“The topic of training course is one of the most common problems worldwide. I was thrilled to get some new perspectives and learn new things for creating inclusive community. Despite all of the potential with the topic, it was done very monotonous. We did not have the opportunity for activities with other participants from different organizations; on the contrary, the activities were based solely on the trainers’ lectures and their presentations. An additional criticism is that everything was at a professional, academic level, which posed an obstacle for us from Bosnia and Herzegovina, as we are not native speakers of Turkish. Despite these shortcomings on the part of the organizers, our coordinator from BRAVO BiH improved the situation, which enhanced the overall impression. And generally, it is impossible to leave with only bad impressions because you always meet good people with whom you build lifelong friendships. All in all, I am grateful for the experience and the time well spent. ” – Dalila Riđević

“Being part of the project in Istanbul was a truly powerful experience. I had the opportunity to connect with immigrants, listen to their stories, and understand their journeys on a deeper level. The atmosphere was open, supportive, and full of empathy. It reminded me how important it is to create spaces where every voice can be heard and valued. The project left a lasting impact on me and changed the way I see community and belonging. I’m incredibly grateful for everything I learned and everyone I met.” – Delila Vatreš

“I had the opportunity to participate in the program “The Adaptation and Rehabilitation of Migrants to Social Life” held in Turkey. The idea behind the project is excellent and very necessary, especially considering the social context in Turkey, which I realized by listening to the opinions of young local students. The professors had a very critical approach to the topic, which I truly appreciated. The program lasted seven days, but given the content, it could have been shorter, as some essential topics were not covered as deeply as they deserved. Through this experience, I gained new insights into how subtle and widespread racism can be in people’s attitudes and how easily it can go unnoticed. The project encouraged me to reflect more critically on the opinions expressed around me and to be more attentive to recognizing prejudices, both in myself and in my community. Overall, the experience was eye-opening and has motivated me to engage more actively in challenging discriminatory views.” – Enisa Husejnović

“Society and migration have always been areas of personal interest for me. However, this was the first time I had the opportunity to explore the topic through insights, data, and resources provided by professionals. Each session of this project offered an enriching environment, thought-provoking topics that encouraged self-expression, and well-prepared presentations that greatly contributed to both my personal and professional growth. It not only nurtured my sense of empathy but also helped me shape my career goals. I also hope to maintain the connections I’ve made with everyone I met and aim to continue learning from one another for a long time to come. I’m truly grateful to everyone who made this experience possible—it has been both inspiring and deeply meaningful.” – Fatma Đapo

“Between June 23rd and 29th, I participated in a training course in Istanbul, Turkiye, focused on the adaptation and rehabilitation of migrants into social life. 

One of the most meaningful activities for me during the project was a film screening, later followed by a discussion about it. The short film was about the experiences of Bosnian immigrants in Western Europe, showing many struggles they faced. The reason I loved it so much is because it reflected the experience of people from my own country. It also helped me understand that migration is not a one-dimensional issue and it does not always look the same. 

Although we came across some organizational issues during the project, I still found a lot of value in the lectures, debates, and the time I spent with my peers. I appreciated the opportunity to exchange opinions, discuss different topics, and form connections within my group. The experience helped me look at migration with a lot more nuance and empathy. ” – Hadžera Karahodža

“My Erasmus+ exchange experience in Istanbul was truly inspiring, both personally and academically. Although this was my fourth time visiting the city, every experience has felt completely unique. Istanbul’s cultural and architectural richness ensures that each visit brings something new. The way history, tradition, and modern life intertwine makes every corner of the city feel alive and unforgettable.

Although the lectures weren’t directly related to my field of study, they were thoughtfully organized and covered important topics like migration, integration, and intercultural dialogue. I found them engaging and relevant for the topic.

One of the highlights of this exchange was meeting so many amazing, kind, and intelligent girls. The friendships we built and the support we shared made the whole experience even more meaningful.

I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the BRAVO organization for being there for us every step of the way. Their constant support made us feel safe, welcomed, and fully able to enjoy everything this journey had to offer.

I wholeheartedly recommend this kind of exchange. It’s an unforgettable opportunity for learning, growth, and connection.” – Ilma Mujala

“Between the 23rd and 29th of July 2025, a training course on the topic of Adaptation and Rehabilitation of Migrants into Social Life was conducted in coordination with SETA and Erasmus+. Due to my knowledge of the Turkish language and relevant career background, I was selected as a participant, which allowed me to visit and stay in Istanbul for eight days. The training program was primarily educational. Lectures were delivered in Turkish to participants from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey by distinguished professors from respected universities in Istanbul and other parts of Turkey. The Turkish participants were mostly university graduates, postgraduates, or current students at institutions closely affiliated with SETA.

SETA is a center for political, economic, and social research established and funded by the Turkish government. It functions similarly to a think tank, conducting scientific research and providing policy recommendations aimed at achieving positive outcomes for society. During the program, in addition to learning how migration is studied scientifically, we were also taught methods for writing policy proposals and presenting them to relevant stakeholders.

Although the program aimed to foster international connections, in my view, the organizers were not successful in creating sufficient opportunities for interaction between participants from the two countries. Even when some connections were made, they were limited and mainly due to participants’ own initiative.

Furthermore, since the program was largely education-oriented, there was not enough free time for city tours or cultural engagement. The distance between the dormitories and the workshop venue—which could only be covered by public transport and took more than an hour—made participation even more challenging and stressful. This was especially the case for the male participants, whose dormitory was poorly connected to the rest of the city and the training venue. Nonetheless, despite these challenges, I feel grateful and fortunate to have participated in such a valuable project. I believe I was able to gain the most from the experience.” – Kemal Čedić

“Before this project, I wasn’t someone who frequently participated in such programs, so this experience in Türkiye was truly something new and valuable for me. The project focused on the topic of migration, people on the move, and it gave me the opportunity to deeply reflect on the difficulties migrants face, especially during their integration into new communities. Despite a few minor organizational issues, I am very satisfied with the overall experience. Through lectures and discussions, I learned how important the role of local communities is in supporting newcomers, and how empathy and understanding can make a significant difference. I also gained insight into the current situation of migrants and refugees in Türkiye, which helped me better understand the local challenges and responses. Besides that, I improved my Turkish language skills, met inspiring people from different backgrounds, and enhanced my teamwork abilities. Being in Türkiye added an extra layer to the experience, it’s a country rich in culture, hospitality, and diversity. Overall, the project not only broadened my perspective but also helped me grow both personally and socially.” – Tesnim Delić

“Although I thought that my trip to Istanbul is not going to be just a tour or visiting the most popular places, I thought that I am going to learn something new. It’s not like I didn’t want to learn something new or any one of us. Opposite all of us wanted to learn something new, but most of us didn’ get a chance, that’s something that disappointed me. Also as people who have similar culture as Turkish people. I was very excited about meeting them and getting to know them as a person and also as a team work. But unfortunately they weren’t that friendly, they didn’t even try to communicate with us. I felt like we were surplus there at that room. I am not blaming BRAVO BiH of course they gave everything they could so we could enjoy or learn something new, but unfortunately SETA didn’t even try. But I am glad that I experienced a trip with BRAVO BiH.” – Nejla Riđević