The Maryland Bosnia and Herzegovina Exchange Council (MBHEC) joined in the celebrations of Maryland International Education Day on April 26, participating in the event organized by the Maryland International Education Consortium (MIEC). This year marked the event’s sixth anniversary, a day officially designated by Governor Wes Moore to highlight the importance of international education in fostering global understanding and economic development in the state.
The day featured a keynote speech by Dr. Sanjay Rai, Maryland’s Acting Secretary of Higher Education. The program also included a reading of the Governor’s Proclamation by Deputy Secretary Michael Lore and a panel discussion with international and study abroad students. The panel shed light on the significant contributions of international students to Maryland’s economy and to the U.S. talent pool at large. Discussions emphasized the reciprocal advantages of exchange programs, which attract international students and also provide U.S. students with valuable global perspectives through study abroad opportunities.The conversation also delved into the globalization of academic curricula, discussing how Maryland’s educational institutions can incorporate a broader global view into their offerings. This involves joint efforts from state officials and educational leaders to make Maryland universities more inviting to international students and to create a more inclusive campus environment.
Representatives from MBHEC, including Mr. Adnan Hadrovic, Mr. Troy Wray, and Ms. Andrea Pozderac, enriched the discussions by highlighting the readiness of Bosnian and Herzegovinian institutions to collaborate with Maryland universities. They detailed specific initiatives and partnership opportunities that could benefit both educational systems and deepen cultural exchanges. MBHEC is committed to strengthening the ties between Maryland and Bosnia and Herzegovina, aiming to enhance Maryland’s position as a desirable location for international scholars. The council’s focus includes developing initiatives that enhance the capacity of students and professors, align curricula with market demands, and provide opportunities for dual degrees. These efforts are intended to deliver mutual academic and cultural benefits to both regions.
Credit: Maryland International Education Day ; Student Sydney Avelino
