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In the Spotlight
DUBRAVKO MARTINOVIĆ, ONE OF THE HONOR STUDENTS IN HIS GENERATION AT THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA (AUBIH)
I SEE MYSELF STAYING IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
09.06.2010.
Dubravko Martinović, graduate at the American University in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is among the honor students in his generation. Student evaluation system at the AUBIH is slightly different from others, but when transferred to our system, his Grade Point Average (GPA) is 9.5-9.7. He finished first five years of primary education in Switzerland, in a German speaking region, and in Tuzla he was an excellent student in the Catholic High School. He also excelled at the AUBIH.
What drew you to the AUBIH?
‘I was the student of the Public University in Tuzla for three days, and during those three days I had to miss the lectures because there was not enough space even to stand. At the AUBIH, there are always few extra chairs available, and this comparison tells a lot about the differences in educational conditions. Today I am proud to be a part of the first generation of AUBIH graduates, and to obtain both national and US diploma together with my colleagues, because those diplomas are our ticket to the global labor market,’
Are there any differences between studying at the AUBIH and other universities here?
‘I haven’t studied at any other university here, so I cannot point out the exact differences. I think that the AUBIH students have certain advantages. First, the official language at the AUBIH is English, which is the language of the global business world. Our education is based on the American curricula. We were educated by renowned American experts and professors, and the fact that the first generation consisted of only 20 students tells you that each of us received a maximum amount of professors’ attention and dedication. It is not same to have 20 or 200 students attending one course, and our professors used to engage us in a classroom dialogue and in that way direct us towards approaching and solving the problems in a practical manner. Professors at AUBIH are always there for their students, they keep in touch via e-mail or telephone. Students also always mention professors’ commitment to their work, and their resolve to avoid political issues during the academic year. Our professors are never late, and are generally more laid back and relaxed in communication with the students. They have a different manner of communicating with us. They are not the kind of people who reinforce their authority through toughness and negative remarks, but try to maintain a friendly working atmosphere. Their high level of professionalism is also one of the advantages. There are many more advantages, but it would take me a lot of time to point out all of them. I mentioned only a few connected to the academic area, but the corruption that overwhelms some of our universities is unbearable,’ pointed out Dubravko.
Initially, the first generation at the AUBIH consisted of 23 students. 21 out of 23 finished their undergraduate studies, and 18 out of 21 have graduated. How would you describe the student evaluation system at the AUBIH?
Basically, it is the test of our knowledge similar to the system used in other universities here. The difference is that in the American system of evaluation those tests are carried out more systematically. We are not encouraged to ‘cram up’, but to find practical solutions to the problems. At our lectures we used to engage our professors in dialogues in order to reach the solution together. This was sometimes more helpful to us than learning from a book. We also study theory, but theory was always intertwined with practical examples. One more thing, if a third or more students do not pass the given course, it is regarded as a minus for the professor, not for the students. In those cases professor is considered to be responsible for failing to educate the students in a quality manner. I’ve heard that some of the professors in our country’s educational system fail the students ‘on a whim’, and then have the audacity to brag about it. This is their way to spread fear among the students. The AUBIH does not allow this kind of behavior, but it champions dialogue and mutual respect. I think that is the secret behind the bigger percentage of successful students at the AUBIH than anywhere else in the country.
Is there anything about your time at the AUBIH that will stay with you forever?
“In the first generation of the AUBiH students, there were only about 20 of us. As there were only few of us, we established a family atmosphere in a very short period of time. All of this reminded me of high school, and I regarded my college days as a bit more serious continuation of high school education. I simply did not have the difficulties I expected to have before the enrollment. Apart from this, a semester at SUNY Canton was a memorable experience. American universities have campuses with thousands of students. Campus looks like a city. During the academic year, the atmosphere is very dynamic. However, during the break, universities are almost empty. Students live in dormitories or rent apartments in local houses. Stores, canteens, hairdressers, sports arenas and gyms are all at campuses. Their college basketball competitions are very exciting and broadcasted by all important TV stations. Campus life, besides education, is a mix of cultural and sports events. During the short semester at SUNY Canton, which has a net consisting of 64 universities, we attended two courses – HR Management and Ethics. SUNY Canton professors told us that our knowledge is as good as that of the US students, but added that we are more enthusiastic about acquiring new experience and that we are always looking for a higher grade. Apart from the campus classes, we also visited Niagara Falls, Indian reserve, Lake Placid, Buffalo, and some other famous destinations. Besides this, we had distance learning classes taught by the US professors. All of these things represent a unique experience which BiH students do not have.
Can you define the difference between BiH and AUBiH graduates?
“We were taught to be recognizable in our cohort, and I think we succedded. Some BiH graduates may have better theoretical knowledge, but I am sure they are less experienced in real life cases. We have a huge advantage over them in this sense. We have advantage in communication, as the communication was one of the most important components of our education. Our English is excellent, and I can boast with the fact that I have two mother tongues – Bosnian and German. I was born in Switzerland, a German speaking part. I think our graduates will recognize the problems in a shorter period of time and start working towards their solution. They will not wait for public opinion to exert pressure on them. To put in simple words, we were educated to act quickly and influence our environment, we do not wait for somebody to lead us. We also have dual degrees – SUNY Canton degree and AUBiH degree, which provides us with better future prospective and jobs around the world.
What is the difference between SUNY and the AUBiH as a part of its network?
“When it comes to organizing the lectures, education and quality of students’ knowledge, there is no difference. While studying at SUNY last semester, professors told us that our knowledge is equally good when compared to that of their students. However, the financial and social environment is completely different. Their campuses are as large as cities and have an extremely good infrastructure for education, sports, culture and entertainment. Students do not have to go out of campuses for months. The public follows student activities with much more attention than in BiH. Extracurricular activities are completely commercialized, college games are the world for itself, and students-athletes are national heroes. The entire higher education system is well planned and financed. We are a poor society and we do not have that here. Our public is insensitive for student activities as it is the case in the US.
What next?
“My future is in BiH. AUBiH graduates are human resources which our country lacks. We were educated in accordance to the contemporary Western principles. I would like to have a dynamic job. I would like to have a dynamic job. I don’t even want to think about the scenario of me leaving my country for the sake of a business success. Just like my colleagues, I would like to contribute to the development of my country. We were educated to be a good bypass between foreigners and our country. I believe we will have a chance to do it. I do not want to even think about looking for a job outside BiH,” said Dubravko Martinović with great confidence.
Dubravko Martinović and his hobbies?
“I live a life of the youth of Tuzla and BiH. Along with going out, my hobby is definitely sport, but as a spectator. I like, and am a great supporter of football club Sloboda. I go to their stadium and watch every match. Sometimes, I watch them in away games.
