The core mission of Balkan Institute for Experiential Education is to harmonize teaching, studying, academic research, and public policy. In this respect, available courses stress a sense of individual and social responsibility through critical thinking, analyzing, and debating contemporary social issues connecting global and Balkan politics. It includes immersive learning and simulations, as well as guest lectures, site visits, and opportunities for professional development. Courses are primarily offered to undergraduate students majoring in social sciences, though students of all disciplines are welcome to apply.
Postgraduate students, professionals, and other individuals interested in conducting research or engaging in public scholarship are encouraged to contact BIEE to explore possible modes of cooperation on a case by case basis. “Public scholarship” serves two important purposes. First, it is essentially the extension of education and research from formal institutional academic settings to the public sphere. It is the active and conscious involvement of scholarly contributions to a wider audience outside of the traditional tuition-paying university student. Second, it offers opportunities to post-graduates, professional adults, and the passive-yet-interested learner to continue education, intellectual engagement, and critical thinking after formal university graduation. The BIEE aims to offer a unique opportunity for the non-traditional student interested in studying about the Balkans to re-engage with their academic peers through immersive learning and dialogue without the requirements of earning university credit. Instead, public scholarship offers a type of “intellectual tourism” for those interested in travelling to and learning about Balkan states and societies for the experience and personal enrichment.