On February 19, 2025, the Maryland Bosnia and Herzegovina Education Council (MBHEC) held a pivotal meeting with Rachel Scholten, President of the Maryland International Education Consortium (MIEC) and Director of International Admission at Loyola University Maryland. The discussion focused on expanding academic collaboration between Maryland and Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a strong emphasis on student exchanges, research partnerships, and institutional cooperation.
Representing MBHEC at the meeting were co-founders Adnan Hadrović and Emir Nurkić Kačapor, alongside researcher Mia Bakal.
Building a Model for International Education Collaboration
MIEC has a track record of successfully facilitating partnerships between Maryland’s higher education institutions and universities across Europe. The consortium employs a structured engagement model, beginning with virtual sessions to assess mutual interests before transitioning to in-person meetings to establish long-term institutional connections.
MBHEC sees great potential in leveraging this model to strengthen ties between Bosnian-Herzegovinian and Maryland universities. Given Maryland’s focus on increasing international student enrollment, this initiative aligns with broader state priorities while providing academic and professional opportunities for students and faculty in both regions.
Mia Bakal, who previously collaborated directly with Loyola Maryland students during their 2022 visit to the Balkans, highlighted the lasting impact of such exchanges, noting that they not only foster academic collaboration but also build enduring personal and professional relationships.
Identifying Key Areas for Collaboration
A major takeaway from the meeting was the importance of connecting institutional leaders early in the process to ensure effective collaboration. MIEC’s International Student Recruitment Committee plays a crucial role in guiding international students through the U.S. education system, working alongside EducationUSA offices worldwide. Their expertise will be invaluable in helping students from Bosnia and Herzegovina navigate admissions, scholarship opportunities, and institutional differences between Maryland’s community colleges, public universities, and liberal arts institutions.
Financial barriers remain a challenge for student mobility, but both sides agreed that virtual engagement could serve as a critical first step in fostering connections before expanding into fully funded exchange programs. With Bosnian and Herzegovinian universities offering robust academic programming and research opportunities, these early engagements will help institutions identify shared interests and collaboration opportunities.
Next Steps: Expanding the Partnership
To build on this momentum, MBHEC and MIEC outlined key action items, including:
Hosting virtual discussions between Bosnian and Herzegovinian and Maryland universities to present institutional priorities and explore joint research opportunities.
Reviewing existing partnerships to identify opportunities for expansion and deeper cooperation.
Leveraging digital platforms to build engagement while securing funding for in-person exchanges.
Exploring the feasibility of a Global Campus model in Bosnia and Herzegovina to create new academic and research opportunities.
A Shared Vision for the Future
MBHEC and MIEC are committed to laying the groundwork for sustainable, long-term educational partnerships between Maryland and Bosnia and Herzegovina. By fostering international collaboration, student mobility, and research exchanges, both organizations aim to strengthen bilateral academic ties and provide transformative opportunities for students and faculty alike.
As discussions continue, the focus remains on building an inclusive and accessible framework for academic exchange—one that will shape the next generation of leaders, scholars, and global citizens.
