On April 24-25, 2005 American Councils for International Education and JFDP alumna Zalkida Hadzibegovic organized a two-day training for university teaching assistants in Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina. As a TA at one stage in career herself, Zalkida observed that there was little in the way of mentoring or professional development for young teachers such as herself in the early part of her career. When the opportunity presented itself, she applied and received a fellowship through the Junior Faculty Development Program (JFDP), a program of the US Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and administered by American Councils. Since the educational system in Bosnia & Herzegovina was undergoing momentous changes following years of national turmoil, she decided this was both the right time and place to advance her career through additional education.

Zalkida's idea was to organize a training event for teaching assistants that would be led by JFDP alumni and other top university teachers to provide the mentoring and trainings she never had. Zalkida taught many of the techniques and methods she developed while on JFDP in the United States to other participants. Topics included writing of syllabi, re-shaping relationships with students that emphasize student involvement during the learning process, technology in education, distance learning, and promoting non-traditional course design that encourages creativity and openness in the classroom. Participants also discussed ways teachers can participate in a constructive, positive manner in education reform and how teachers, as educators, can be participants in the democratization process.

More than 160 teaching assistants applied to participate in the training and 48 were selected. Emphasis was placed on training participants to teach what they learned during these two days to their colleagues who could not participate this time. Upon completing the workshop, participants received certificates from American Councils and the US Embassy in Sarajevo. Some participants later wrote letters to various education officials and colleagues offering their suggestions and advice for the current reform efforts in place.

The participants were nearly unanimous in their support for the workshop. One instructor commented: "I am very glad I had the opportunity to participate in this workshop and discuss these topics - this was the first time I have had this kind of opportunity. I received a lot of very useful information and was reminded of the importance of my everyday work". The two day seminar received national press coverage, and American Councils plans to offer additional funding, provided by ECA, for other alumni initiatives.