Travel across former Yugoslavia with fellow students and program leaders to visit key sites affected by the Balkan wars of the ‘90s. These locations may include Vukovar, Osijek, Ilok, Brčko, Tuzla, Sarajevo, Mostar, Split, Knin and Plitvice. This is a unique opportunity to test the international and media perception of these wars against the reality experienced by locals in these areas. Local experts and common people will share their testimony regarding what happened, why, and its lasting effects. Past students have said this is the highlight of the entire Program and far exceeded their expectations.
 
  
Past study tours have included:

Vukovar, Osijek and Ilok (Croatia): these towns near the Serbian border were the birthplace of the 1991-95 war between Serbia and Croatia and suffered heavily from the Yugoslav People’s Army and Serb irregulars. Visible scars remain. Guided tours of these towns, visits to war memorials, mass graves, cemeteries and talks with locals affected by this conflict may be part of your study tour.
 
Sarajevo (Bosnia): famous for the siege by Serbian forces in the hills above the city, this multi-ethnic city was shattered by the war. Past groups have visited the Office of the High Representative, the NATO/EUFOR military base at Butmir, the famous underground tunnel that served as Sarajevo’s lifeline, war cemeteries and memorials, demining organizations and have participated in guided walking tours by locals who lived through the siege.

Mostar (Herzegovina): this united community split apart in the flames of the early 1990’s in this city infamous for its destroyed bridge that has only recently been reconstructed. Our visits have included the local OSCE office, guided tours of the old quarter plus frank discussions with locals who lived in Mostar during the war.
 
Brčko (Bosnia): this unique administrative unit within Bosnia and Herzegovina was bitterly contested during the war with the result that much of the countryside is heavily mined. Past students have visited fields being actively demined to better understand why less than 10% of Bosnia’s mines will ever be deactivated.

Zagreb (Croatia): the capital of Croatia was largely untouched by the war yet played a pivotal role. Our brief visits there usually include debriefings by staff from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Tuzla (Bosnia): this important commercial city north of Sarajevo is the headquarters of the Landmine Survivors Network, which you may visit as part of your study tour to learn how survivors lead normal lives despite their injuries.

Split (Croatia): past tours have included visits to the 4th century Roman palace of Diocletian, a walking tour of this vibrant city and time along the Adriatic coast.

Plitvice (Croatia): if time allows we will visit the famous lakes and waterfalls of this national reserve, which forms the single biggest tourist attraction in Croatia.

All transport, accommodation, breakfast costs and guest lecture fees are included as part of your program fee.