The group, consisting of nine students and three teachers (Carmen Bayón, María Luz Calvo Carrascal and I, Sanja Brekalo Pelin) stayed in Zagreb from 20 to 24 April 2026. During our stay, we were welcomed by the Office for International Cooperation, where Tamara Šveljo organised a warm reception and an informative tour of the university facilities. The programme also included a guided tour of the University Library, the second largest library in Croatia, which gave us valuable insight into a beautifully designed and highly functional space dedicated to study and research. The visit was led by Višnja Novosel, Director of the Library, who provided us with an interesting and informative tour. Her presentation gave us a clear understanding of the library’s organisation and services, while also allowing us to appreciate its open spaces and modern architecture. The abundance of natural light and carefully designed study areas created an environment ideally suited to academic work. This visit offered valuable insight into the institution’s academic resources and intellectual heritage, while also demonstrating the central role of libraries in higher education and research.

The visit to the University of Zagreb was a highly productive and enriching experience, as it provided an excellent opportunity for academic and cultural exchange between the visiting students from Spain and their Croatian hosts. Throughout the visit, both groups of students shared their experiences of learning foreign languages, their perspectives, and their cultural backgrounds, fostering mutual understanding and international cooperation.

The timing of the visit was particularly significant, as it coincided with International Book Day. This occasion was used as a platform for students to talk about their favorite books that they had read in their native languages, thereby promoting intercultural dialogue through books and discussions about books. Such activities highlighted the importance of literature as a means of connecting different linguistic and cultural communities.

Another important part of the programme was the opening speech ceremony held in Spanish, marking the introduction of Catalan studies at the University of Zagreb within the Department of Romance Studies. This event emphasized the University’s commitment to linguistic diversity and the promotion of lesser-represented languages within the academic community. Our host was Professor Andrea-Beata Jelić, who then took us to the Cervantes Classroom. The representative of the Cervantes Classroom (Aula Cervantes), José Ignacio Callén Patiño, also spoke about the Sant Jordi tradition and invited participants to visit the classroom at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, where he then explained its role and activities in promoting the Spanish language and culture.

Finally, the students attended daily classes in English, Spanish, German, and/or French at the University’s Centre for Foreign Languages. By actively participating in these classes, they were able not only to practise their language skills but also to gain valuable educational and cultural experiences. The use of digital platforms further enhanced the learning process, enabling students to receive and exchange knowledge in an interactive and collaborative environment. On this occasion, I would especially like to highlight the initiative of the teachers of English, Spanish, German, and French (prof. Petra Aleksić, prof. Petra Barbarić, prof. Dunja Frankol, prof. Petra Orešković, prof. Martina Kovačić i prof. Sandra Gvajec), who actively involved our students in lessons using dynamic methodology in face-to-face and hybrid teaching.

The visit to the University of Zagreb was a highly productive and enriching experience, as it provided an excellent opportunity for academic and cultural exchange between the visiting students from Spain and their Croatian hosts. Throughout the visit, both groups of students shared their learning experiences, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds, fostering mutual understanding and international cooperation. In conclusion, it was an academically extremely valuable experience that successfully combined language practice, cultural enrichment, and international cooperation. It provided students with significant opportunities for personal and intellectual development while at the same time strengthening educational ties between Spain and Croatia.

Thank you all for this unforgettable experience! Read a full report

Solo tengo palabras de agradecimiento para todas las profesoras y los alumnos que nos acogieron en la Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias Sociales en Zagreb con tanto cariño. Poder tener contacto con las enseñanzas de idiomas en otro país fue un regalo. Las clases fueron muy interesantes y provechosas. El ambiente de la Universidad de Zagreb me encantó y me recordó a mis tiempos universitarios. 

De nuevo, muchas gracias por vuestro tiempo y por vuestro esfuerzo. 

Espero que nos podáis hacer una visita muy pronto en nuestra escuela de Rivas.

My Job Shadowing Experience in Zagreb, Croatia

March, 2026.

My name is Marina, and I am a teacher at an official language school in Spain (EOI Orihuela, Alicante). I had the opportunity to carry out a job shadowing stay at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Zagreb, where I attended and participated in classes of Spanish as a Foreign Language (ELE), as well as French, Italian, and English.

It was a highly enriching experience, as I was able to observe different teaching methodologies and share aspects of Spanish culture with the students. The communication with the university was excellent: they were always willing to answer any questions promptly.