From USA to Sarajevo: Dylan Joins Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Economics Olympiad Team

The Economics Olympiad brings together talented young people from across the world, but it also creates opportunities for students to build lasting connections across cultures. Dylan Arouh’s story is a remarkable example. After spending a year in Bosnia and Herzegovina as an American exchange student, he earned a place on the country’s team for the International Economics Olympiad.

The article below, originally published by poslovnenovine.ba has been translated into English and is shared here in collaboration with our Bosnian partner, the Liberalni Forum.

Among the five finalists who will represent Bosnia and Herzegovina at the International Economics Olympiad in Greece from August 10–14 is 17-year-old Dylan Arouh from the United States, who secured his place through outstanding academic achievement while competing as a student of the Second Gymnasium Sarajevo.

Dylan arrived in Bosnia and Herzegovina from New York a year ago as part of a U.S. high school exchange program, motivated by a desire to broaden his horizons. Before coming to Bosnia and Herzegovina, he attended Brunswick School in Connecticut.

Feeling at Home at the Second Gymnasium Sarajevo

“I wanted to experience a new culture, make new friends, and develop the kind of skills that can only be gained by living abroad. That’s why I applied for the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad Program through the U.S. Department of State, which brought me to Bosnia and Herzegovina. During the past year in Sarajevo, I was a student at the Second Gymnasium Sarajevo, a warm and welcoming community of students and teachers who made me feel at home from my very first day,” Dylan said.

A Growing Passion for Economics

At the Second Gymnasium Sarajevo, Dylan studied IB Economics under Professor Azemina Efendić, marking the first time he had formally studied the subject.

“Professor Efendić is an exceptional educator who encouraged my interest in economics and told me about the Economics Olympiad in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I wanted to compete in the 2026 Economics Olympiad because it seemed like a wonderful opportunity to deepen my knowledge of a subject I am truly passionate about. I may be in the minority, but I genuinely believe economics is one of the most fascinating fields to study.“

Dylan eagerly took part in the preparation program for the sixth Economics Olympiad in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which attracted more than 800 high school students from 56 schools across the country. The strong participation demonstrated the growing recognition among young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina that economic and financial education is an important foundation for both personal success and national development.

“Reading the textbooks and discussing economic concepts with my classmates at the Second Gymnasium Sarajevo helped me build strong friendships and deepen my understanding of the subject. I believe the Economics Olympiad clearly demonstrated the remarkable dedication of both teachers and students across Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially considering that many participants had never studied economics as a school subject before.“

American Student Among Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Top Five Competitors

The sixth National Final of the Economics Olympiad, held on June 24–25, 2026, brought together the country’s most talented young economics students.

The top five competitors were:

• Muris Čerkez – 1st place
• Dylan Arouh – 2nd place
• Tarik Bećarević – 3rd place
• Sara Komarica – 4th place
• Armin Aždajić – 5th place

All five students, representing the IB Program at the Second Gymnasium Sarajevo, will compete for Bosnia and Herzegovina at the International Economics Olympiad in Ancient Olympia, Greece, from August 10–14.

“I am thrilled and honored to be part of the team representing Bosnia and Herzegovina in Greece. I’m excited to compete alongside such an incredible group of students. Representing Bosnia and Herzegovina is especially meaningful to me as an American who had the privilege of spending such an important year here. I have truly come to love this country and have built close relationships with my host family and local friends, who have made Sarajevo feel like a second home. I’m excited to carry that spirit with me as we represent Bosnia and Herzegovina in Greece.“

Looking Ahead

Although Dylan returned to the United States at the end of June to continue his education, he has already booked his flight back to Sarajevo so he can join the Bosnian and Herzegovinian team before traveling to the International Economics Olympiad in August.

“It is a tremendous honor to represent Bosnia and Herzegovina at the International Economics Olympiad in Greece. This fall, I will begin university, where I plan to study history and political science. I hope to pursue a career in public service, where the economics knowledge I gained during my time in Bosnia and Herzegovina will be incredibly valuable.“

Dylan’s story is a powerful example of how international exchange, quality education, and opportunities such as the Economics Olympiad can bring young people together across cultures while inspiring the next generation of leaders

Original article and all photo credits to poslovnenovine.ba