next »

[alleyoxenfree]

Does anyone have experience working at, or even applying to, the American University of Bosnia and Herzegovina?  I've always wanted to live in Sarajevo and it's related to some research interests.  But I've heard so many bad things about getting trapped abroad (Korea, the Middle East) with a corrupt administration.  This place has an American university connection.  But of course, that's no guarantee these days either.  American universities are also reneging on courses promised, pay and benefits, and the like.

Any feedback?

[promovenda]

Don't have any experience with said U., but in my (extensive) experience, the Balkans and especially former Yugoslavia are not restful places to live. Having said that, I wish them well. Sarajevo is a beautiful place and deserves a better future. But unless you have a taste for adventure, I would proceed carefully.

[hrvatski18]

I don't know anything about this university, but I do know Sarajevo and other areas of Bosnia and Herzegovina.   I love it, and I will live there again some day.

I can provide some insight into the country if you are seriously considering living there.   Feel free to send me a private message here.

[alleyoxenfree]

Thank you all for the input.  After the initial rush, they haven't responded and it sounds like that is for the best.

The search continues.

[scarlett1]

My colleagues and I are a mix of Americans, Bosnians and others and we are doing the best we can to
provide the students at the American University with a good, American-style education.

As far as the students go, they are generally good-natured average college students, not too different in their
thinking from American kids that age with of course a few problematic and also some outstanding students.
You would encounter a "normal" amount of classroom discipline issues. Some of the kids struggle with English, but a great deal of effort has lately gone into raising their language skills- preparatory classes, an intensive summer program...These are bright students and it is a very positive challenge/experience to work
with them. The academic programs are serious and if cheating occurs it is sanctioned.

 Staff members are friendly and help new professors fit in. Faculty spend a lot of their free time
socializing and taking advantage of great restaurants, concerts, trips to the mountains and seaside.

Bosnia and its neighbouring countries are truly gems of beauty. It is a part of the world with a rich history of many cultures and Sarajevo is a very lively city full of ongoing festivals and cultural events.

So much from me, I am glad to answer any questions

[aubih_admin]

It was brought to our administration’s attention that several negative comments were posted on this forum regarding AUBIH students and practices. We do not wish to get involved in unconstructive malicious gossipy comments, which were made by two anonymous commentators. But, at the same time, we do want to make a statement for the sake of our commendable students, faculty and staff.

We at AUBIH select a particular profile of our teaching staff, requiring, in addition to highly-set academic standards, a high level of motivation, desire and ability to transfer knowledge efficiently to Bosnian students who are interested  in learning, and incorporating core values and principles of American Education System. Success of our vision, students, faculty and staff is evident in the increased interest in AUBIH which resulted in opening new colleges in the region. 

The AUBIH administration is distressed to find out that the two ex faculty members who have been hired to educate young people, broaden their horizons, influence them in a positive manner would be so negative in their portrayal of the mentioned students.  We have to stress out how appalled AUBIH administration and faculty are to have one of its former teachers stigmatize AUBIH students.  We at AUBIH do not allow, and strongly object to, such prejudiced behavior which leads to discrimination of, in this case, young minds working on bettering themselves.

Students enrolled in one of the AUBIH colleges have to take and pass entrance exams. Student’s selection is based on combination of entrance exams results, previous educational results and their wish for continued development, personal interest and academic passion.  We at AUBIH also have a scholarship program which is awarded to the best and most deserving high school students in the region.

AUBIH management, faculty and administration all work cordially together on synchronization of two completely different higher education systems, work cultures, beliefs and practices, which unfortunately sometimes is too much of a challenge for some individuals. Again, we at AUBIH strongly object to unsubstantiated assertions being made anonymously against our staff, when there is a proper procedure and staff to deal with formal complaints.

We at AUBIH would like to emphasize once again how proud we are of all of our students, faculty and staff who are working together to make AUBIH distinguished institution of higher education that it is today.
For all who are interested in getting accurate information on AUBIH please visit our website www.aubih.edu.ba or contact us directly so we can put you in touch with our current teaching staff who can tell you firsthand all about their experiences at AUBIH.

[figee]

Given that apparently the OP hasn't received a response, I guess we can assume that, despite the above two posts, s/he's moved on?

[alleyoxenfree]

Yes, I've moved on, largely because of the non-response.  But it was quite interesting to read the assortment of posts here.  I tend to be optimistic and adventurous, and sometimes that's led to good postings and sometimes decidedly not.  In this case, it sounds as though there are more dubious questions than positive responses.  When the only good things are posted by administrators or approved sources, one tends to learn over the years that disgruntled employees ought to be listened to as well.  I remember a grad program where the same few students were trotted out to talk with prospective students - and that was one troubled grad program.  A lot of smart people and their careers disappeared into that black hole, a few literally.  I can think of other grad programs where no one - past or present - has anything but good things or at least realistic and balanced things to say.  Bottom line is that if you're going to be far from home and expected to do a professional job, you want to know that a university with supposed ties to an American university has the things you'll need to do that job.  And I'm not talking access to the copier, although that's nice too.

[q3m85]

To be sure - AUBiH pays its employees and honors all its contracts.  Though this school is only three years old, and private, there is no hanky-panky with salaries or reimbursement for travel.  The administrators and staff are working to build a solid and first-rate school.  They know that if they did not treat the American faculty well and deal with us honestly, the school could not continue to grow.  (Currently there are three campuses and there should be five by fall 2011).

[q3m85]

I work - happily - at AUBiH.  I have found the administration to be refreshingly upfront about their professional expectations as well as genuinely concerned with my welfare and that of my family.  In fact, this year, given the growth in number of faculty, nearly 20, the school created a new position - informally titled "cultural liaison."  Like that done on some of the U.S. military installations, this person seeks to help Americans transition, navigate a new culture, and be a resource. 

As far as the teaching is concerned, the students are like young people in the US - most have a disdain for reading.  But they are smart and can be pushed.  In fact, we have a considerable amount of support from parents who want us to keep high expectations for their children.

The best comparison to institutions in the States is to see AUBiH as a small and new liberal arts college.  And when I have to think about the pros and cons, life here is much preferred.  If you want to be part of a small community and like knowing your colleagues and neighbors, choose AUBiH. 

[dr_steve_jenkins]

I will be returning to teach at AUBIH next month.  I have taught there two semesters;  the same two that the two negative responses you received to your initial post taught.  If you think about those responses, they are from people who hide behind pseudo names and write personal named attacks.  Although what they say has some correspondence with reality, they are only their personal responses, which are obviously nonprofessional and unpleasant. 

AUBIH students are not native English speakers and therefore have an additional challenges that US students do not have, but their English skills are good and improving.  Yes, AUBIH is a private University and therefore attracts students from wealthy Bosnians: the Mofia reference is unfounded, unfair and an insult to our students.  Higher education in Bosnia stills suffers greatly from its post communist roots and I feel AUBIH, warts and all, is helping to correct this legacy.

Our connection to SUNY Canton is real and ongoing.  Our year 3 students our in Canton now completing a summer semester in New York.  We were visited by the provost last semester.  Some of our classes are taught, via a video link from SUNY. 

Yes our president can be a bit overbearing at times, but you should see some of the head traders I have worked for on trading floors in London.  Don't let two people with personal issues color your decision too much.  I would be happy to respond to any personal questions you have.

[mingus]

Yes our president can be a bit overbearing at times, but you should see some of the head traders I have worked for on trading floors in London. 

"I've worked for worse people" is not very inspiring.

[qrypt]

Sounds like someone needs to start working on this institution's wikipedia page...

[qrypt]

I do think it's worth noting that there were a couple of *very* negative posts here from people who said they had worked at this institution.  I'm not too surprised the mods decided to delete them -- they were pretty harsh about named individuals -- though I do hope this wasn't done at the behest of the AUBIH. 

Anyway, my sense is that this place might have some real problems.

[aubih_admin]

We are fully aware that potential professors are very careful in choosing academic institution they will work for. Especially if employment means relocating overseas.

Therefore, we encourage all those interested in working at AUBiH to contact us by email at positions@aubih.edu.ba or  directly at 00387 35 321 064 and we will be more than pleased to answer any questions you may have. Also we would be very happy to put you in touch with our faculty members so they can share their experiences first hand with you. Virtual visitors are welcome at www.aubih.edu.ba.