FOČA BECOMES AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HUB

Visitors to Foča are often surprised by the large number of foreign students, mainly young people from Asia, visible throughout the town. These are students of the Faculty of Medicine's English-taught program, established five years ago.

PHOTO: Euro news

Currently, 450 students from 29 countries, including India, Italy, Turkey, Egypt, Somalia, Tunisia, Nigeria, Ghana, Syria, Bangladesh, Greece, Slovenia, Ukraine, Sweden, Austria, Japan, the Philippines, Malaysia, the UK, the USA, France, Serbia, and Germany, are pursuing medical studies in Foča.

According to Dejan Bokonjić, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, the local population has largely adapted to the presence of foreign students, who have brought significant changes to the town. "The demand for housing has increased significantly, leading to the construction of more apartments. We are also building a new student dormitory with 400 beds, funded by Saudi Arabia," said Bokonjić.

The tuition fee for the program is €3,000 annually, the lowest in the region, plus administrative costs. Bokonjić highlights that foreign students are boosting both tourism and the local economy, alongside other attractions like rafting and the Sutjeska National Park. "While most students plan to return to their home countries after graduation, we are organizing exams in the Serbian language and offering medical licensing opportunities for Indian students. Learning Serbian also helps students communicate better with patients during clinical practice," he explained.

These international students have integrated into the local community, celebrating their own holidays as well as traditional ones like Easter, when some joined their Orthodox colleagues in painting eggs. The construction of the new dormitory is eagerly anticipated, as Foča now hosts over 2,000 students.

Mladen Mandić, from the Foča Tourist Organization, notes that the influx of students and tourists has driven up housing costs. "Daily rental prices are around 50 BAM, while long-term rentals range from 400 to 800 BAM per month," Mandić stated.

The rising cost of living has been a challenge for many locals, but they see opportunities in tourism. "While statistics show 17,671 overnight stays last year and around 25,000 this year, the actual number is much higher. Most visitors are drawn to the Sutjeska National Park, rafting on the Tara and Drina rivers, and unique attractions like the Sand Pyramids," Mandić added.

With its pristine rivers, including Tara—dubbed the 'Tear of Europe'—and a growing array of outdoor activities like rafting, kayaking, canyoning, and hiking, Foča is becoming a top destination for both students and adventure seekers.

Tourists primarily visit rafting camps and vacation rentals, with a small number exploring the town itself. However, Foča’s charm as an "outdoor destination" is gradually gaining recognition, promising even more growth in the years to come.