News & Events

1. Why did you choose Croatia as your study destination?
   
   IVA: When I was looking to continue my education, Croatia seemed to have it all, both in terms of professional development and student life. Besides the opportunities offered by the University, Croatia promised a very active student life and a very rich culture to explore.
   
   STEFANI: I chose Croatia because FER has a strong Electrical Engineering programme and Zagreb seemed like a great city for students. It gave me the experience of living abroad, while still being in the Balkans, so the culture and way of life felt familiar and close to home.
   
   
   
2. Take us back to your first days in Croatia. What were your first impressions, and was there anything that surprised you?
   
   IVA: Since I had already visited Croatia before starting my studies, I was familiar with some of the lifestyle present there. However, it was really nice to see how lively the country is, Zagreb in particular. There is always something going on, so the life in Croatia can never get boring.
   
   STEFANI: My first impressions were very positive. Zagreb felt safe, welcoming and easy to get around. What surprised me most was how quickly I adapted and started feeling at home here.
   
   
   
3. What is student life like for you?
   
   IVA: I am currently living in an apartment with my friend. Sharing a space with someone you know gives you the chance to get closer and always be there for each other when life gets tough. I also prefer preparing my food at home. It gives me more flexibility in what I eat and when. Living in the capital of Croatia has given me the opportunity to travel to a lot of the nearby cities and countries and also meet a lot of people from different backgrounds and make lifelong friends.
   
   STEFANI: I live in a private apartment and usually cook at home, although I sometimes eat at student cafeterias. FER can be demanding, but I still find time to go out and enjoy the city. I’ve met many people here, especially Croatian students, and over time I’ve built some really close and genuine friendships.
   
   
   
4. What do you enjoy most about living and studying in Zagreb/Croatia?
   
   IVA: Zagreb is a great city for young people. I would say my favourite part is the availability of all sorts of activities both related to education and professional growth, but also leisure and entertainment.
   
   STEFANI: I really like the balance Zagreb offers. There is always something to do, but the city still feels comfortable and easy to live in. Having close friends here has also made Zagreb feel much more like home.
   
   
   
5. Have you learned any Croatian during your studies? If so, how has it helped you in your everyday life?
   
   IVA: Since I am from Macedonia, adapting to the Croatian language was not that big of a challenge. I joined a study module for Croatian language and culture facilitated by my university which helped me further develop my knowledge. Hanging out with my Croatian friends made me more confident in using it in public.
   
   STEFANI: I already spoke Croatian fluently before moving here, so language was never a barrier for me. It definitely made adapting easier and helped me feel at home from the beginning.
   
   
   
6. How has your experience in Croatia influenced you, both personally and professionally?
   
   IVA: Living in Croatia has made me more independent and more open to new opportunities. Meeting different types of people and partaking in different activities has helped me open up as a person and look for opportunities to grow both as a professional and as a person.
   
   
   STEFANI: Living and studying here has made me more independent and confident. At the same time, studying at FER has helped me grow academically and develop my technical and problem-solving skills.
   
   
   
7. What advice or message would you share with international students who are considering studying in Croatia?
   
   IVA: Do not be afraid of new challenges. Moving to another country might sound scary, but it can also be the right place where you would truly find yourself.
   
   STEFANI: I would definitely recommend it. Zagreb is a welcoming and student-friendly city, and studying abroad is a great opportunity to become more independent, meet new people and create meaningful friendships.
   
   
   
8. Has studying in Croatia changed your plans for the future?
   
   IVA: Studying in Croatia has made me want to pursue a master’s degree and contemplate fully moving in the country.
   
   STEFANI: It has made me more open to living, studying or working abroad in the future. It showed me that I feel comfortable building a life in a new country and exploring new opportunities.

Learn about other North Macedonian students' experience of studying in Croatia