Students from 50 countries are the pride of IUS, SEDEF institutions remain in BiH
- Institutions founded by the SEDEF Foundation will remain with Bosnia and Herzegovina and its people, said Topaloglu
The International University of Sarajevo (IUS), founded in 2004 by the Foundation for Education Development Sarajevo (SEDEF), is preparing for a new school year and students from all over the world.
IUS with prominent educational workers from 20 countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Turkey, USA, UK, Germany, Australia, Macedonia, Poland, Italy, Spain, and Egypt, opens the door to quality education.
SEDEF President Hasan Topaloglu recalled that the Foundation was founded in 2001.
"SEDEF, which was fully established as a foundation, received a license to establish the IUS in 2003 from the Ministry of Education of Canton Sarajevo. It opened its door, with 72 students, in 2004. IUS currently has a campus in Ilidza, covering an area of 73,000 square meters, "Topaloglu said.
He recalled that, after the University, the Foundation has opened a pre-school, primary and secondary school.
"Together with the pre-school institution in the IUS Campus, Isa-beg Ishaković Primary School and Maarif College we offer educational institutions from preschool to doctorate," Topaloglu said.
He added that each generation of students is offered the possibility of scholarships and that SEDEF fully acts as a foundation without economic interests.
He stated that the Foundation operates in Bosnia and Herzegovina to provide educational services in the country.
"Our goal is to develop relations between Turkey and Bosnia and Herzegovina and to prepare the basis for socializing of young people and making friends. With the help of local students, we help promote Bosnia and Herzegovina, "Topaloglu added.
He emphasized that the institutions established by the SEDEF Foundation will remain with Bosnia and Herzegovina and its people, same as the rest of foundations since 500 years ago.
The acting Rector of IUS Sencer Yeralan told Anadolu Agency (AA) that it is a university that is attended by students from different nations and cultures.
"We have students from more than 50 countries here. It is the special wealth of IUS, and Sarajevo is a very nice city, "Yeralan said.
Teaching at the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences (FENS), Faculty of Business and Administration (FBA), Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), Faculty of Law (FLW) and Faculty of Education (FEDU) is exclusively in English.
He added that students have the opportunity to change the department.
"Students in the first years of study have compulsory and elective subjects, and in later years classes focusing on specialization. This gives students some flexibility, "added Yeralan.
He also recalled cooperation with the Istanbul Technical University (ITU).
He added that in accordance with the globalization of the school, bilateral agreements are concluded, and the next step is to give two diplomas.
"We are proud to work with ITU, a world prestigious university. We want to make a program especially in the fields of engineering and the technology sector. We will also have activities in the field of health studies. It is necessary to reach an agreement with hospitals. This is something our students want, "Yeralan added.
The University of Health Sciences, Istanbul and the International University of Sarajevo (IUS) also prepared a Memorandum of Understanding (MoR), signing a preliminary protocol on Saturday, May 19, 2018, at IUS premises.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding will enable the IUS and the University of Health Sciences to organize double higher education programs in the field of the Medical Faculty, the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Professional School of Health Services and the Institute of Health Sciences.
Student Busra Durak said she decided for the IUS because of an internationally recognized diploma and study opportunities in a foreign language.
"The fact that the school is located in Bosnia and Herzegovina is an advantage because it is in Europe and close to all places," said a student from Turkey.
She added that they also had the opportunity to learn the Bosnian language as well.
"We have the opportunity to learn two languages, and the IUS is one of the best universities in the Balkans," she added.
Belmin Godinjak intends to study computer engineering because he is convinced that this occupation has a future in BiH.
He added that the IUS offers the possibility of studying abroad and also that he can learn English well.
About 1,700 students from 56 countries are studying at IUS today
