By Peter Tase
In early June 2014, the International University of Travnik, Bosnia Herzegovina and the National University of the East in Paraguay, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. This is an historic accomplishment by both universities as it is considered to be the first cooperation agreement that is signed by a Chancellor in representation of one of Paraguay’s largest public universities and the Chancellor of a renowned European University. The main objective of this agreement consists in developing a partnership on the following areas: best teaching practices; cultural exchange; scientific research in the areas of engineering and social sciences; bilateral cooperation towards becoming more involved in international organizations such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the World Trade Organization. Both Universities aspire to become more globally engaged and have a common vision towards setting the tone in raising the quality of advanced education and further cooperate to improve their respective teaching practices; conduct mutual research projects in Social Sciences, Law and Engineering and above all Bosnia Herzegovina will serve as a bridge head for the National University of the East (UNE) in the European Union region. At the same time the International University of Travnik considers UNE as its main ally in the South American region, hoping to work closely towards improving the standards of education and increase international awareness and cultural diversity among their respective faculty, students and the two campuses.
On the occasion of establishing a partnership with UNE, Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Jusufranic, Chancellor of IUT stated: “the mission of this agreement is to develop and improve the teaching methodology and bring new accomplishments in the academic research and further improve the scientific and research quality of the International University of Travnik in Travnik as well as demonstrate that our University is well positioned in the World.”
The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation with UNE comes after the establishments of important agreements with other significant universities in the Balkan region, Europe, and the United States; IUT has also received a number of prestigious awards that have recognized its Chancellor Prof. Dr. Jusufranic and its well-trained faculty and cutting edge infrastructure.
Within the framework of internationalizing the broad spectrum of teaching and methodology at IUT, the signing of the MOU with the National University of the East, has brought another added value to the faculties, departments and leadership of the International University of Travnik.
IUT is perhaps the first University in Bosnia and Herzegovina to have established a formal cooperation agreement with a University in South America and this is accomplished thanks to the vision and projections that Chancellor Ibrahim Jusufranic has constantly expressed towards making IUT a prestigious University in the global stage.
The National University of the East is the second largest University of Paraguay and from now it will become a reliable partner of IUT towards spreading the cultural and educational traditions of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the South American context.
On December 2014, the Chancellor of UNE, Prof. Dr. Victor Britez Chamorro, is expected to visit the campus of the International University of Travnik, in this occasion he will officially sign the Memorandum of Understanding together with IUT Chancellor, Prof. Ibrahim Jusufranic. In the last twenty years, Prof. Dr. Victor Britez, becomes the first Chancellor from Paraguay who will conduct an official visit in a European country.
Both parties are expected to work together towards shaping a new teaching methodology, education sciences cooperation and research and development in the areas of engineering and social sciences.
The two institutions of higher learning are focused to establish stronger ties with International Organizations and promote cultural diversity and diversity awareness to their respective students and above all share the cultural, historical and sociopolitical realities of Paraguay and Bosnia and Herzegovina, among their two respective countrymen and universities.
In the meantime, the teams of UNE and IUT are designing a road map to organize a series of seminars, short term study abroad programs of mutual interest and exchanging visits by academicians between the two countries. This year the city of Travnik will welcome the official delegation from UNE and by mid 2015, UNE is expected to welcome in Paraguay a high level delegation from the government of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the leader of the International University of Travnik, Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Jusufranic and his accompanying delegation.
Photo source: International University of Travnik
