Learn More About Your Homeland

The main goal of the Summer School of Serbian Language and Culture is to raise and improve awareness of the Serbian Diaspora youth regarding the life of the country of origin through its summer programme of learning Serbian, as well as carefully planned outdoor workshops, thematic evenings and excursions.

Our main goals at BSS are as follows:

• Organizing workshops with the aim of acquiring and improving the knowledge of the Serbian language
• Presenting Serbian history, culture and customs
• Spreading the knowledge of the tourist potentials of Belgrade and Serbia
• Actively engaging the Serbian Diaspora youth in the social, political and economic life of Serbia
• Establishing and strengthening present cooperation with universities in the country, region and the world
• Building connections with the Serbian Diaspora, through socializing of young people from the country and abroad
• Positioning Belgrade as an (unavoidable) educational and cultural center in Southeastern Europe
• Promoting tolerance and understanding among young people
• Enhancing international communication
• Fundraising to enable talented young people to participate in both scientific projects and art exchanges.

ABOUT THE SERBIAN DIASPORA

According to unofficial data, there are currently around 3 to 4 million Serbs in the Diaspora throughout the world, with hundreds of thousands being the younger generation. This means that all instructions are delivered to them in the language of the country they live in, which raises the question of complete assimilation.

The use of one’s original native language is a prerequisite for maintaining national identity, the feeling of belonging and connection with the country of origin. Today, knowledge of foreign languages represents a foundation for linking people and cultures. On the other hand, the Serbian Diaspora has to be aware of the importance of implementing a notion of national identity and transferring its culture and language to the younger generation.

The whole idea of the Belgrade Summer School of the Serbian language (BSS) is precisely to help the Serbian Diaspora youth stay in touch and get acquainted with the culture, history and tradition of the city of Belgrade and the Republic of Serbia. This would help them get involved in the cultural, social and political life of their country of origin.

Serbian Language – (Basic and Advanced Level Lessons)

Course overview: A modern, interesting and creative course, specially designed for foreigners. The elementary level is intended for those who have no previous or poor knowledge of the Serbian language. On this level, you are introduced with the Serbian sounds, alphabet and grammar. At the intermediate level, participants expand their knowledge, build their confidence with grammar and vocabulary and consolidate the language.

Course aim: Our aim is to make it possible for foreign students, diplomats and other foreigners, to learn Serbian in an authentic Serbian environment.

Teaching methods: Integrated syllabus, interesting topics that motivate students, communicative approach and real-life situations are used in teaching. Participants are addressed in Serbian from the very beginning of the course, which enables them to start using new language structures and communicate in Serbian more easily.

Course material: A coursebook by Zavod za izdavanje udžbenika and the University of Novi Sad.

Prerequisites for participation: No previous knowledge for elementary levels and intermediate knowledge for higher levels. All the participants have to take a placement test before starting the course

You will learn: Having finished the elementary course, the participants will learn basic elements of phonetics, morphology and syntax in order to be able to communicate in everyday life. At the intermediate level, participants expand their knowledge, build their confidence with grammar and vocabulary and consolidate the language.

Course activities: The first part of the course focuses on the participants` improvement of their linguistic and communicative skills in a modern language course. In the second part (linguistic-cultural), participants will learn a lot about the Serbian culture through practical language exercises, which are necessary for getting around in Serbian reality and activating and applying the knowledge they gained in class.

Prospects upon course completion: The course helps participants to gain confidence while using Serbian in everyday situations.  

Recommended course follow-up: We suggest that you continue on to study a language with a compatible course at CONCORD language schools. Please click here.