Harvard Students Experience the Western Balkans: Diplomacy, Innovation and Cultural Bridges on Balkan Trek 2025

In May 2025, 55 graduate students from Harvard University embarked on Balkan Trek, a 12-day journey through Serbia, Montenegro, Albania and North Macedonia to experience diplomacy, innovation and leadership in action.

Balkan Trek combined political education, cultural immersion and economic insight, giving students firsthand exposure to local realities and sparking dialogue between emerging leaders, Balkan institutions and its people.

The graduates met with state officials, mayors, entrepreneurs and civil society actors, connecting diplomacy, business and youth leadership across borders. They walked through cities and towns, danced, shared meals and laughs with people who bring life to the region.

Balkan Trek organizing team emphasized the importance of investing in intergenerational dialogue and regional youth collaboration as a cornerstone for long-term peace and global international relations.

“Balkan Trek is not just a study visit, it is a bridge,” said organizing team member Anastasija Đorđa Bosančić. “Between countries, between generations, and between ideas and action, this trip shows a prosperous future that the Western Balkans is only beginning to show the world.”

Serbia: Where Diplomacy Meets Technology

The Balkan journey began in Serbian capital Belgrade, where discussions ranged from diplomacy to Serbia’s emergence as a tech innovation hub, two pillars shaping its EU integration trajectory.

Students met ministers, diplomats and executives from leading tech companies such as Nordeus, Rivian, Vega IT and logistics giant NELT. They learned how major firms in South East Europe operate, their corporate culture and practices, an unexpected revelation for many participants, who were surprised by Serbia’s thriving IT industry and its potential for international collaboration.

Th group also visited Serbian Chamber of Commerce, National Assembly, royal White Palace where they were hosted by Prince Filip and Princess Danica,

“We hope these students leave not only with memories of the Balkans’ beauty,” Prince Filip said, “but also with stories of courage, unity and spirit that define our people.”

Meetings with Nemanja Starovic, Minister for European Union (EU) Integration and Foreign Affairs Minister Marko Djuric added a deeper geopolitical perspective.

“Your visit is part of a growing tradition. Our discussion explored Serbia’s global affairs strategy, transnational challenges and the evolving role of diplomacy in a multipolar world, “ said Minister Djuric.

Montenegro: Dancing into Diplomacy

In Montenegro, the group explored the political challenges of EU accession, including anti-corruption efforts and judicial reform. Students visited the Parliament of Montenegro, meeting the Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandic and Advisor Mirko Lalatović.

Sharing insights on the country’s EU Accession process, Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandic highlighted that for the Parliament and especially its 28^th convocations, achieving full EU membership is a historic mission.

“Education, youth, and new perspectives are vital in reaching that goal.”, Mandic emphasized.

Advisor Mirko Lalatović emphasized the importance of the visit. “Parliamentary diplomacy is key to Montenegro’s international positioning. Exchanges like this one are a pillar of modern diplomacy.”

Albania: A Conversation with Edi Rama: Art, Leadership and Sneakers

One of the most memorable moments came during a private meeting with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, who welcomed the students in his trademark sneakers. His informal style immediately set the tone for an open conversation about authenticity in leadership, the fusion of art and politics and challenging convention in institutions.

Rama spoke candidly about his artistic background, how he used to turn his own paintings into neckties and why he gave up wearing formal shoes. He now proudly wears sneakers to official meetings. In a rare and intimate gesture, Rama also invited students into a hidden wooden pavilion atop the government building, offering panoramic views of Tirana.

North Macedonia: History and European Future

The North Macedonia leg of the Balkan Trek journey offered a rich mix of historical exploration, natural beauty and high level political dialogue, deepened by the Insights of by Luka Pavikjevik, a member of the Balkan Trek team and undergraduate at Harvard College, whose personal connection to the country added a unique perspective.

In Ohrid, students admired the tranquil lake, cruised its waters and engaged in conversations about the region’s layered history and evolving identity.

In Skopje, they met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Inter-Community Relations Ivan Stoilkovic, followed by a session with Foreign Affairs Minister Dimitar Mucunski. Discussions focused on regional cooperation and North Macedonia’s journey toward EU accession.

The visit concluded with a walking tour of Skopje’s eclectic architecture and sculpture-filled city center, culminating in a farewell dinner accompanied by traditional music—an evening of reflection, celebration, and connection that brought the Trek full circle.

Cuisine, Culture and Conversation

Across the region, food and music served as gateways into culture, memory and hospitality.

In Serbia, the graduates enjoyed local kajmak, uštipci and meats, while even vegetarians were delighted. By the abundance of fresh, flavorful options.

In Montenegro, a dinner at Etno Selo Carević, ended in an impromptu kolo dance and belting out of regional pop hits over local wine and pršut.

In Albania’s countryside, the group visited the agro-tourism complex Mrizi i Zanave, where they learned about sustainable farming and local food production. Over platters of organic cheeses, ajvar and grilled meat, the students enjoyed one of their best meals of the entire Trek.

In North Macedonia, the journey ended with a farewell dinner in Skopje, accompanied by traditional music, a joyful evening of reflection and celebration.

Several remarked that while they had traveled the world, the hospitality, warmth and quality of life in the Balkans were unmatched.

Who Were These Students and What is Next for Them?

The group’s average age was 35, reflecting the Trek’s profile of rising diplomats, policy makers, entrepreneurs, business leaders and designers, with many working at the intersection of innovation and impact. They came from the U.S., China, India, Brazil, Mexico, and Europe, many with startup experience or careers in innovation, policy or international development

Several participants are exploring internships, policy collaborations, tech partnerships and human capital sectors.

“From the Balkan Trek I’m definitely taking away a thriving region that is economically growing and forming a new identity around European Union values,” said Oscar Escobar, a Kennedy School graduate.

“Three words for the Western Balkans?” said Anthony Martore of Harvard Business School. “Historical. Warm. Unpredictable.”

“Progress. Beaches. Cigarettes,” joked Emma Ticknor a Master in Public Policy student, capturing the region’s unique blend of transformation and tradition.

Lasting Impressions

“Introducing future leaders and decision-makers to our region firsthand is not just a cultural gesture, it’s a strategic investment. When people experience the Balkans beyond the headlines, they carry those stories into rooms where real decisions get made”, said Aleksandar Jakovljević, a Harvard Kennedy School graduate (Class of 2024) and lead organizer of the initiative for three consecutive years.

As supporters of this initiative, OSF–WB is proud to open the region to the next generation of global leaders, showcasing the Western Balkans a space of collaboration, innovation and shared futures and not only a topic of study.