Croatia, Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina
Nations at a Crossroads
In the early 1990s, the Balkans erupted into war. Bosnia, in particular, a nation made up of three primary religious ethnic groups, went from peace to violence in a matter of days. Now, 30 years later, the wars are over, but challenges to long-term peace remain.
From May 26 to June 6, students will journey to two Balkan nations, Croatia and Bosnia, to learn about the 20th-century history of the countries formerly known as Yugoslavia and begin to unravel the complex reverberations of conflict. We will explore how the death of Tito and the collapse of communism sparked civil war and ethnic cleansing, how people remember and contest that history today, and how locals envision a more just and optimistic future. As we go, we will also experience the region’s natural beauty, from sweeping mountain landscapes to crystal blue seas and its multicultural cities blending a rich history at the crossroads between Europe and the Middle East.
Beginning in Zagreb, Croatia, we will visit memorials, museums, and cultural sites; spend substantial time in Bosnia (Sarajevo, Mostar, and Srebrenica); and meet with local experts, many of whom lived through the wars to get a sense of the multiple, nuanced perspectives represented in the region, and learn about the creative and multi-faceted work Bosnians are doing to remember tragedy and rebuild communities. We will end the trip with three nights on the Dalmatian Coast (Dubrovnik and Korcula Island), where we will have a chance to process what we’ve learned and decompress while enjoying the stunning Adriatic coast, picturesque cities, and delicious regional food.
Program Notes
- During this trip, students will stay in hotels. Meals will be shared at accommodations and restaurants.
- Families are responsible for transporting their students from a U.S.-based airport to their home destination for the summer.
- As part of Deerfield’s commitment to face-to-face interactions, during certain times of the trip, students will be “unplugged” without access to cell phone
- Students and faculty leaders will update families and friends at home through our Notes From The Field
Program Dates
May 26 – June 6, 2025
Program Eligibility
This trip is open to ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade students, with a preference for those who demonstrate an interest in history as a set of stories we choose to tell. Financial Aid is available to all qualifying students.
Faculty Trip Leaders
- Julia Rivellino-Lyons
- Hardy Gieske
Estimated cost: $6,500
This price is subject to change depending on enrollment numbers and flight costs. The final price will be set before initial deposits and enrollment paperwork are due.
2025 Preliminary Itinerary
*This itinerary is subject to change.
This 12-day itinerary starts with an overnight flight to Zagreb, then exploring the city’s center and visiting the Museum of Broken Relationships. The next few days focus on Zagreb’s history, including visits to bombing memorials and underground tunnels, before heading to the Jasenovac Memorial and Sarajevo. In Sarajevo, the schedule includes historical tours, meetings with locals, and a day trip to Srebrenica. Key sites such as the War Childhood Museum and Sarajevo Tunnel are also included.
The journey continues with stops in Mostar, where participants visit Tito’s Bunker and explore the Old Town before heading to the Dalmatian Coast. The group will enjoy a ferry ride to Korčula, a decompression day on the island, and a traditional farm dinner. The trip concludes in Dubrovnik with a tour of the Old City, the Homeland War Museum, and a program closing session before departure.
**Families are responsible for transportation from the U.S. airport to the student’s final destination at the end of the trip.