Jericho Foundation

The Learning Experience begins with a stay at the home of Mark and Ann Drake, our Board Vice President and long-time supporters, donors, and volunteers. Afterward, students visit our Founder, Joanna Shields, and her family before attending an Open House hosted by Mark and Ann Drake. This gathering gives students, families, and supporters an opportunity to connect, mingle, and enjoy a meal together before students depart for their temporary homes.

This gives our students the much-needed time to unwind and relax after their long journey to the U.S. before beginning their six-week learning experience. During their stay, they live with welcoming local families while gaining hands-on experience with our outstanding host businesses.

⭐️ Support our Annual Night of Hope by becoming a sponsor! This year's event will be held on November 6th at the beautiful new . The event will feature a wide range of themed silent auction baskets, a full-course meal, entertainment, raffle prizes, and surprise speakers.

With several sponsorship levels, there's an opportunity for everyone!

For more information and to view our sponsorship opportunities, visit 👉 www.jerichofoundation.org/noh.

Recently, two of our scholars, Vedad and Marina, had the opportunity to attend a lunch with Bronson’s CEO and President, Bill Manns, along with the other students. Here is what they said about the experience:

"We had the opportunity to introduce ourselves, get to know each other, and share our experiences. We talked about the differences between healthcare systems in our countries and the United States and exchanged different perspectives. Everyone was very kind and welcoming, and we truly enjoyed the experience."

On Friday, July 24, Marina, Damir, & Vedad had the opportunity to visit Western Michigan University. Read about Marina's experience to see how this small opportunity can significantly influence their future.

"After meeting Dr. Busha, we attended a Pathology lecture, where we discussed and analyzed several clinical case studies.

We then toured the medical school and visited the anatomy, pathology, and radiology laboratories, as well as the virtual hospital. The simulation center features high-fidelity mannequins for CPR training, childbirth simulation, neonatal care, emergency medicine scenarios, and many other clinical simulations.

After the tour, we had lunch together and, finally, exchanged experiences and discussed the differences between the healthcare systems of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United States.

This was truly an unforgettable experience that we will always remember because we had the opportunity to see in practice many of the things we had previously only learned about in theory.

We are sincerely grateful for this incredible opportunity."

What an incredible day at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine! 🩺🔬

On Friday, July 24, our Jericho Foundation interns had the privilege of spending the day learning alongside medical professionals and faculty.

After meeting with Dr. Busha, the students attended a pathology lecture where they analyzed real clinical case studies. They then toured the medical school, including the anatomy, pathology, and radiology labs, as well as the state-of-the-art simulation center. From CPR and childbirth simulations to neonatal care and emergency medicine training, they experienced firsthand the innovative technology used to prepare future physicians.

The day concluded with lunch and meaningful conversations comparing the healthcare systems of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United States. These discussions provided valuable insight into different approaches to patient care and medical education.

For many of our students, this was an unforgettable opportunity to experience in practice what they had previously only studied in theory. Experiences like these inspire them to dream bigger and prepare them to become future healthcare leaders in Bosnia and
Herzegovina.

A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Bushe and everyone at Western Michigan University for your warm welcome, generosity, and commitment to educating the next generation of healthcare professionals. We are truly grateful!

There are only two weeks left to register for our free Kalamazoo Luncheon, where you can meet our 2026 Jericho scholars as they share their experiences from their U.S. Learning Experience.

Join us on August 20th from 12-1:30 pm at the Kalamazoo Country Club to be a part of the hope our scholars have and hear about their internships with host businesses such as Corewell Health Grand Rapids Hospitals, Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalsec, and Mindset PT.

Did you know you can help Jericho Foundation by simply writing a review? Review us on GreatNonprofits so we can earn our 2026 Top Nonprofit badge! Whether you're a student, donor, volunteer, or just an individual who has been involved one way or another, every review matters! Visit greatnonprofits.org/org/jericho-foundation-inc to leave your review today.

You're invited to celebrate the next generation of global talent, right here in Kalamazoo.

Join us on Thursday, August 20th from 12:00 – 1:30 PM at the Kalamazoo Country Club for a complimentary luncheon honoring our 2026 U.S. Learning Experience scholars. Over the past six weeks, these remarkable young professionals have been embedded in our local community, bringing fresh perspectives to Kalamazoo- and Michigan-based businesses.

Enjoy a wonderful lunch and hear directly from our scholars about their experiences, what they've learned, how they've grown, and the connections they're taking back to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Spots are limited. Reserve yours today at jerichofoundation.org/luncheon.

Take a look at a few of our Jericho scholars, Berina, Marina, Glorija, and Vedad, currently gaining hands-on experience at Kalamazoo- and Michigan-based companies through our U.S. Learning Experience Program.

Open to 4th- and 5th-year scholars, the U.S. Learning Experience has been designed with one priority in mind: to get our students the real-world experience they need to be the next generation of leaders in BiH.

The results speak for themselves: 100% of participating scholars have been employed within just six months of graduation, with employers noting their added competitive edge. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, where youth unemployment remains a serious challenge, that's not a statistic we take lightly. A guaranteed path to employment after graduation is life-changing, and that's exactly what this program was built to deliver.

Thank you to all of our amazing host businesses, including !

Read about Damir Malkoč's experience:

"In May, I traveled abroad to Romania in order to participate in a medical student's professional exchange through IFMSA (International Federation of Medical Students Associations).

For a whole month, I was working in the Anesthesia Intensive and Critical Care department. Most of my day shifts and night shifts, I was on the Polytrauma Intensive Care Unit and the Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit, but also other ICUs.
For me, as a med student, this experience was a game changer. From day one, I was integrated into the team, and it felt like we had been working together for years. They've let me do most of the patient care and treatment tasks, and I am proud to say that I learned a lot and gained a lot of hands-on experience.

It would be too modest to say that this exchange fulfilled my expectations. I also believe the exchange contributed to my personal and spiritual development. The exchange provided me with knowledge, skills, and abilities I did not acquire in my university."