As part of the Summer School, jointly organized by the Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade – Department of Social Medicine and School of Public Health and Northwestern University from Chicago, the Red Cross of Serbia hosted a group of students from the United States of America. This long-standing collaboration, temporarily interrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was successfully renewed in 2025.

During the visit, students learned about the history, activities, and programs of the Red Cross of Serbia, with a special focus on healthy ageing, volunteerism, and intergenerational solidarity. Through an interactive presentation and discussion with Red Cross of Serbia expert associate Nataša Todorović, the students gained insight into the importance of working with older people, supporting caregivers, developing local communities, and engaging volunteers in various humanitarian and public health activities.

Particular emphasis was placed on the role of the Red Cross of Serbia in promoting active and dignified ageing, as well as the organization’s efforts to improve the quality of life of older people through education, psychosocial support, and intergenerational dialogue. The visit also highlighted examples of good practice developed by the Red Cross in cooperation with local communities and international partners.

The students followed the presentations with great interest, asked questions, and exchanged experiences, and the discussion also touched on the differences and similarities between the health and social care systems in Serbia and the United States.

This visit, as part of the Summer School, once again underscores the importance of international academic and professional exchange, as well as the value of connecting education, humanitarian work, and public health in strengthening intercultural solidarity and understanding.