Students

ARACELI CASTILLO MORAL - Florida Universitaria, Spain

(winter sem 2023_24)

Split is a very beautiful city, with beaches and beautiful sunsets. 

The ease of the xCARD is great because it is not so expensive to eat since it is a fairly expensive city, in terms of rent and food in the supermarket too.  On the other hand, it would be better if there were more Erasmus places in the residence, I think it would have been much more fun.

When it came to traveling, I expected it to be better connected and there are almost no flights to anywhere, it is quite an important thing that would make me think about repeating or recommending it. But, we have seen all Croatia on flixbus.

The university seemed very good to me, you study but you can complement it with going out with your friends.

In my opinion, is good place, also is very safe and the bus is very good to get around the city. 

Thanks for all. 


 

Tom Williard - University of Applied Sciences, Kaiserslautern, Germany

Erasmus testimonial

 


 

Simona Kraus - Technische Hochschule Rosenheim, Germany

Experience report on studying abroad - in english / german language

(Time period: SS 2023: 02/2023 – 06/2023

 


Viktoria Flis - Hochschule fur angewandte Wissenschaften Kempten

The preparation for the winter semester 22/23 abroad has started for me at the end of February / beginning of March 2022. I have chosen as 1st priority the city of Split in Croatia, as 2nd choice I gave Oslo in Norway. For the application, first of all, a CV in German and English and a letter of motivation in German are required. The whole application process went almost until shortly before the start of the semester abroad. So, from March to September, I filled out documents, registered my desired courses at the partner university, waited for my acceptance and confirmation at the university in Split, had the selected courses confirmed by the examination board, etc. In order to stay up to date, I checked the Mobility Online Portal almost every day to be able to take my next steps to prepare for the semester in Croatia. In addition, I was in contact with the International Office several times to ask questions and receive further information as support for the preparation. 

Accommodation: During my application process, I received a document informing about the student dormitory directly at the campus in Split and about the student dormitory Spinut. Since I started my semester abroad together with a friend, we both decided to share a room at Spinut. We already knew each other, which made the shared living situation easier. However, if you have problems sharing a very small room with a small bathroom and no kitchen with a stranger, I would advise against the Spinut and to look into finding an apartment locally. The monthly rent in the Spinut is 190€ (as of Sep 2022 - Feb 2023). In addition, the Spinut is also located rather outside the city center. It takes about 15-20 minutes to walk into the city and there are regular buses to the city center directly in front of the dormitory. The Spinut also has a canteen where students can get a full meal for very little money. However, cooking on your own becomes a problem, because the communal kitchens are very poorly equipped with cooking equipment and there are no really functional refrigerators. The Spinut belongs to the dormitory "Bruno", which is located right next to it. This is very modern and has a basketball court, laundry, fitness room (free of charge, but very small) and other recreational rooms for students.

Studying at the host university: I study Tourism Management at the University of Applied Sciences Kempten and was assigned to the "Department of Professional Studies" in Split. The department is small and is far away from the main campus of the University of Split.  It is a renovated building, well maintained from the inside. In my case, the classes consisted of very few people, and there were also only Erasmus students with whom I had classes at this department. Of course, the lectures are all held in English, which is why you should have a certain level of English before starting the semester (this is tested in the OLS test). For me personally, the level at the partner university was easier than that in Germany. The type of exams was also different than at Kempten University. In mid-November, there were so-called Mid-Term Exams in each course to test the students' learned knowledge. Then in mid-January the 2nd Mid-Term Exams were taken. If both Mid-Term Exams were passed, the respective course is credited and one is "through". In case of failure, one Mid-Term Exam can be made up. I really liked this type of examination and the exams are also very doable. The professors/lecturers are all very relaxed and the course of the lectures is similar to the German. A PowerPoint is worked through and there are (depending on the course) tasks to complete on the topic.

Everyday life and leisure: ESN Split provided leisure activities. The members of ESN regularly informed the Erasmus students about upcoming events and activities in Split via the Telegram app and also organized them themselves. At the beginning of the semester there was a Beach Gathering, where all newly arrived Erasmus students were invited to meet on the beach and get to know each other. The following events were the Welcome Day at the faculties, Speed Meeting, visiting a gallery, an opening party as well as an International Dinner and a Beach Day. So you have very good opportunities to exchange with the other Erasmus students and to get to know each other. In the next weeks (after the Welcome Week) different excursions were organized like a city visit in Zadar or to the Krka Waterfalls. Events were also organized to coincide with Halloween or Christmas. Throughout the weeks there were also events such as karaoke night, bowling, laser tag, dog walk, indoor climbing and much more. You definitely didn't get bored in Split as you have various options for things to do. The combination of sea and mountains around Split was just right for my taste. Apart from that, you could relax and have a coffee at the Riva, sunbathe on the beach until mid-November thanks to the good weather, or make appointments with other students through the shared Whatsapp group. From November on, it became quite quiet in Split due to the end of the main season, so a few students decided to organize a weekly Wednesday party. This always took place from 9-12 pm in the "Crew Bar". 

Split has many trendy cafes and restaurants and there are three shopping malls for shopping. During the semester we often met in our regular café "D16" and everyone worked on their university matters and exchanged ideas. When the weather was good (which was often the case), we met at "Bacvice Beach" in a café with a view of the sea and the beach to get some vitamin D in addition to studying. A recommendation from me is the boat party for the Erasmus students. So you have the opportunity to enjoy a nice day on the sea with stop at the blue lagoon and sunset with good music and company.

Mobility: In Split, you can easily reach the most important points on foot. Otherwise, you have the possibility to buy a monthly bus ticket at the "Promet Station" (about 10 € for the whole month). I took advantage of this, although it took a while to really understand the bus system in Split. Tip: The Promet app is available for download. This shows all travel times and bus lines and routes.

Due to the location of Split, you could also visit surrounding neighboring countries such as Montenegro, Bosnia, Albania or Slovenia. So you shared one or two rental cars in a group and went for a weekend trip together to explore the countries.

Conclusion: I am absolutely satisfied with the choice to spend my semester abroad in Split and would decide the same way every time. The relaxed nature of the locals and their motto "Pomalo" (meaning: slow down) made it possible to escape the fast and sometimes stressful everyday life in Germany. For me personally, it was also important to get an insight into the educational system of another country. In addition, by living temporarily in a foreign country, you also learn a lot for yourself. This experience abroad has helped me a lot in my personal development and independence, for which I am very grateful. Especially for students from the field of tourism management, a semester abroad is exactly the right thing to prepare oneself internationally with a view to the future professional world. Because all Erasmus students are "in the same boat", you also find good friendships very quickly. Everyone is away from home somewhere for the same reason and thus all have something in common, which strengthens the connection to each other and makes it all the easier. My personal highlight was a road trip to Slovenia with a group of 10 friends. The dynamic was just right and so we decided to organize two rental cars, booked a great accommodation with a picturesque view of the snowy mountains near Lake Bled and spent 3 great days together cooking, playing board games, hiking and going on excursions. Of course, at the end of the semester abroad it was even more difficult to leave the great time behind and to say goodbye to the newly made friends for the time being. In conclusion, I can say that I would do everything the same way again, except for living in the Spinut dormitory. The lack of being able to cook for myself and having my own fridge were very nerve wracking for me after a while. I would look for a small apartment in Split or a shared apartment for the next time.


 

Alexandra Pizlo

University Rzeszow  - Poland

My stay in Split was full of beautiful moments and all that was thanks to the people I met and the city and country which gave me many opportunities to enjoy my time here.

When it comes to studying in Split, I was positively surprised by the kindness of the teachers and the way the classes were conducted.

I am really glad that I made the decision to stay in Split for the winter semester.


 

JOSE ANTONIO FERNANDEZ ORTELLS

Florida University  - Spain

I had a very good experience too in Croatia.  

I have enjoyed every day in Split because of the city, weather and the people. Specially say thanks to you Mia for your help in some coordination things when I needed it and thanks to all the teachers because they are very good people and they helped me too when I needed it. 

I don't have too much photos of me on the university, but I can say that I had a very good time there with all the people I met.

Here is a photo of me and my flatmates in our Welcome Day (photo).

Now is time to focus on the summer semester and I can't wait to come back to Split in summer.

Once again, thanks for all!!


 

Brian Ariel Piñeyro & Tomás Dal Verme,

Universidad nacional de la Matanza, Argentin

Our Erasmus mobility in Split was in simple words: amazing. We were able to know a lot of people and cultures from all around the world and work side by side with them in classes. I highly recommend the Department of Professional Students for a variety of reasons such as: the classrooms are clean, big and well equipped, the teachers are not only very good people but also professional and they explain things in a very understandable way. In addition, the whole building is comfortable and pretty. Choosing Split for the Erasmus mobility is a very good idea!

 


Marianna Prysiazhniuk,

Roman American University, Romania

It was an unbelievable opportunity to spend the semester studying in Croatia. I had a chance to explore new subjects and discover a new country and new culture. I am very grateful for the perfect organisation and clear guidelines for students, which helped enormously during the onboarding days and the studying period. Thank you very much for this experience and great memories!

 


Enrico Hilgenberg,

Hochschule Fulda - University of Applied Sciences, Germany


My semester abroad in Split was a great experience for me. The city itself is beautiful and has a lot to offer in terms of sightseeing and other activities. Also, I met many new and very nice people during this period. I really enjoyed my time at the faculty, of the University of Professional Studies in Split, and can heartily recommend it. The professors and everyone else involved there are extremely nice, friendly, competent, and helpful. They really care about making the time of the Erasmus students as pleasant as possible. The faculty is just really great. For me, it was a great time both in the university and outside and I can only recommend a semester abroad in Split to everyone.

 


Roxana Morariu,

Alexandru Ioan Cuza Univerity of Iasi, Romania


Coming to Split for the spring semester of 2022 was the best choice I could have made. Croatia is easily one of the most beautiful countries I have ever been to. With its crystal clear beaches, Mediterranean vegetation, rocky mountains, luxuriant islands, and historical cities, Croatia is the place to be. Next to this, the academic course catalog and the professors at UNIST, made this experience even better. I was able to choose between a large variety of courses thought entirely in English. At the same time, the vast majority of the locals I have met were able to speak English really good, making the time spent in Croatia less stressful and more enjoyable. Of course, trying to learn how to speak Croatian can help to better integrate. Finally, if you were thinking about coming to Croatia for your Erasmus semester, then think no more. Split it the best choice. And as someone told me before, make sure to pack both a jacket and a swimsuit. You will thank me later. Enjoy.

 


Hana Machová & Michal Horák,

Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Business and Management, Czech Republic
 

The last 5 months we have spent as Erasmus students in beautiful Split. Living Croatian way of lifestyle was a great opportunity how to forget about the ongoing Covid situation and enjoy all of the experiences and make new memories. Split is a wonderful city with an admirable atmosphere, a beautiful historic center, and endless possibilities for walks along the sea and beaches. 

Department of Professional Studies has a pleasant and friendly atmosphere. The professors know you personally and do not hesitate to help you at any time. Teaching takes place in a more practical form with discussion, solving case studies, and various projects. 

We are thankful for all the experiences and unforgettable memories we could have gained through this stay thanks to many people and also ESN Split, which organized many trips and events. We are looking forward to coming back and enjoying the „Pomalo“ way of living again.

 


Zhalgash Makhas and Nurbol Ashirbekov

Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan

http://www.unist.hr/Portals/0/adam/Content/CVhY8Y9ziUa_lmUs9IDf9g/Text/Ashiberkov%20Nurbol%20and%20Zhalgas%20Makhas%20from%20al%20Farabi%20Kazakh%20National%20University.pdf

 


Aisulu Kazhkarimova

Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan

http://www.unist.hr/Portals/0/adam/Content/CVhY8Y9ziUa_lmUs9IDf9g/Text/Aisulu%20Kazakhkarimova%20from%20al%20Farabi%20Kazakh%20National%20University.pdf

 


Robin Eleh

University of Applied Sciences Koln

http://www.unist.hr/Portals/0/adam/Content/CVhY8Y9ziUa_lmUs9IDf9g/Text/Robin%20Eleh%20from%20University%20of%20Applied%20Sciences%20K%C3%B6ln.pdf

 


Toloaca Teodor

Trade Cooperative University of Moldova, Republic of Moldova

Dear friend,
Here is Teo from the Republic of Moldova, a student who accepted the challenge to go to another country and learn the culture of this country, all this thanks to the Erasmus+ program, destination Split Croatia, a wonderful place, a peninsula surrounded by the Adriatic Sea and a view of mountains that cannot be described. But I was taking it slower at first I was afraid that I would not cope, it seems to me that my level of English does not reach the standards that should, but it was only a momentary fear being forced to speak daily at the English level will develop with rapid steps (do not be afraid to speak, people will not judge you for speaking wrong but will always try to help you). Why Split? Since I didn't even know what Erasmus means until I was contacted by my university Split was the only direction, but I am happy that fate decided so. Before starting something new in life it's worth taking a break to understand who you are? What are you doing? and where do you want to go, like Steve Jobs before creating Apple had a holiday in India to understand himself. Erasmus is not about studying, it's about experiences. You learn a little not pressured by hours and have free time for fun. A big plus is that you get a scholarship from Erasmus+. So what experiences have I gained? oh brother you have no idea how many memories I will leave with:

  1. I improved my English
  2. I made a lot of friends 
  3. I fell in love
  4. I'm left with a broken heart
  5. I learned to manage with my financial resources
  6. I developed my communication skills
  7. I have understood myself, what I want from life, and generally what the plan is to get there
  8. I have been to a lot of parties 
  9. And let's not forget the cultural part, you have plenty of trips to discover the country you are in.

About Split, it's a perfect place for me, I always get tired and I know it's a bad thing but I can't do anything about it, I love sleeping, in Moldova where everything is in a daily routine I always felt under pressure, but here it's different "PO malo" which means slowly nobody hurries us that doesn't mean we don't do anything but we do it at our own pace. If you have the opportunity to go on Erasmus+ in Split for sure do it you will enjoy it and leave with memories.

Best wishes 

Toloaca Teodor

P.P.S. People are the best

(Photo gallery)

 


José Pedro Forte

ISCAP-Instituto Superior de Administracao e Contabilidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal

A life-changing experience. From the early start here I knew that it will be an endless love, I was fascinated with your culture, climate, way of life, and history. For the students that will come to Split, be prepared because Croatians love to hug and welcome foreign students, you can make everyone smile with a simple “Hvala”.

 


Motiejus Sinica 

Vilnius University of Applied Sciences, Vilnius, Lithuania.

Few words about my experience of Erasmus in Split.
This was my very first Erasmus experience and with a help of the international office and professors, it was really delightful. Going to live in another city can seem stressful but University staff made that process easy and fluent. Split is an amazing city with a wonderful seaside, many places to visit, affordable prices of food and services. Even in the winter season Split was generous of sunny and quite warm days. Local people really happy to see you and show you around, they want to talk and exchange experiences. That I really appreciate because you feel very welcome

 


Iara Rafaela Alegria Teixeira 

ESHT - Porto, Portugal

I really enjoyed being in Erasmus in Split, I felt welcome by everyone. The teachers are super friendly and welcoming and they helped me with everything I needed. 
I made a lot of friends, I am now part of a huge international group that I know I will keep for life. They are all from different parts of the world and I had the chance to know their culture, habits and have their friendship. 
Erasmus even in a pandemic season gave me wings and freedom, since I am here I traveled to 6 new countries including all Croatia with the amazing trips that ESN organized. I can say that it was one of the best experiences of my life and for those that may be thinking if coming or not you should totally come because you won’t regret it. 

 


Claudia Marrero Palencia 

URJC - Madrid, Spain

My little experience in Split:  I spent the winter semester in Split, and despite the cold, I enjoyed it better than anyone else. The beaches, the landscapes, and everything to visit in Split is wonderful. I also took the opportunity to visit many other areas of Croatia and I liked every corner more and more! I highly recommend the Erasmus in Split, but if you can choose, better the spring semester.

 


Paula Gutiérrez García, Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid

I'm Paula, I'm 22 and I am from Spain. I had never been out of my family home so this has been an incredible experience for me.
Split has the best weather, good food, amazing beaches and nice people, so therefore it's the perfect place to do Erasmus. 
This adventure change your life, you learn new cultures, meet new different people, understand life in a new way and know yourself better. 
I will choose and repeat these past 5 months forever. 
Thank you Croatia!