On 27th August, the Balkan study tour group visited University of Belgrade which is the only state university in Serbia. Mr. Hisashi Yamazaki, officer at JICA Balkan office and some graduates from the university showed us around the campus. After that, the Balkan members and the students at Department of Japanese language and literature, Faculty of Philology, Belgrade University had a friendly cultural exchange meeting. At the beginning of the meeting, Mr.Wataru Takahashi, a teacher at the university had an IceBreak with us. We enjoyed some conversations about our culture, the difference of university life between Serbia and Japan and so on. After the meeting, we built our friendship over the informal lunch. (Akiho Terauchi)

　On 24th August, the six students of the Hasegawa seminar visited the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) office in Kosovo, and received an informative briefing from Mr. William Romans, the Human Rights Expert of EULEX Kosovo. Mr. Romans started by providing an outline of the history of Kosovo and the reason why EULEX takes some actions in Kosovo. Then, he explained the details of the EULEX missions in Kosovo. The main mission is to assist and support the rule of law institutions and judicial authorities in law enforcement in Kosovo. Also EULEX also takes actions in developing Kosovo police, fighting corruption and serious crime. After his presentation, he responded to some questions and comments from the students. (Sayuri Maruyama)

　On 23th August 2012, the Balkan study tour members visited IOM office after having received a briefing from UNHCR office in Kosovo. At the beginning, Mr. Sheremet Kukaj, National Operations Officer and Ms. Alessia Schiavon, Beautiful Kosovo Project Manager gave us an overview of IOM activities in Kosovo. IOM Kosovo through AVRR Programme aims to promote sustainable voluntary return and reintegration of Kosovars, returning from different Western European countries through measures to improve economic prospects for both the returnees and members of the receiving communities, thereby enhancing the capacity of return communities to continue to attract, absorb and retain returning migrants and other displaced people and to prevent further out – migration. Thanks to “Beautiful Kosovo” Project, IOM contributes to poverty reduction through the enhancement of economic opportunities for Kosovo population, especially marginalized groups, in line with National Strategies. At the end, they responded to some questions related to voluntary return, reasons of migration, and support to the minorities in Kosovo. (Daiki Kawabe)

　On 23th August 2012, the Balkan study tour group visited UNHCR office in Kosovo as the first briefing visit on this study tour. Mr. Vuger, Ms. Toki and Mr.Okawa were working in the profession unit of the UNHCR Kosovo. They delivered an imformative briefing for us. At the beginning of the presentaion, Ms. Hinako Toki introduced the overview of UNHCR activities at Pristina, the capital city of Kosovo. Then Mr.Vuger explained what happened in Kosovo and the details of UNHCR mission. The mission supports four types of people: Refugee, Stateless person, Asylum Seekers and Returnees. To solve these issues UNHCR are conducting many interviews and try to improve the living environment. Also they support minority people in Kosovo. After the conclusion of his lecture, Mr.Yuger responded questions and answers from students. (Kohei Yokota)

　On 9th July 2012, Prof. Satoru Kurosawa, Former Resident Representative of JICA Balkan Office, delivered a lecture on the contributions of JICA to the Balkan States, particularly for the seminar students who will go to the Former Yugoslavia as the study-tour. In his lecture, he explained the current situation in Serbia and the close friendship between Serbia and Japan. First, he referred to Serbian role as a part of Europe, Serbian fame around the world and Yugoslavian religion. Second, he also mentioned the reason why Serbia has got along with Japan. After his presentation, some seminar students who will go to the Former Yugoslavia questioned him on the historical and political issues in the Former Yugoslavia. (Kohei Yokota)