Milica Bojanic, A master's student at the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management in Kotor, who is completing a five-month semester exchange in the Netherlands, will go on an exchange to Austria next semester as part of the Erasmus program. The further she gets from Nikšić, she says, the more clearly she sees how much that city, her family, her school and the values she grew up with have shaped her. Today, she is a master's student at the University of Applied Sciences in Breda, the Netherlands, a scholarship recipient and participant in international projects in the field of sustainable tourism, but the beginning of her journey is tied to the classrooms of the "Ratko Žarić" Elementary School.
"My education began in Nikšić, in a school that I still remember today as a place where I gained not only knowledge, but also values that shaped me as a person," says Bojanić.
He especially remembers the teacher Branka Malešević, who she says was “much more than a teacher, a second mother.” From her, she adds, she learned discipline, responsibility, respect, and the belief that knowledge is the greatest wealth.
In elementary school, thanks to the class teacher, To Dragan Živković, also awakened a love for geography, travel, and learning about other cultures.
"His lectures were not classic classes. Through presentations, projects, and interesting stories, he managed to awaken in me the desire to one day travel the world and work in tourism," he recalls.
Therefore, enrolling in the Secondary School of Economics and Hospitality was a natural continuation for her. There, in addition to classes, she participated in folklore, volunteered, did eco-reporting, and performed in competitions that, as she says, helped her build self-confidence and public speaking. She especially highlights the “Business Challenge of Montenegro 2022”, where she received recognition for the most outstanding individual, and then representing Montenegro at the “Business Challenge of the Western Balkans” in Sarajevo.
"It was a huge experience for me, because I had the opportunity to work with young people from the region and develop entrepreneurial and team skills," she says.
Ecology was also an important part of her high school journey. Professor Olivera Lucic directed her towards projects and competitions, and in 2022 she won second place in the regional competition “Ambassadors of Positive Change in the Western Balkans”.
She emphasizes that elementary and high school in Nikšić gave her discipline, work habits, and confidence in public speaking.
Scholarship of the Municipality of Nikšić
The decision to continue her studies abroad did not come all at once. The first serious impetus was two participations in the Work and Travel program in the American state of Maine.
"That was the first time I lived completely independently, worked in an international environment and communicated with people from different cultures and countries on a daily basis. I realized how much international experience changes a person. You become more independent, more open, more resourceful and more confident in yourself," says Bojanić.
During her undergraduate studies at the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management in Kotor, she tried to make the most of every part of her student life. She was a member of the Student Parliament of the University of Montenegro, a student trustee of the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, and the founder of a new student organization, with the aim of getting young people more involved in the academic and social life of the faculty. Her high average also earned her a scholarship from the Municipality of Nikšić, an award she says is one of her favorite because she comes from her hometown.
"Over time, I realized that I wanted an education that would develop me professionally, but also allow me to get to know the world, new cultures, and different work systems. That's why I decided to continue my master's studies abroad."
She had a choice of several European universities, including Cordoba, Rimini, and Breda. She chose Breda University of Applied Sciences because, she says, their approach to education best suited what she was looking for.
"I was attracted by the focus on sustainable tourism, international projects, research and practical work. Students are not only focused on theory, but are constantly working on analysis, research and solving specific problems in the field of tourism and sustainable development."
She remembers her first meeting with Brad as peaceful and orderly. She describes the city as student-friendly, green, full of bike paths, parks and spaces for socializing. She lives in a student dorm with roommates from Hong Kong and Turkey.
"Every day is filled with learning about new cultures, customs, and languages. Living with people from completely different cultures broadens one's horizons in a special way."
In addition to English and Russian, she has started learning Dutch and Turkish, because she believes that language is the best way to connect with people.
He describes the BUas campus as a space that is significantly different from the faculties that students are used to in Montenegro. It is open, modern and student-friendly: group work rooms, multimedia classrooms, relaxation areas, creative spaces, libraries and places where students can study and work on projects together.
"The atmosphere is not formal and cold, but friendly and motivating. That's exactly why I became a member of several student clubs, among which I would single out culinary and music clubs."
Her average day starts early. She often prepares a healthy breakfast with her roommates, then goes for a run or to the gym. Lectures are usually not in the early morning hours, but from noon to late afternoon, but, she says, they are dynamic and interactive. After class, she stays at the university for projects, meetings, or club activities.
From the Netherlands to Montenegro by train
In the Netherlands, she developed a particular interest in sustainable tourism, destination development and research in the field of tourism and social change. She is currently working on her first scientific paper as part of the “International Field Project” course, together with students and professors from the Netherlands. The topic is sustainable tourism in Montenegro, and the research is being carried out through a tour of the coastal, central and northern parts of the country.
"It is particularly important to me that we work directly with local residents, tourism organizations and communities, because it is through talking to people that you best understand the real challenges and potential of a destination," he explains.
They traveled from the Netherlands to Montenegro by train, wanting the very method of travel to be a message about sustainability and reducing negative environmental impact. The work will be presented in early June at the Rectorate of the University of Montenegro in Podgorica, it is announced.
He describes the relationship between professors and students in the Netherlands as one of the biggest differences compared to the education system in the Balkans. “Professors don't just see you as a student who needs to pass an exam, but as a future colleague and professional whose opinion has value.”
Lectures are based on discussion, analysis, teamwork and practical examples, and materials are sent in advance via platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Brightspace, Outlook and the BUas portal.
Among the subjects, he highlights “Impactful Tourism Interventions”), because it combines theory, practical work and contact with experts. During the semester, she had workshops and lectures in Amsterdam and The Hague, as well as guest lecturers from the tourism and sustainable development sectors. She especially remembers the support of her professors Sebastian Straatman, who, she says, helped her even before she arrived in Breda, as well as the professor Miguela Brava Madrid, who left a strong impression during a research project in Montenegro.
The exam system, says Bojanić, is much different than in Montenegro. The final grade does not depend on just one exam, but on work done during the semester: projects, presentations, research, and group assignments.
"The focus is not on memorization, but on understanding, analysis, research and practical application of knowledge. Creativity, critical thinking and the ability to work in a team are highly valued."
Although she has not yet met students from Montenegro in Breda, she has met many people from the region, especially from Serbia and Croatia. Her closest friends are Elaine from Hong Kong and Gamze from Turkey, also roommates.
"It's interesting how many people from different parts of the world have similar dreams, fears and ambitions."
They mostly spend their time in nature, traveling, training, going on excursions, and student events.
Continuing studies in Austria
Plans for the future are already opening up. She will complete her master's studies next year, and she has already received a scholarship to continue her master's studies at MCI University in Innsbruck, Austria. She sees her career in an international environment, in the field of sustainable tourism, destination development and international projects. She would also like to continue her scientific work.
"The most important thing for me is to be happy in what I do and that the work I do has meaning, value, and the ability to contribute to society."
Studying abroad, she adds, changed her more as a person than just as a student. She learned independence, responsibility, organization, and stepping out of her comfort zone, but her values did not change.
"Family, faith, respect, honesty and loyalty remain the foundations of my life."
From the Netherlands, he regularly follows developments in Montenegro, especially the topics of youth, education, ecology and tourism. He believes that Montenegro has enormous potential for sustainable tourism, but that a strategy, education and greater environmental protection are needed.
He is not currently thinking about returning after his studies.
"European countries offer young people more opportunities for professional development, quality of life and advancement. Montenegro will always be my home, but right now I see my future more outside the borders of the Balkans."
For the return of young people to be a realistic option, he believes that the state must invest more in education, science, research, and young professionals.
"It is necessary to create a system in which knowledge, effort and results will be valued more than political or other connections."
Young people who go to study abroad, he says, should not be seen as lost personnel, but as potential that can bring new knowledge, contacts and experiences.
Wherever life takes her, she says, she will try to represent Montenegro, Nikšić, and the values she grew up with.
"When you live and study in an international environment, you quickly realize that you are in a way an ambassador for your country, because people often create an image of the country you come from through you."
He speaks with pride about the Montenegrin mountains, sea, tradition, food, and hospitality.
"No matter where life takes me, I will always be proud of where I come from, because one should never forget one's roots."
European countries offer young people more opportunities for professional development, quality of life and advancement. Montenegro will always be my home, but right now I see my future more outside the borders of the Balkans.
Message to young people
"Young people are not leaving because they don't love their country, but because they want security, prospects and the opportunity to advance based on work and knowledge," says Bojanić.
He believes that Montenegro must invest more in education, science, research, scholarships and international programs, but also build a system in which effort and results are valued more than political or other connections.
Breda University of Applied Sciences
Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas) is a Dutch university of applied sciences located in Breda. According to the university, it has around 7.000 students from approximately 100 countries.
Programs focus on areas such as tourism, hospitality, logistics, creative industries, games, data science and artificial intelligence. BUas is known for its practical work, international projects and connecting education with industry.
In the field of tourism, the focus on sustainable development and cooperation with Wageningen University & Research through academic tourism programs are particularly noteworthy.
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