Travel to Europe

Travel to the European Union means for students from the Western Balkans collecting a pile of documents, getting a pricey health insurance, waiting for an appointment at a consulate, and then waiting for the decision which may not be positive. Therefore a majority of the students have never been outside of the region, many not even outside of their home country. The project “Travel to Europe” wants to counter the resulting isolation of the young generation of Southeastern Europe.

Outstanding students from the states of the Western Balkans will obtain the opportunity to gain international experience, to expand their understanding for European structures, and to get to know each other.

The program’s target group comprises the best students from Albania, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia. In collaboration with the German Foreign Office, they will receive a free Schengen Visa for a four-week trip though the countries of the European Union. Beyond that, they will receive health insurance, Interrail train tickets, and a daily cash allowance. The program especially addresses young people who do not have any international experience. In the program’s first year, 100 students participated. In the meantime, almost 400 participants travel through the countries of the European Union every year.

Since 2008, the students always begin their trip with a kick-off event in Berlin. They perceive the trip as a formative experience that also changes their relationship to the European Union, to their own country, and to Germany. Through accompanying media reports, the project has generated a great public response in the Southeastern European countries.

Since 2007, the Robert Bosch Stiftung conducts the project “Travel to Europe” in collaboration with the Balkan Trust for Democracy and in coordination with various civil society organizations from Southeastern European countries.