‘team’ member for the cross-border knowledge-sharing idea. With a tradition of cooperation with neighboring countries over the past few decades, with all the challenges and benefits it entails, UNIBL contributes to the alliance in many positive ways. The many similarities with Across partner universities make UNIBL a perfect fit in the ‘puzzle’ of joint education, research, mobility, and cooperation.”
Embracing Diversity
The University of Banja Luka embraces the idea of “Diversity as the new equality,” exemplified by its open doors to students and researchers from all corners of Europe and beyond. Membership within the Across Alliance serves to reinforce and propagate this inclusive ethos to all member universities, thereby enriching the fabric of European education and collaboration.
Explore Opportunities for Academic and Intercultural Exchange at the University of Banja Luka
To learn more about the University of Banja Luka, visit their website and discover the wealth of opportunities for academic and intercultural exchange that they offer.
