Winter Teamwork School

A Retrospective of the 2025 Winter Teamwork School

"After a Winter School like this, we definitely need to organize a Summer one as soon as possible," said students of the 32nd generation of the Future Studies program during their ride from Sremski Karlovci back to Belgrade. The Winter Teamwork School, organized by the Belgrade Open School, took place from February 28 to March 2, 2025, at the Radulovački Environmental Center in Sremski Karlovci. The central theme of the school was unveiling the secrets of successful teamwork - an idea that echoed not only through creative workshops and simulations but also during the free time the students spent together.

The first day began with a warm welcome from the program coordinators, Filip Ljubojević and Jelena Stojićević, program assistant. After presenting the agenda and upcoming activities, the afternoon continued with a workshop titled Building a Successful Team, led by Vladimir Pavićević. Through practical exercises, students explored how to build effective relationships within a team. The evening was filled with laughter and good energy, as a pub quiz gradually turned into a karaoke night.

On the second day, the students enjoyed a walk to Stražilovo, where they visited the grave of one of the greats of Serbian poetry, Branko Radičević. After the hike and a short rest, they took part in a simulation on negotiation and team decision-making, facilitated by Vesna Đukić, General Director of the Belgrade Open School. Students tested their negotiation and compromise skills and left the session with many positive impressions, which were discussed later that day. The evening ended with the sounds of tamburica and traditional Serbian songs, and the friendly atmosphere continued back at the accommodation, rounding off another memorable day.

The final day was dedicated to reflecting on the students’ experience so far in the program, discussing future initiatives, and planning the campaign for recruiting the 33rd generation of Future Studies participants. After final agreements were made, the students eagerly requested another simulation with General Director Vesna Đukić. Through teamwork, the negotiation between Future Studies students concluded successfully—along with this year’s Winter School.

As the students packed for their return to Belgrade, they exchanged reflections and positive impressions. Everyone agreed that the Winter Teamwork School had been much more than just an educational event - it was the beginning of new friendships and lasting memories. The conclusion was clear: not only did the Winter School provide valuable guidance on building a successful team - it actually built one.

Sara Mijačić, student of the 32nd generation of Future Studies