Tucked away in southeastern Bosnia and Herzegovina, Foča is a little treasure of a town that sits prettily along the Drina River. With jaw‒dropping scenery all around and folks who welcome you like family, it’s got a special kind of magic. The town itself has just over 12,000 people, while the whole municipality bumps up to about 18,000—small enough to feel cozy and tight‒knit, but lively enough to keep things interesting. It’s a perfect pick for international students looking for something off the beaten path. The University of East Sarajevo’s Faculty of Medicine calls Foča home, offering top‒notch programs in medicine and dentistry taught in English. Students from all corners of the globe come here, drawn by the solid education and tuition that won’t break the bank.
Foča’s got a lot going for it—history that runs deep, a culture that pops with life, and landscapes that’ll leave you speechless. There’s a library in town stocked with over 70,000 books, a museum that tells the area’s stories, and a theater for a dose of local flair. The Orthodox Church of Saint Nikola stands quietly beautiful, adding to the charm. If you’re into nature, you’re in for a treat. Just nearby, Sutjeska National Park rolls out the red carpet with the ancient Perućica Rainforest, Maglić Mountain towering at 2,386 meters (Bosnia’s tallest), and the Tara River Canyon—Europe’s deepest—begging for a rafting trip or a good hike. Life here doesn’t cost a fortune, the locals are quick to share a smile or a tradition, and the town’s making a name for itself as a spot where students can hit the books hard while soaking up a stunning, soul‒rich place.