Study in Croatia!

Michelle Rodriguez Stražičić

In 2015, Michelle came to study International Hospitality and Service Management (now Hospitality and Tourism Management) at RIT Croatia in Dubrovnik from the USA. We talked to her about the choice to study in Croatia.

1. How did you end up studying in Croatia?

If someone were to tell me a year ago that I would be studying in Croatia, I would think they're crazy. This change in my life is still a shock to me. I never expected to go this far from home. The original plan was to stay close to NYC, so I would have fewer expenses, but that all changed. My friend introduced RIT Croatia to me in my junior year of high school. I found it interesting that there was an American College in Croatia of that ranking because Rochester Institute of Technology is no ordinary college. After researching a about RIT in the States and looked at other options I had, RIT seemed to most fit me. What caught my attention was the option of studying International Hospitality and Service Management. The colleges I applied to did not have this exact major. Of course there were similar but not what I was looking for.

2. What was the reason you chose to study at RIT Croatia in Dubrovnik?

When I was applying for college, I did not want to go to a huge campus. I wanted the teacher to know me name and meet everyone in my graduating class. RIT Croatia gives off a family vibe. Honestly, this change was one of the best choices I ever made and never will regret this experience.

3. Why did you decide to study International Hospitality and Service Management?

The reason I wanted to study IHSM was because hospitality plays a large role in my life. Summers I would spend with my grandmother running the family business on Island Mljet, Croatia. At the bed & breakfast, interacting with tourists became more than just a job. It was no longer an obligation, but was the start to my future. I contacted the enrollment office and in the summer after my junior year, I had my interview.

4. What was it like to adapt to life in Croatia?

Adaptation was successful thanks to lovely people I've met. I was afraid about everything, but I never showed it. Living alone for the first time, making new friends, adapting to a new lifestyle and mentality of people. Now after the first month, I can say that it was not scary at all. People are friendly and I have a unique character that making new friends was no problem. After a month I even have my own "ekipa" or gang, which feel like I've known my entire life.

5. How do you like living in Dubrovnik?

The city is also my friend. Dubrovnik is a beautiful and enchanting city to study in. It is a very laid-back city, which was kind of difficult for me at first. Coming from NYC where time really flies but you still got 24hrs in the day, Dubrovnik feels as if there is only 12hrs in the day.

6. What are your future plans?

What will come for me in the future is still a question to me. I never plan but what I can say having a required Co-op at the end of each year helps expand my options.