The DVV International Country Office Bosnia and Herzegovina maintains a successful partnership with the University of Würzburg through the participation of learners from Bosnia and Herzegovina in the ALE Academy in Würzburg and through the Erasmus mobility programme, which provides students with an opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in practice at DVV International – Office for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The ALE Academy in Würzburg is an international programme of the University of Würzburg that brings together master’s and doctoral students, as well as practitioners in the field of adult education, to explore contemporary issues in lifelong learning and educational policy. The programme is particularly significant because it connects academic theory with practice, strengthens international cooperation, and enables participants from different countries to exchange experiences. Through its comparative and international approach, participants develop analytical, research, and professional competencies necessary for improving adult education systems in their respective contexts.
At the same time, it is important to highlight the value of the student mobility programme, through which students themselves benefit the most by combining theory and practice during their two-month stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, DVV International also benefits by welcoming motivated young people into its team, eager to learn and contribute to its work.
This year, our team will be joined for two months by two new interns, Yakup Gürler and Aleyna Karataşlı, who will have the opportunity to learn about the work of DVV International, participate in project activities, support the organisation of various events, visit partner organisations, and connect with fellow students from the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Sarajevo.
We asked our future interns what motivated them to apply for the internship programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and here is what they told us:
Yakup finds his motivation in the opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the international work of DVV International and the role of adult education in building inclusive and democratic communities.
“I consider my internship at DVV International in Sarajevo a valuable step toward deepening my expertise in the field of adult education.”
Aleyna, on the other hand, looks forward to the opportunity to explore the theoretical concepts she studies through practical work with local communities and partners, while actively contributing to the team’s work.
“I do not want to be merely an observer; I want to make a meaningful contribution to the team’s projects and activities.”
We cannot fail to mention last year’s intern, Lea Babichev, a student at the University of Würzburg, who during her stay in Sarajevo became acquainted with the work of various organisations and institutions in the field of adult education, participated in workshops, training courses and conferences, and gained practical insight into the adult education system in our country.
As she points out herself, her experience in Sarajevo was highly significant for both her personal and professional development:
“These experiences were extremely valuable for me, both personally and professionally, and provided me with a much deeper understanding of the field of adult education. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I began working in the social and educational sector, and my internship in Sarajevo played an important role in shaping my professional path.”
We believe that this cycle of Erasmus mobility will also bring new knowledge, experiences and perspectives, while further strengthening the ties between Sarajevo and Würzburg. DVV International Country Office Bosnia and Herzegovina will continue to build partnerships that connect educational institutions, professionals and future practitioners in the field of adult education.
To our future interns, Aleyna and Yakup, we extend a warm welcome to our team!