For over 20 years, the Organization of Serbian Students Abroad (OSSI) has been actively working on connecting young people from Serbia who are studying abroad in various countries. Currently, OSSI has 24 international branches, with the most recent one opening in South Korea. Our students are spread across four continents – Europe, America, Asia, and Australia. About 100 students contribute to the organisation’s work on a daily basis, while the total OSSI network of current and former students abroad includes nearly 3,000 members. In collaboration with Returning Point, OSSI also participates in moderating the “Diaspora” Viber channel.

This month, we had the opportunity to speak with the President of OSSI, Anđela Janković, a second-year master’s student in Corporate Finance at the Luiss University in Rome, currently on an exchange programme in Nice. In a warm conversation, Anđela shared what student life in Rome is like, offered her perspective on career development, the possibility of returning to Serbia, and provided a closer look at the activities of the organisation she leads.

Studying in Rome, Career, and a Possible Return

What does student life look like in Rome?

Rome is a very vibrant, lively and very accommodating city for students. There are parts of the city where students mainly live, filled with affordable restaurants, cafes, and clubs.

There’s a saying that Rome can’t be fully explored in a lifetime, as there are always new places and parts of the city for students to discover in their free time, meaning it’s never boring here. The city is perfect for those seeking peace, as well as for those who enjoy crowds and tourists.

I would also add that one of Rome’s big advantages is its excellent connectivity with the rest of Italy, and its airport is one of the largest in Europe. Many low-cost airlines operate here, so even with a modest budget, you can travel across Europe.

What do you plan to do after your studies?

Finance is my great passion, but alongside it, I have a strong interest in business and management, which I studied during my undergraduate program in the Netherlands. My goal is to combine these fields in my future career. I would love to start my career in financial consulting and corporate finance.

Do you plan to return to Serbia, and if yes, when? 

As I near the end of my studies, I’m approaching a big decision – whether to stay abroad or return to Serbia. My family and friends are in Serbia, but I believe there are more career opportunities for me abroad, especially in my field of study. In the short term, I plan to stay in Serbia for my final semester while I write my master’s thesis and complete the mandatory internship. Perhaps during that time, an opportunity will arise for me to stay long-term, or I may decide to look for work abroad. When the time comes, I believe I’ll make the right call, that’s best for me and my career.

Message from the OSSI President

When it comes to OSSI, what are their key activities would you highlight, and where do they take place?

OSSI activities are divided into two main parts – the activities carried out by international branches and those implemented by the global network.
The international branches aim to connect all students in the country where the branch is located, organising both informal gatherings and formal events in cooperation with the Diplomatic and Consular Missions (DKPs). The global network’s projects are held in Serbia and are dedicated to promoting studying abroad, organising student gatherings during breaks, and developing an alumni network.

Some of OSSI’s most important projects include organising internships at Serbia’s DKPs abroad, the “pOSSIbility” project through which we collaborate with the private sector in Serbia to secure internships for students in domestic companies, and the “Youth in Motion” project, which brings mobility opportunities closer to young people across Serbia.

Is there a major annual gathering for all members?

Our three biggest student gatherings are the Summer and Winter OSSIlacija and the Summer Networking Event.

The Winter OSSIlacija has been held for years in Novi Sad or Banja Luka, always taking place after the end of the summer semester (in late December). The Summer Networking Event is an informal gathering in Belgrade where we celebrate the end of a successful school year, usually held in late June or early July. The Summer OSSIlacija is also held in Belgrade, during August, and serves as our annual assembly where we celebrate OSSI’s successful work year, make important decisions about future activities, and take the opportunity to thank our partners, sponsors, and distinguished OSSI members for their support.

What are the organisation’s plans for the coming year?

A few months ago, we launched OSSIum, a platform that combines a social and professional network, and it is the first platform of its kind to connect all our current, future, and alumni members. Our plan is to further develop the platform and integrate it with existing OSSI projects, such as creating an online internship fair aimed at students studying abroad.

We are also excited about welcoming new members who will bring fresh energy and ideas to further develop the organisation and guide it in the best direction.