Croatia Study Abroad

UGA study abroad programs never cease to amaze. The Croatia program is a three-week Maymester in Croatia, one of the gems of Central Europe. Now in its 10th year, the program has had over 200 students visit the country. Croatia's rich culture coupled with crystal-clear sea, beautiful islands, countless beaches and harbors, unspoiled villages, mountains, vineyards, Roman ruins, medieval towns and baroque cities provide immersion in cultural heritage everywhere you look. The Romans and Venetians left a Latin influence on the coast, while interior’s Central European heritage is a legacy of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. 

The Croatia program is led by director Hatidza Mulic, a painting and drawing instructor in the Lamar Dodd School of Art. We asked her for an update on this year's Maymester experience and she very kindly obliged:

This year we had a great turnout of students, twenty-three. The interdisciplinary character of our program attracted students from numerous departments: art, advertising, interior design, IDS animation, anthropology, psychology, pharmacy, health promotion, international affairs, etc. This group of students developed such a camaraderie and friendship that they insisted on doing everything together, including spending their free time as one large group. The end of the program was especially touching because it was embellished with these types of statements from students:

“It was the best month of my life!”

“I will miss Croatia terribly, and I can't wait to visit again.”

“Thank you so much for such an incredible experiences this past month. You have no idea how much I enjoyed it.  Croatia is such an incredible place, and I cannot wait to return.”

Personally, I was impressed with how quickly the students picked up on cultural mannerisms and the language.  Also, this year we had a unique opportunity to see Auguste Rodin’s sculptures in an exhibition titled “Rodin in Meštrović’s Zagreb" as well as smaller works at the Meštrović Gallery in Split.  

Due to the nature of the program, students were able to experience Croatia from a variety of perspectives and to acquire a deeper understanding of its history and culture. 

I'm sold. For more about the Croatia Maymester program, its courses and an application visit croatia.uga.edu. UGA and the Franklin College boast a wealth of open, collaborative, international experience opportunities that shape lives, minds and careers amidst a challenging academic environment. Learn more about the university's global connections on campus and beyond, and open yourself up to new experiences.

Image: Veliki Tabor castle, a fortress and museum in northwest Croatia, dating from the 12th century.