With Burja Across Europe within the Erasmus+ Program

Publishing, Literature and New Opportunities for Cooperation in Novi Sad

Novi Sad, 28 June 2026

Across Europe with Burja within the Erasmus+ Programme

At the end of June 2026, I participated in a three-day Erasmus+ accredited staff mobility (job shadowing) at Izdavački centar Bulevar in Novi Sad, Serbia, organised within the framework of Zavod Burja’s accredited mobility activities. The main objective was to explore organisational, professional and educational approaches in publishing, literature, creative writing and cultural programme development, while exchanging good practices that could also be applied in non-formal adult education.

At the host organisation, I was welcomed by Director Milan Tripković and my mentor, Vitomirka Trebovac, who introduced me to the publishing centre’s activities, programmes and approaches to working with authors, cultural professionals and different target groups. Particular attention was given to the planning and implementation of publishing projects, the organisation of literary events, the promotion of literature and audience development. We also discussed ways of attracting new participants to cultural and educational activities, especially younger generations, and the importance of making cultural content accessible to diverse audiences.

The mobility was based on the methodology of job shadowing, experiential learning, professional dialogue and continuous reflection. In addition to observing working processes, I participated in professional discussions, compared different organisational and pedagogical approaches and, together with the hosts, analysed their potential application within Zavod Burja’s activities. An important part of the programme involved exchanging experiences in creative writing, cultural management, adult participation in literary activities and the development of international cooperation.

I was particularly interested in exploring how literature and creative writing can serve as effective tools in non-formal adult education. Such activities not only encourage creativity and self-expression but also contribute to the development of communication skills, critical thinking, intercultural dialogue and active participation in the cultural life of local communities. Our professional discussions also addressed the use of digital tools for promoting literary content, communicating with audiences and improving access to cultural programmes.

As part of the mobility, my accompanying person and I also became acquainted with a local organisation from Bečej, learning about aspects of its work and the local cultural environment. The meeting provided an additional opportunity to exchange experiences and explore possibilities for further professional cooperation. Initial ideas were also discussed for a potential future group mobility of adult learners from Zavod Burja to Serbia.

Another important aspect of my mobility was the possibility of including an accompanying person who provided the practical and organisational support I needed during the journey and throughout the programme. His presence significantly improved the accessibility of the mobility and enabled me to participate fully in the planned professional activities. This support represents a concrete example of how the Erasmus+ Programme puts its inclusion and diversity principles into practice by providing more equitable opportunities for international learning to individuals who, due to personal circumstances, require additional assistance.

The mobility contributed to the further development of my professional, pedagogical, organisational, digital and intercultural competences. I gained new knowledge of publishing processes, literary programme development, working with different target groups and the potential of integrating literature into non-formal adult education. At the same time, I strengthened my communication skills, expanded my professional network and gained valuable experience in planning international cultural and educational activities.

This experience once again confirmed that international mobilities are valuable not only for acquiring new knowledge but also for comparing different practices, engaging in professional reflection and developing new ideas. The knowledge and experience gained will contribute to the further development of Zavod Burja’s programmes, particularly in creative writing, cultural participation, adult inclusion and international cooperation.

I would like to thank Milan Tripković, Vitomirka Trebovac and everyone who contributed to the successful implementation of the mobility and professional meetings, for their hospitality, professional support and openness in sharing their experiences.