The Mitrovica Summer Courses 2008 are over! From the 12th until the 26th of July 2008 this successful event has been organised for the 3rd time, in and around Mitrovica. Over 100 students from all over Europe, can choose out of 6 courses on Conflict Studies and International Relations Courses and will be rewarded with 3 ECTS for successful participation. The courses are taught every year by international professors, assisted by local co-professors. Besides education, an extensive recreational programme hs also been offered: excursions, parties, course dinners, public debates and sport events, just to name a few. There is no tuition fees.

Background Information

The Mitrovica Summer Courses represent a vital part of the Mitrovica Youth Programme, a project aimed at introducing youth in Mitrovica (primarily students) to recent developments in the field of European Integration and Higher Education. The Mitrovica Youth Programme provides training to students and intends to integrate them in regional and international academic and student networks. The project is carried out by SPARK in cooperation with a number of local organisations and consists of four elements, namely:

1. Mitrovica Summer Courses
2. Student Trainings including pre-MSC training (organised by NGO Jelena Anzujska)
3. Module 'European Integration and the Balkans' (organised by Fractal and hosted by Youth Initiative Mitrovica)
4. Regional Conference on Access to Higher Education and Regional Cooperation in HE

MYP-participants of 2008 in front of the International Criminal Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia, Brussels

Project Description: Mitrovica Summer Courses 

The Mitrovica Summer Courses took place between the 12th until the 26th of July 2008 in Mitrovica. The MSC are supported by SPARK and organised by the University, DDA, the Student Alliance and the Student Parliament. The programme is financed by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The MSC consist of seven 2-week ECTS graded courses in the field of Conflict Studies.

In 2007, over 1,200 students applied for the programme, among which 450 Kosovo Serbian students were selected to participate. The courses will be taught in English; for some courses translation to Serbian will be provided.

Scholarships are provided to SEE and local participants. Scholarships cover travel expenses, accommodation and food. Accommodation during the MSC can also be provided to students from Mitrovica who do not live in Mitrovica. Reading materials and teaching equipment are provided for free.

A course lasts 10 working days with 8 hours of daily work (including assignments and homework). The classes are interactive and include lectures, discussions, group work, field trips, assignments, papers and/or presentations. Successful participants will receive an official ECTS-compatible `Summer Courses Certificate`.