If you’re considering studying or interning abroad, you may wonder what your journey will actually look like. One of the best ways to learn more about going abroad is to hear the stories of those who have gone before you! Meet Ignacio, an API student studying abroad in Croatia. Ignacio shared with us a little more about his experience being abroad with API!
Finding the Right Program
The process of finding the right program for me with API was smooth and applying was super easy! The API website makes it easy to navigate their programs. One of the things that was most helpful for me was the ability to see the courses offered very early in the application process. The API website provides you with a syllabus for each of the courses offered in the programs. Leading up to the trip, communication was good and API makes it easy to connect with your peers before you embark on your adventure.
Once You’re There
Once on site studying abroad in Croatia, I was able to do some exploring on my own before the program started. I got to visit Paris a couple of days before my program started and that was a super fun experience! My time in Croatia has been a dream and an opportunity to work on myself while meeting lots of other amazing students from all over the world. I have had the opportunity to listen to so many stories and hear about other cultures. As well as learn about the history of this city and this country.
Going Abroad Inspires Reflection
I have found myself various times looking into the beautiful views and sunsets and getting a little bit emotional, these sights are breathtaking. In all honesty, this trip has given me the opportunity to slow down, reflect, and do things that I could have never done in the fast-paced life that I was living. I have had the opportunity to see different lifestyles and ways of enjoying life.
Embracing New Language Skills
Aside from the new perspectives of life, classes have also been great during my time here. As a language lover, it has made me very happy to have the opportunity to learn Croatian (even though it is not very similar to English or Spanish! haha). I am taking 3 other courses in my field of study and I have enjoyed the independence that students are given. I have been able to develop good relationships with my professors and they have even taken my class out for coffee!
Housing When Studying Abroad in Croatia
My accommodation here is similar to residence halls. I have a roommate and we live on a floor with various other students. Each room has its own bathroom, which is super nice, and we have the cafeteria in the same building as the dormitory. Meals here have reasonable prices (approximately €2.50 per meal). The dorms also have a gym and another restaurant within the facility! We have had the opportunity to experience the culture of Croatia various times. We have attended a Symphony Orchestra show, toured the Old City of Dubrovnik, and tasted a LOT of delicious seafood
I have only been here for a month, and I am looking forward to all that is yet to come. This including all the ways I want to improve on myself. If there is a student out there who wants to study abroad, I highly encourage you to take that leap, step out of your comfort zone, and go to a country where they don’t speak your language. You will learn and most importantly, crave to meet this world. One lifetime is not long enough to see everything this world has to offer; if you have the opportunity to see even a little bit more of what is out there, do it!
It’s Your Turn to Go Abroad!
Feeling inspired by Ignacio’s experience? Are you ready to take the leap yourself? Croatia is waiting for you! For more information about studying abroad in Croatia or other locations across the globe, check out our program finder!
