Milan Miljković

Milan Miljković

Teacher of English

Education 

  • BA in Serbian Literature and World Literature, University of Belgrade, Serbia
  • MA in South Slavic Literatures and Cultures, University of Belgrade, Serbia
  • PhD in Literary Studies, University of Belgrade, Serbia

Bio
When I graduated in 2006, my first panicky thought was “Please, God don’t make me be a high school teacher” but of course, that same year I started as an IB teacher of Serbian Literature. After years of teaching in Belgrade, combined with a period I spent as an academic researcher, I got an opportunity to teach History and Theory of Knowledge in Greece, Anatolia College. It was my first experience of working abroad, and after four amazing years in Thessaloniki, I am coming to UWC Dilijan, knowing that I wouldn’t change this profession for the world.

What is your favourite part of the teaching process?
Since I was primarily teaching literature in the past, I was enthusiastic when it came to discussing literary works in connection to different global issues. Although it was a challenge for me and my students when we worked on IO, we were all thrilled to see how literature remained relevant for so many contemporary concerns various cultures faced.

Which teaching method do you prefer and why?
I prefer and enjoy those methods that allow more agency to my students while I stay in the background, but still very much present for all the guidance, support and potential corrections when needed.

Who is your role model or mentor or who inspires you?
People whose personality and work reveal a balance of empathy, enthusiasm, and drive for social change.

What is your life motto?
Never take yourself too seriously. It’s a motto I fully embraced when I was attending workshops of the Blue Theater in Belgrade, based on J. Grotowski’s method. When I try not to take myself too seriously, I can more easily recognize the value of other people’s perspectives and beliefs, adopting a more playful, self-reflective and humbling stance in life.

What are the three things you can't imagine your life without?
Family, books, coffee.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Reading books, dancing, walking (with Thessa), watching movies, drinking coffee.