The Balkans: Gender, Transformation and Civil Society

Location:
The Balkans (former Yugoslavia)

Sponsor:
School for International Training

Program:
While conflict in the former Yugoslavia has receded, new nation states must continue to deal with political, social, and economic transition, including changes in political parties and institutions, social services, and gender norms. Among the most significant changes is a dramatic transformation in the role of women, who have recently enjoyed opportunities quite different than even a decade ago. Indeed, women are now at the forefront of efforts to embrace new political and economic relationships as Slovenia, Bosnia, Serbia, and Croatia integrate with their European neighbors.

This cross-national program examines cultural and ideological realignments in the former Yugoslavia. Through lectures and seminars in the medieval Croatian capital of Zagreb and field excursions throughout the region, you study the increasing importance of women’s partnerships with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), the media, and other advocates as these changing societies confront the challenges of a new era.

Course Offerings:
This 16-credit program includes the following:

  • Program Orientation: Academic, cross-cultural, health, safety, and program orientation conducted by the Academic Director and other contributors during the first week of the program. Material covered includes program rationale, organization, and logistics; attitudes and tools for immersion in another culture; academic and personal expectations; evaluation methods and criteria.

  • Homestay: Eight weeks in Zagreb; two weeks in Serbia; and one to two weeks in another location. For Independent Study Projects undertaken in Zagreb, the homestay is usually extended by four weeks. Other accommodations during the program include hostels or small hotels.

  • Intensive Language Study: Emphasis on oral and comprehension skills through classroom and field instruction. Students will also be introduced to both Serbian and Croation orthographies. Based on in-country evaluation, including oral proficiency testing, students are placed in beginning or intermediate classes.

  • Women and Democratization Seminar: An interdisciplinary course in English, with required readings. Lectures, discussions, and organizational briefings generally include: History of Societies of the Former Yugoslavia; Advocacy and Grassroots Organizations; Civil Society and Development; and Educational Excursions.

  • Field Study Seminar: A course in the concepts of learning across cultures and from field experience. Introduction to the Independent Study Project. Material covered includes cross-cultural adaptation and skills building; project selection and refinement; appropriate methodologies; ethics in field study; developing contacts and finding resources; developing skills in observation and interviewing; gathering, organizing, and communicating data; and maintaining a work journal.

  • Independent Study Project: Conducted in an approved location appropriate to the project. Sample topic areas: involvement of international organizations; cooperative projects; war and relocation relief initiatives; re-establishment of civil society; re-evaluation of health services; changing role of women in politics; educational system reform; cross-community initiatives.

  • Program Evaluation: Oral and written presentation of the Independent Study Project. Final assessment in language. Overall program synthesis and assessment.

Contact Information:
Fax: 802-258-3296
E-mail: csa@sit.edu
http://www.sit.edu/studyabroad/europe/balkans.html


School for International Training
Kipling Rd., P.O. Box 676
Brattleboro, VT 05302-0676 USA
Phone: 802-258-3212 or 888-272-7881 within the US