Date of implementation: 2012 – ongoing

Each spring, PCRC cooperates with the Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS) to coordinate their annual visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina. With our coordination, over 150 students, over the course of six years have visited the International Commission on Missing Persons’ (ICMP) premises, the Memorial Room in Bratunac, the Srebrenica-Potočari Memorial Center and met with relevant experts in the area of historical memory, reconciliation, and transitional justice. Through this program, students gain knowledge about the historical, political and social components that have culminated in the fragile state of BiH today, which allow them to use critical thinking skills to formulate their own perspective regarding the future of BiH.

One of my biggest takeaways was that, as cliché as it sounds, we can never stop trying for peace. Speaking with and listening to the people whose daily lives revolved around trying to make this country and its people happier was nothing short of inspiring. And despite the difficulties and bleak outlook, it taught me that change can come through persistence and resilience – two qualities the Bosnian people definitely possess.