Baćko Babić, Director of ISEM Agency
ISEM Agency’s Decade of Guiding Montenegro’s Youth Toward International Success
At a time when international education is becoming a key to competitiveness, ISEM Agency from Montenegro has for more than a decade been helping young people find their path to universities around the world. Through a personalised approach, comprehensive support, and a clear understanding of the challenges students face, the agency has become a reliable partner on the road to academic and professional success. In this conversation we discover how the ISEM story began, what opportunities it offers today to young people from the region, and why global experience is more important than ever.
How was ISEM Agency founded, and what was your principal motivation for devoting yourself to the field of international education and scholarships?
ISEM Agency was founded in 2011, inspired by my personal academic experience abroad in the United States, Costa Rica, and Belgium, where I completed secondary school, undergraduate, and master’s studies. Upon finishing my studies, I decided to return and help young people from Montenegro and the region to gain an equally valuable experience. Our motivation from the first day was clear: to enable pupils and students easier access to quality international education. We identified great potential, but also a lack of information, support, and proper guidance, which we wanted to change. Our goal was to become a reliable partner for young people and their parents on their academic journey.
What scholarship programmes and educational opportunities do you currently offer to students from the region, and what distinguishes them from other similar programmes?
ISEM Agency offers virtually all programmes related to education abroad: undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies; enrolment in boarding-type secondary schools; secondary-school exchanges; summer and winter language schools; Work & Travel and Au Pair programmes; Harrison Assessment academic guidance; and preparation for applications and interviews. Our services encompass the entire process: counselling and programme selection, preparation of documentation, application to schools, universities, and scholarships, interview preparation, assistance with visas and accommodation, and support during the stay abroad. What distinguishes us is our personalised approach, as we engage with each candidate individually, in accordance with their ambitions, profile, and financial means.
How accessible is education abroad today for young people from Montenegro and the region, and what are the most common obstacles they face?
Today, education abroad is more accessible than ever, but certain obstacles still exist, such as a lack of information, financial constraints, complex application processes, and language barriers. Our goal is to remove precisely these obstacles, through education, support, and connection with institutions that offer scholarships and flexible payment arrangements.
Which countries and universities are currently most attractive to students wishing to study abroad through the programmes ISEM offers?
The most sought-after destinations at present are Italy, the United States, England, Switzerland, Spain, Austria, Greece, Germany, and numerous others. Students are increasingly choosing programmes that offer a combination of quality education, affordable costs, and employment opportunities during or after their studies.
In what way does ISEM Agency assist students throughout the entire process from the selection of a university to obtaining a scholarship and departing for their studies?
We provide both advisory and administrative assistance and support. Our service thus encompasses the entire process: the selection of the country and school or university, the preparation of documentation, application for scholarships, interview preparation, and assistance with visas and departure. In practical terms, pupils and students are never on their own we are with them at every step.
How important is international academic mobility for the development of young professionals, and what impact can it have on the economies of smaller countries such as Montenegro?
The international mobility of pupils and students is exceptionally important. International experience increases competitiveness on the labour market, develops a global perspective, and fosters innovation and independence. A competitive workforce and experts in specific fields directly influence the competitiveness of the entire economy. In the future, it will be virtually impossible to be a competitive candidate for employment without international experience, whether through an exchange, an internship, or study abroad.
Have you noticed changes in the interest of young people in studying abroad in recent years?
The fundamental motives have remained the same: a desire for new experiences, the advancement of knowledge, language learning, and becoming acquainted with new cultures. What has changed is accessibility and mobility, as today young people go abroad much earlier, even during primary school or early secondary school.
Can you share an inspiring example of a student who, thanks to your programmes, succeeded in achieving significant academic or professional success?
One of our students began studies abroad with a great desire for advancement, but without a clear direction and with limited prior experience. Over the course of the programme, through continuous work, mentorship, and practical projects, he succeeded in developing key skills and building confidence. He particularly distinguished himself through his persistence and readiness to learn from mistakes. He actively participated in all assignments, sought additional challenges, and made use of every opportunity for advancement. As a result, he began working on real projects while still on the programme, and shortly after its completion received his first professional opportunity in his field. Today he holds a managerial position that enables his further development and continuous professional growth, and he frequently emphasises that the knowledge, support, and practical experience gained during his studies were decisive for that success.
How do you see the role of agencies such as yours in connecting students with international universities and scholarship funds?
Agencies are essential because they connect students with institutions, simplify the entire application process, enable enrolment on the desired programme, and provide verified information. Our agency provides both advisory and administrative support. Both types of support are equally important. We follow the further path and success of our candidates.
How important is it that young people, after studying abroad, transfer knowledge and experience back to their home countries?
The transfer of knowledge and experience by young people upon their return is exceptionally important. The return of young people with international experience and we are pleased that this is the case makes society as a whole better and of higher quality. Young people return with new ideas, knowledge, and experiences, and stimulate the development of new industries.
What plans does ISEM Agency have for its further development?
Our plans include the continuous improvement of services as well as the expansion of our offering. The offering in the area of academic programmes from numerous language schools, secondary schools, and universities is constantly changing, as is the application process itself, available scholarships, and so on. We continuously follow global trends and wish to provide the best offering for our candidates.
What advice would you give to young people from Montenegro who are thinking about studying abroad but are still unsure where to begin?
I would advise young people to begin preparing in good time by learning foreign languages and attending short-term programmes such as summer language schools, exchanges, and boarding schools during primary and secondary school. It is also very important to inform themselves in good time, to take the courage to make that step, and we are here to provide them with full assistance and support throughout the entire process.