ISSYH21 welcomes participants from diverse academic, professional, and cultural backgrounds who:

• Are between 20 and 35 years old
• Demonstrate a strong interest in heritage as a catalyst for social recovery, resilience, and cohesion
• Are motivated to engage in interdisciplinary and intercultural dialogue
• Have a good command of English to actively participate in the program

Online Orientation & Introductory Sessions: July 4–7, 2026

On-Site Program (Sarajevo, Mostar, Stolac): July 23–August 8, 2026

ISSYH21 activities unfold in Sarajevo, Mostar, Stolac, three cities that experienced targeted destruction of cultural heritage, making them powerful case studies for heritage-led urban and societal resilience.

ISSYH21 is a combination of theory, practice, field engagement, cultural exchange, and applied research in six integrated learning streams:

1. Expert-led seminars explore heritage ethics, conservation, reconstruction, sustainability, governance, law, education, and peace-building.
2. Ten-day hands-on workshops in stonecarving, woodcarving, and gardening & cultural landscapes.
3. Focused sessions introduce additional traditional crafts and living heritage practices.
4. Field Excursions & On-Site Study in post-conflict urban cores, sacred sites, and cultural landscapes across Sarajevo, Mostar, Stolac, and surrounding areas
5. Cultural Mosaic Nights allow participants to share their own heritage in vibrant interactive settings.
6. Mentored Capstone Studio to translate learning into actionable heritage strategies, emphasizing societal impact.

Building on ISSYH’s commitment to experiential learning, the 2026 edition expands two initiatives introduced in 2024. These programs merge cutting-edge technology with time-honored traditions, offering hands-on experience in heritage documentation, digital preservation, and resilience-building through Indigenous Knowledge Systems.

ISSYH21 is realized in partnership with ICCROM, International Forum Bosnia, the History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, together with leading universities and heritage institutions worldwide.

This encounter between global expertise and local knowledge embodies ISSYH21’s core philosophy:

• Language: The working language of ISSYH21 is English.
• Accommodation & Meals: Participants will stay in hostel-style accommodation with air-conditioned double and triple rooms. There will be no mixed-gender rooms. Three meals per day will be provided at a local restaurant.
• Transportation: Transfers from the airport and between program locations in Bosnia will be arranged. Participants are responsible for their own travel to and from Bosnia and for securing any necessary visas. Organizers can provide invitation letters to support visa applications if needed.
• Materials & Health: ISSYH21 provides stationery, working materials, and basic health care kits. Participants must have their own travel health insurance. On-site emergency healthcare will be available.

The total participation fee is 1,900 Euros (+ bank charges). This covers program tuition, accommodation, meals, transportation during the ISSYH21 (excluding travel to Sarajevo and back), materials, stationery, utilities, technical support, and other essentials.

The application form must be completed online.

You can find the application form on the following link: Application Form ISSYH 21

Application Deadline

All applicants must complete and submit the online form by:

Late submissions will not be considered. Any potential extensions to the deadline will be announced on ISSYH social media profiles (Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin)

Applications are reviewed carefully based on motivation, and alignment with the ISSYH21 philosophy.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview to further assess their engagement, commitment, and contribution to the learning environment.

Only candidates who successfully complete the interview stage will receive official confirmation of acceptance to ISSYH21.