Spend your semester in three European capitals and engage with sophisticated analyses of Europe’s most complex challenges around the future of war, peace, and democracy.
16
None
Serbian/Bosnian/Croatian
English
Feb 3 – May 18
Serbia
Hungary, Austria
Belgrade
Geopolitics & Power
Analyze the continent’s most pressing sociopolitical and economic challenges—including the war on Ukraine—and how they intersect with issues of mass migration, refugee crises, and the rise of far-right nationalism and populism. You will examine the threat of illiberal democracies on the future of political organizing and evaluate impacts of civic engagement and social movements from the streets of large urban centers, where everyday citizens are demanding change.
The program’s base is the city of Belgrade, the largest urban and political center of southeast Europe known for its vibrant culture and nightlife. There, you will examine European perspectives on conflict and democracy through the lenses of EU member and non-member states, and grassroots and social movements that include Ukrainian refugees and Russians who fled to Belgrade to avoid the draft.
In Belgrade and during excursions to Budapest and Vienna, you will engage with EU policymakers to learn about an array of political agendas, local activist movements, and regional identities within the shifting power relations of contemporary Europe. During a day trip to Bratislava, Slovakia, become immersed in the cultural life of this beautiful and compelling central European country.
None
Visit Hungary, Serbia’s northern neighbor, and explore the capital Budapest and its beautiful architectural landmarks and vibrant urban life. Learn about Hungary’s recent post-communist transition to democracy and a free-market economy, and its EU membership since 2004. Examine Hungary’s current position in relation to EU policies on refugees and migration, the war on Ukraine, and questions related to the future of democracy and peace in Europe. Learn from local civil society actors’ claims for free media, democracy, and human rights.
Austria, in central Europe, has been an EU member state since 1995. In Vienna you will meet with leading European policymakers, peace and conflict analysts, prominent think tanks, and academic institutions grappling with Europe’s approaches to peace, the war on Ukraine, and the overarching challenges to democracy on the continent. Learn about Austria’s legacy in the aftermath of World War II, the challenges of dealing with its own violent past, and its current policies toward migration and refugees.
Become immersed in the cultural life of this beautiful city known for its castles, museums, and art galleries, and learn how a small, land-locked country has managed to preserve its language and cultural life.
As the largest urban center in southeast Europe, Belgrade not only is a dynamic political center but also an exciting and vibrant cultural center known for live music and excellent night life. Explore Serbia’s unique position within Europe, from the Ottoman Empire’s invasion of European lands to the legacies of the Austro-Hungarian empire, followed by the formation of Yugoslavia until its demise at the end of the 20th century. Visits to local museums and heritage institutions reveal Serbia’s place within the layers of European histories during war and peace.
Please note that SIT will make every effort to maintain its programs as described. To respond to emergent situations, however, SIT may have to change or cancel programs.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
The following syllabi are representative of this program. Because courses develop and change over time to take advantage of dynamic learning opportunities, actual course content will vary from term to term.
The syllabi can be useful for students, faculty, and study abroad offices in assessing credit transfer. Read more about credit transfer.
Conflict and the Future of Peace in Europe – syllabus
(PEAC3000 / 3 credits)
This course focuses on the developments in conflict, as well as peace and change in Europe since the end of the cold war to the present. From the violent break-up of Yugoslavia to the current war on Ukraine, students use lenses of critical peace and conflict studies to comparatively explore themes of post-liberal peace, everyday peace, feminist peace and security, as well as justice, narratives, and contested memories after conflict.
Democracy, Illiberalism, and Humanitarianism in 21st Century Europe — syllabus
(PEAC3005 / 3 credits)
Recent years have seen political developments across old and new democracies ranging from the rise of populist leaders and diminishing support for democratic rule to the growing polarization of public opinion. The illiberal turn is forcing many societies across Europe to face their pasts, present, and futures as internal divisions grow deeper. Using the lens of comparative politics and peace and conflict studies, this course allows students to engage critically with current debates in Europe regarding the future of democracy, the rise of illiberalism, and the humanitarian crises, with a focus on central and southeast European societies.
Serbian I – syllabus
(SERB1003 / 3 credits)
Serbian II – syllabus
(SERB2003 / 3 credits)
Serbian III – syllabus
(SERB3003 / 3 credits)
Emphasis on speaking and comprehension skills through classroom and field instruction. Students are also introduced to the Cyrillic script. Students are placed in beginning or intermediate, or advanced classes based on in-country evaluation, including oral proficiency testing.
Research Methods and Ethics – syllabus
(ANTH3500 / 3 credits)
The Research Methods and Ethics (RME) course provides theoretical, conceptual, and practical tools for identifying and conducting field research and/or an internship in Serbia, Austria, or Hungary. Emphasis is on grappling with methodological and ethical challenges in learning and researching issues related to peace and conflict studies in this part of the world, or in entering an internship site. Students will discuss particular ethical considerations in studying and researching topics pertaining to post-conflict transformation in Europe. The course prepares students to record, interpret, and analyze information obtained from primary sources by developing better understanding and awareness of cultural differences and students’ own positionality.
Choose between the following two courses:
Independent Study Project – syllabus
(ISPR3000 / 4 credits)
The Independent Study Project is conducted in an approved location appropriate to the project in Serbia. Requests for field work in Vienna or Budapest will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Sample ISP topic areas:
Browse this program’s Independent Study Projects / undergraduate research.
OR
Internship & Seminar – syllabus
(ITRN3000 / 4 credits)
This seminar consists of a four-week internship with a local community organization, research organization, local or international NGO in Serbia. The aim of the internship is to enable the student to gain valuable work experience and to enhance their skills in an international work environment. Students will complete an internship and submit a paper in which they process their learning experience on the job, analyze an issue important to the organization, and/or design a socially responsible solution to a problem identified by the organization.
Sample internships:
You’ll live with a host family in Belgrade. If you choose to pursue an independent project or internship in the city, you may be able to extend your stay for an additional four weeks. Living with a local family is a unique opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the people, realities, and challenges facing the Balkans today. While offering an excellent opportunity to improve your language skills, the homestay experience will add warmth and create lasting bonds beyond the program.
Family is very important and there is a good chance you will meet your hosts’ extended families in other parts of the city or country.
In Belgrade, your family will also be a great source of information about local places such as the best kafanas, informal neighborhood bistros where you can meet new friends, sample traditional Serbian dishes, and enjoy live music and vibrant night life.
Bed and breakfast or small hotels
Recent positions held by alumni of this program include:
Fulbright research scholar in Serbia or Kosovo
Fulbright scholar teaching English in Serbia or Kosovo
Global networks program manager at the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience, New York, NY
Senior program assistant at the National Democratic Institute (NDI), Washington, DC
Leading team member with International NGOs assisting migrants on the Balkan route
SIT Study Abroad is committed to ensuring that international education is within reach for all students. We believe in the transformative power of immersive, intercultural experiences and are dedicated to supporting students in their educational journey.
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A critical step in preparing for your study abroad program is planning how you will maintain your health and wellbeing. Please review the following information carefully and contact [email protected] with any questions or concerns.
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SIT Study Abroad: Belgrade, Budapest, and Vienna: Comparative European Perspectives on Conflict and Democracy
@SITBelgrade
SIT Study Abroad: Belgrade, Budapest, and Vienna: Comparative European Perspectives on Conflict and Democracy
@sit.belgrade.europeanpolitics
You’ll live with a host family in Belgrade for seven weeks. If you choose to pursue an independent project or internship in the city, you may be able to extend your stay for an additional four weeks. Living with a local family is a unique opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the people, realities, and challenges facing the Balkans today. While offering an excellent opportunity to improve your language skills, the homestay experience will add warmth and create lasting bonds beyond the program.
