Studying abroad is a perfect opportunity to meet people from all over the world while expanding your possibilities for academic growth. Croatia may be perfect for you - find out 10 reasons to do your Erasmus in Croatia!

Geographical location

Croatia is a country located in southeastern Europe, in the Balkan region. Its geographical location makes it an attractive destination for Erasmus students who wish to explore Central and Eastern Europe.

You can take advantage of your stay in Croatia to travel to other capitals and nearby countries such as Ljubljana (Slovenia) and Budapest (Hungary) or the coastline as Croatia has many islands, so travel during your Erasmus in Croatia is guaranteed!

Language

The official language of Croatia is Croatian, and it is the language spoken throughout the country. Although Croatian is the predominant language, it is important to note that in tourist areas and larger cities, such as Zagreb, Split or Dubrovnik, English is widely spoken.

As an Erasmus student, you are likely to find courses and study programs in English at many Croatian universities, which makes academic life easier for international students who do not speak Croatian.

Learning some basic Croatian expressions can be useful if you plan to do your Erasmus in Croatia. Here are some simple expressions and phrases in Croatian:

• Hello - Bok
• Goodbye - Doviđenja
• Yes - Da
• No - Ne
• Please - Molim
• Thank you - Hvala
• Do you speak English? - Govoriš li engleski?
• Bathroom - WC o Toalet
• Help - Pomoć

Education in Croatia

Education in Croatia uses an academic system similar to that of other European countries. Croatia has high quality and internationally recognized universities in many fields ranging from engineering and medicine to humanities and social sciences. Some of the most prominent universities include the University of Zagreb, the University of Split or the University of Rijeka.

Transportation in Croatia

Transportation in Croatia is quite efficient and offers a variety of options for getting around the country, whether exploring cities, visiting tourist destinations or moving between regions.

Public transportation in Croatia
Public transportation in Croatia is a convenient and efficient way to get around cities. Croatian cities, especially Zagreb and Split, have well-developed bus and tram systems. You can buy bus and streetcar tickets at bus stations, vending machines or on board some vehicles.

Trains and buses in Croatia
Buses are a common and affordable way to travel around Croatia. There are bus networks connecting major cities and many bus companies offer regular routes and long-distance services.

The railway system in Croatia is less extensive than in other European countries, but you can still use trains to travel between major cities such as Zagreb, Split and Rijeka. Trains are usually comfortable and offer good views of the scenery.

Air and Ferries in Croatia
Croatia is known for its beautiful coastline and many islands. Ferries are a popular way to travel between islands and along the coast. You can take regular or fast ferries, depending on your destination.

Finally, Croatia has several international airports, Zagreb Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Croatia, offering domestic and international flights and Split Airport is the second largest and is close to many islands and popular tourist destinations.

Gastronomy in Croatia

Croatian gastronomy is a mixture of Mediterranean flavor and influences from Central and Eastern European cultures. Here are some dishes you should try during your Erasmus in Croatia:

• Strukli: it is a thin puff pastry dough rolled with fresh cheese and covered with a kind of sauce made from egg, vrhnje (a sour cream typical in this part of Europe and close to cream) and cheese.
• Brudet: A fish stew made with a variety of fish and seafood, such as rockfish, monkfish and squid. It is cooked in a tomato broth and served with polenta or bread.
• Sarma: Cabbage leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice, cooked in a tomato sauce. It is a traditional dish eaten on special occasions.
• Pašticada: A marinated meat stew, often prepared with veal, cooked in a sauce of red wine and spices. It is served with gnocchi or pasta.
• Fritule: Small fried dumplings, similar to fritters, served sprinkled with powdered sugar.

Brudet

Cost of living in Croatia

The cost of living in Croatia for an Erasmus student can vary depending on the city you are in and the lifestyle you lead. However Ireland is considered a country with an average or even low cost of living compared to other European countries.

The accommodation will be one of your biggest expenses, that is why from Erasmus Play we recommend looking for it with enough time in advance in order to have more options to choose from. An accommodation in Croatia can cost about 200-300 € per month for a room in a shared apartment and about 400-600 € for a complete apartment or studio. To this you will have to add the basic expenses, food and entertainment.

In Erasmus Play you will be able to compare between the best shared apartments and verified rooms; the process is totally online. We also recommend looking for student associations as they often offer discounts and offers for students.

Party in Croatia

Nightlife in Croatia, especially in the coastal and university cities, is very lively. For example in Zagreb, Tkalčićeva street is full of bars and the Jarun area is known for its lakeside clubs.

Another city with a great atmosphere is Split, especially in summer, has La Riva, a promenade by the sea, is filled with lively bars and restaurants. In addition, the Tropic Club discotheque and the Ultra Europe music festival attract many lovers of electronic music.

Above all, we recommend that you follow the recommendations of other Erasmus students or locals to discover the best places to party in Croatia.

Places to visit in Croatia

Croatia is a country full of natural beauty, history and culture, so it has many impressive places to visit. Here is a list of places to visit in Croatia to enjoy an unforgettable Erasmus experience:

• Dubrovnik
• Split
• Plitvice Lakes National Park
• Istria
• Hvar
• Zadar

Istiria

Main monuments in Croatia

Croatia as we said before, has a rich history and a lot of monuments and historical sites. Here are some of the monuments that we recommend you to visit during your Erasmus in Croatia:

• Diocletian's Palace in Split
• The Walls of Dubrovnik
• The Colosseum in Pula
• St. Donatus Church in Zadar
• Cathedral of Zagreb (St. Stephen's Cathedral)
• Peristyle Square in Split

The walls of Dubrovnik

Character of Croatians

The character of Croatians is influenced by their history, culture and geographical environment. Croatians are often known for their hospitality and friendliness towards visitors, they are warm and welcoming.

They have a strong sense of national identity and are proud of their cultural heritage, history and achievements, family often plays a central role in their lives, family ties are strong and family gatherings are important social events.

It is important to remember that these are general characteristics and that each individual is unique.

Frequently asked questions from students doing Erasmus in Croatia

Do you have any doubts about your future Erasmus in Croatia? In Erasmus Play we show you some of the most common questions:

How much does it cost to live in Croatia?
In Croatia the cost of living is medium-low and accommodation will be one of your biggest expenses. Zagreb may be the most expensive city but you have other cheaper destinations.

How much does student accommodation in Croatia cost?
Student accommodation in Croatia can vary depending on the city, location, type of accommodation and amenities offered. A room in a student residence or a shared apartment usually costs around 200-300€. At www.erasmusplay.com you can find verified accommodation in your destination city.

How much is the scholarship to study in Croatia?
The Erasmus scholarship for Croatia does not have a fixed amount, it depends on several factors such as the university of destination, the university of origin and the grants of both countries (not all of them offer additional grants). In Erasmus Play we recommend you to contact the international relations of your faculty to know a more exact figure.

We hope we have solved your doubts about your Erasmus in Croatia, send us your comments to help other students who want to study in Croatia!