What begins as a school exchange can sometimes turn into something much more. For Vuk Vasić from XIII beogradska gimnazija and Nidal Đipa from JU Prva gimnazija Sarajevo, the Superschools Exchange Programme became a life-changing experience shaped by connection, trust, and shared everyday life.
Their journey began as part of the 2nd Open Call of the Superschools Programme in 2023, yet what they built did not end there. The partnership between their schools continued beyond that programme cycle, reflecting the lasting impact of such exchanges.
Through the partnership between the two schools, and particularly through the homestay component of the programme, the two students stepped into each other’s worlds, not as visitors, but as temporary family members.
For Nidal, one moment stood out:
“The moment that made me feel like this wasn’t just an exchange was when Vuk’s dad took us on a boat ride. I felt like we’d known each other for 100 years.”
Similarly, Vuk recalls how quickly the experience shifted from structured programme to something deeply personal:
“I remember sitting in the living room talking with him and his parents… It felt warm, and like it’s more than just some programme or schedule. It was a real experience.”
Living in each other’s homes allowed them to experience daily life beyond stereotypes and assumptions. For Nidal, this led to a shift in perspective:
“This exchange has shown me that people are actually the same as us. The stories I heard before were not true.”
For Vuk, the experience opened new ways of thinking:
“I became much more open and understanding… It changed how I think, not only culturally but socially as well.”
While they may not speak every day, the connection remains. As Vuk describes it, the programme gave him something unexpected:
“It’s so cool to have one more home… one more city, and people that I can call mine.”
Their story reflects the essence of the Superschools Programme: creating spaces where young people can meet, live, and learn together, building trust and understanding.
Recap of the Homestay Experience: Open Your Doors to the Western Balkans – RYCO Superschools Homestay
This programme is part of a multi-donor project, co-financed by the 🇪🇺 and the 🇩🇪 Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and implemented by GIZ together with RYCO.