Frequently Asked Questions
ISWiB 2025 Cancelled
Dear ISWiB-ers,
With heavy hearts, we must inform you that we have made the difficult, yet necessary decision to cancel the International Student Week in Belgrade – ISWiB 2025, which was set to take place this summer.
The reason behind this decision is the unstable and rapidly deteriorating situation in Serbia. Following a tragic incident on November 1st, 2024 — the collapse of the recently renovated Novi Sad railway station canopy that claimed 16 lives — protests have erupted across the country. What began as peaceful demonstrations and student blockades at universities has, in recent weeks, escalated into extreme instabillity marked by street blockades, barricades, police brutality, and mass arrests.
As of now, it is extremely difficult to move around Belgrade, and the situation continues to change on a daily basis. In this climate of uncertainty, fear, and concern for your safety, wellbeing, and overall experience, we are no longer able to ensure that ISWiB can be held in the way it was always meant to be — as a place of freedom, creativity, and meaningful international exchange.
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this may cause. ISWiB 2025 may not happen, but ISWiB is not gone. We remain committed to our mission and are already looking ahead to organizing a stronger, brighter, and better ISWiB in the future, once the situation allows.
Thank you for your support and understanding.
See you next year.
As previously mentioned, Serbia had been considered safe until recently.
Given the current uncertainty, we advise caution. While many areas remain calm, we cannot say with certainty whether Serbia is safe at this time.
Participants
The participation fee for foreign participants costs 180€, and it includes accommodation, food (three meals per day), T-shirt, accreditation, as well as participation in the workshop and all the events during the festival. The participation fee does not include travel expenses.
Yes, of course, people from Serbia can apply for participants too! The participation fee for Serbian participants who already have the accommodation in Belgrade and don’t want to stay in the dormitory costs 35 euros (it covers participation in the workshop and all the events, T-shirt and accreditation, and it does not include accommodation and food). For Serbian participants who want to stay and be accommodated in the dormitory, the participation fee is the same as for the foreign students.
You should write us an email at participants@iswib.org in order to get in touch with our IntCom team which is responsible for the interviews, explain the situation and they will reschedule it if possible.
In the past years, participants and the organizational team stayed at the student dormitory “Petar Drapšin” on Kralja Petra Street, centrally located in Belgrade. Situated just 5 minutes away from two iconic landmarks, Knez Mihailova Street – the largest pedestrian zone, and Kalemegdan – the renowned Belgrade Fortress. Want to see it on Google Maps, please click here.
*Note that the Organization holds the right to change the accomodation, to an equal or better quality. If change occurs, the participants will be notified about it promptly.
After you fill out the application form, you will either receive an email indicating rejection or an email informing you of your selection to proceed to the second round, which consists of interviews. This email will contain a link to schedule your interview. The timing of this email can vary and may take up to one month, depending on when you submitted your application. Please check your email regularly, including spam or junk folders, to ensure you don’t miss important updates on your application status.
Volunteers
Yes, all volunteers must know English and you can expect questions in English during your interview, but you don’t need to have a diploma. For photo & video and logistics sector, volunteers need to know English on a communicational level, while Group Guides and Info & Host volunteers need to know advanced English.
All volunteers get yellow T-shirts.
Yes, we will send you a link and have an online interview, but it’s mandatory that you are in Belgrade during ISWIB.
You’ll have 3 volunteer trainings in which you’ll learn more about your tasks, ISWIB and our organizational team and you’ll get the chance to meet other volunteers and organizational members before the festival begins.
Between 50 and 60 in total.
Moderators
A moderator can be any person who is passionate about a topic, wants to share their knowledge, and enjoys connecting with people.
Moderators prepare by designing a clear concept for their workshops, including what activities or topics will be covered each day. They also develop a vision for the final product that will be created during the workshops and presented at the festival’s closing ceremony.
The workshops will be designed for people between the ages of 18 and 30.
A formal degree is not required to become a moderator, but having one, or relevant work experience in a topic area, can be a great advantage. What matters the most is your passion, initiative, and ability to engage others.
Workshops usually last around 18 hours in total, spread over 5 days. They take place at various locations across Belgrade, depending on the type of workshop – including creative hubs, studios, computer rooms, and classrooms.
All equipment and materials needed for the workshops will be provided by the organizers.
Moderators have a unique opportunity to connect with people from around the world, and actively participate in festival events. Their responsibilities include making a welcoming and inclusive environment, guiding participants through the creative process, and helping present the final outcome at the closing ceremony.
Moderators receive a symbolic honorarium, a certificate of participation, promotion on social media, and valuable connections with inspiring people from diverse backgrounds.