Meet Bernard
Cultural Affairs Assistant
Where are you from?
I come from Ulcinj, the southernmost city at Montenegrin coast inhabited since the Bronze Age by the Illyrians. Ulcinj is the jewel of the Mediterranean: the longest sandy beach on the Adriatic (the Long Beach is 13 km long) , the splendid river Ada Bojana island with more magnificent sandy beaches, the unique Valdanos bay with ancient olive trees in the background, the reconstructed Old Town where Miguel Cervantes found inspiration for his masterpiece “Don Quixote,” miraculous Lake of Shas and Lake of Scutari.
What do you do for the Embassy?
I cover the position of Cultural Affairs Assistant. My portfolio includes the most prestigious exchange program International Visitor Leadership Program, exchanges on University or high school level (programs like FORECAST, A-SMYLE), short-term summer exchanges (Ben Franklin program), webmaster and various minority outreach activities.
So, how do you like working with your American colleagues (honestly)?
It is a learning environment: our different mindsets, ways we perceive reality, different life experience make us learn from each other – sometimes it may be very enriching, sometimes very frustrating. I appreciate that my American and Montenegrin colleagues are open-minded, willing to assist me, help me build my inner capacities, give me support in my work.
What has been the most rewarding part of your work?
The most rewarding part of my work in the Embassy is the feeling of content after receiving a positive feedback from our contacts whether it’s for 4th of July reception, Iftar dinner, exchange program or else. I am also very proud to have nominated the first Roma and the first Muslim women youth leaders to participate on International Visitor Leadership Program.
Have you ever travelled to the USA? If so, did you like it?
Yes, I had a great time in New York during Christmas, New Year and Bajram in 2007. Most of my family is in the U.S.
I was also in New York and Washington last spring and it was memorable. I can’t wait to go again. This time I plan to visit Boston, Florida and Chicago.