Summary of the Balkan Study Abroad Program Video
The video introduces the Balkan Study Abroad program, explaining that the Balkans comprise several countries in Southeast Europe, including Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Albania. The program offers an immersive learning experience in developing Eastern European countries, with classes held at the Kosovo Academy for Public Safety. Participants collaborate with local cadets and engage in cross-cultural teaching and learning from both U.S. and Balkan perspectives.
One of the major advantages of this study abroad program is the pre-established relationships that Utah Valley University (UVU) faculty have with local emergency services personnel. This connection provides valuable insights into regional disaster history and response efforts.
Coursework focuses on areas such as:
- Disaster vulnerability
- Comparative criminal justice
- Homeland security
- Teaching disaster preparedness to Balkan communities
The program emphasizes hands-on learning, where students take on the role of teachers, engaging with local communities to apply their knowledge.
Beyond academics, the program includes weekend excursions to neighboring countries like Albania, Greece, Croatia, and Macedonia. Students immerse themselves in local culture by visiting historic sites, exploring city streets, shopping, and learning from locals.
The program is open to all majors, and students from various academic backgrounds, including both undergraduates and graduates, find relevant learning opportunities.
Finally, the video highlights the career benefits of participating in the program. One student shared how the experience gave them a competitive edge when applying for a position in emergency management, despite having limited post-college experience.
The video concludes with a strong encouragement to join the Balkan Study Abroad program, emphasizing its impact on education, personal growth, and career opportunities.
Here are student quotes taken from the video:
On the uniqueness of the experience:
“There’s not many people who can say that they actually had an opportunity to study in the Balkans.”On the immersive nature of the program:
“You're not going to have any other experience like you do when you do a study abroad.”On teaching and learning in the Balkans:
“The students are the ones that are the teachers in this program.”On cultural exchange and local interactions:
“With a place like the Balkans, where people are so accepting and so inviting, they receive information from you.”On exploring different countries:
“A lot of what we did was exploring the countries that we were in. We would go to the main streets, we would go to the local shops, shop around.”On enjoying everyday life in the Balkans:
“We got ice cream probably every day, if not two or three times a day.”On the value of the study abroad experience:
“Everyone walked away with something that meant that much more to them because of the experiences we had.”On how the program shaped career opportunities:
“Coming home from the study abroad, I had an opportunity where I got to apply in a position for emergency management… it really was the study abroad that gave me the edge over the other candidates to get the position.”On encouraging others to participate:
“If you're on the fence about going on the Balkan Study Abroad, don’t hesitate… it will broaden your experience not only personally but also professionally and help propel you forward in your career.”