Four selected students from the Teacher Education of the English Department (University of Sarajevo- Faculty of Philosophy), together with four students from the College of William & Mary (Virginia, USA), will collaborate on developing the curriculum and lesson plans for the 2026 American Bosnian Collaboration (ABC) project. The students will work together over the summer on a 3-week program in English, for a group of around 60 children (age 10-15), with the focus on intercultural learning, peacebuilding, and environmental education.  The teachers will focus on effective educational approaches to bridge cultural differences and promote intercultural competency through effective communication strategies.

More information about the ABC Project: https://wmabcproject.wixsite.com/newsite

ABC 2026 Bosnian cohort

Šejla Stovrag-Šandal

Hello everyone, my name is Šejla Stovrag-Šandal, a 23-year-old student at the University of Sarajevo, Faculty of Philosophy, currently living near Sarajevo. I completed Secondary Medical School, and I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in a teacher education program. In the future, I would like to work in the field of education, possibly combining my medical background with teaching. In terms of experience, I have limited formal teaching practice, but I have given private lessons to one child for a short period of time, which helped me develop basic teaching and communication skills. I am a very communicative and open person who enjoys working with people. I especially like interacting with students and creating a positive and engaging environment. I would describe myself as extroverted, friendly, and enthusiastic. Regarding languages, my native language is Bosnian, and I am also fluent in English. I have a basic knowledge of German. I am also proficient in Croatian. In my free time, I enjoy cooking and watching series.

Adna Dervišević

Hello! My name is Adna Dervišević. I am a fifth-year MA student of English Language and Literature at the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Sarajevo, currently involved in a teacher training program. Alongside my studies, I work with children, teaching them English. I also volunteer at an association of people with disabilities, where I strive to raise awareness about the importance of inclusion. As part of this work, I have participated in meetings organized by the United Nations related to the rights of people with disabilities. Last year, I participated in the ABC Project, where I developed my intercultural competencies and further enhanced my teaching skills and confidence. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors, running, singing, and reading books.

Irma Kadić

Hi! I am Irma Kadić, a fourth-year Master’s student in English Language and Literature, specializing in Teaching. Throughout my studies, I have gained valuable practical experience by working in two elementary schools, and I am currently working in an asylum Centre. This experience has allowed me to interact with people from different cultural backgrounds, which has strengthened my intercultural awareness and communication skills. I believe this makes me a strong fit for the ABC project, as I can bring both professional experience and an open-minded, culturally sensitive approach. I am a very active person who enjoys mountain climbing and hiking, and I am passionate about working with children. I am excited to be part of this project and to share my enthusiasm, energy, and love for teaching. I am also deeply interested in languages, and in addition to English, I speak Turkish and Spanish.

Adna Mahmutović

Hello! My name is Adna Mahmutović, and I am a first-year master’s student in English Language and Literature, with a focus on teaching. Working with children has always been something I am deeply passionate about, and I have had the opportunity to gain meaningful hands-on experience in educational settings that have truly shaped who I am. I have always had a love of languages, which naturally drew me to my field of study, and I am currently learning Italian, adding yet another language to my journey. I am incredibly excited to be part of this program and to bring my enthusiasm for language, literature, and learning into a collaborative, impactful environment. Outside of my studies, I love exploring nature, whether it’s discovering new hiking trails, wandering through forests, or simply soaking in the outdoors. I look forward to this experience and to connecting with everyone involved!