The next Center for International Experiential Learning (CIEL) Community Trip is headed to the Balkans from 10/19 to 10/31, 2025 and you are invited!

The Balkans, often referred to as the “powder keg of Europe,” is a region deeply shaped by its turbulent history. From the collapse of the Ottoman Empire to the violent dissolution of Yugoslavia, this area has witnessed centuries of conflict, division, and transformation. Today, the scars and trauma of war remain visible, but so do the inspiring efforts of communities to rebuild, reconcile, and create a shared future.

Our Community Trip aims to delves into this unique historical and cultural landscape to uncover lessons that resonate far beyond the region.

Bosnia, with its poignant reminders of interethnic conflict, showcases the challenges of post-war recovery. Montenegro and Kosovo highlight the complexities of state-building and regional cooperation. Albania’s journey from isolation to integration reflects the resilience of nations striving for inclusion in a globalised world.

Participants will explore how history informs present-day challenges and opportunities in fostering unity and peace. By engaging with survivors, scholars, and activists, the trip offers a profound lens on post-trauma reconciliation, interfaith dialogue, and the socio-political dynamics shaping the Balkans today.

These insights are invaluable for understanding broader global issues, including conflict resolution, nation-building, and fostering cross-cultural dialogue in divided societies.

Itinerary

Oct 19 - 23 - Sarajevo & Srebrenica - Hotel Europa

Understanding Conflict, Trauma, and Post-War Recovery

Sarajevo, often referred to as the “Jerusalem of Europe,” is a city marked by its history of coexistence and conflict. Together, we will explore its complex past and present through visits to the Tunnel Museum and Old Town. Key discussions at Sarajevo University will cover genocide education and the Dayton Agreement’s impact on governance and interethnic relations. Our visit to Srebrenica will provide a harrowing but necessary engagement with remembrance culture, survivor testimonies, and the role of international justice in post-conflict recovery. A Bosnian cooking workshop & a cultural performance will highlight Sarajevo’s resilience beyond its painful history.

Oct 23 - 25 - Mostar, Blagaj - Hotel Kriva Ćuprija - Kotor - Boutique Hotel Cattaro

Divided Cities, Reconstruction and the Legacy of Trauma

Mostar’s Stari Most (Old Bridge) stands as both a symbol of destruction and reconciliation. Through guided exploration, we will analyze how cultural heritage is both a casualty and an instrument of post-war rebuilding. A visit to Blagaj Tekke will offer insights into the role of Sufi traditions in the region’s historical and spiritual landscape.

Our journey continues to Kotor, a UNESCO-protected town in Montenegro, where we will discuss the shifting geopolitical significance of the Adriatic coastline in Balkan history.

Oct 25 - 27 Pristina - Hotel Prishtina

Nationhood, Independence, and the Quest for Recognition

Kosovo, Europe’s youngest nation, offers a case study in contested statehood and international diplomacy. We will visit the Adem Jashari Memorial Complex to understand the legacy of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) and the narratives surrounding independence. Meetings with scholars at the University of Pristina will help us examine Kosovo’s struggle for recognition and its ongoing political and economic challenges. A visit to the Newborn Monument and discussions with local NGOs will shed light on the role of youth activism and civil society in shaping Kosovo’s future.

Oct 27 - 31 - Tirana - Xheko Imperial Luxury Hotel & SPA

Post-Communist Transition and Regional Integration

Albania’s transformation from one of the world’s most isolated regimes to an aspiring EU member state is central to understanding post-authoritarian transitions. In Tirana, visits to Bunk’Art Museum and Skanderbeg Square will frame our discussions on Albania’s political shifts and ambitions for European integration. In Berat, a UNESCO-listed town, we will examine the intersection of heritage conservation and economic sustainability. Our journey concludes in Kruja, where Albania’s national hero Skanderbeg’s legacy offers insights into national identity formation and historical resistance.

Accommodation

- Four nights in Sarajevo - Hotel Europa, offers a blend of historic elegance and modern comfort in the heart of Sarajevo
- One night in Mostar - Hotel Kriva Ćuprija, a traditional stone house in Mostar’s old town, provides an authentic experience reflecting the city’s Ottoman past.
- One nights in Kotor - Historic Boutique Hotel Cattaro, which will immerse us in the town’s medieval atmosphere.
- Two nights in Prestina - Hotel Prishtina, offering classic, contemporary comfort in the heart of Pristina.
- Four nights in Tirana - The Xheko Imperial Luxury Hotel & Spa blends luxury with traditional Albanian hospitality, perfect for reflecting on the journey.

Join us for an informative and enjoyable experience as we learn and connect together.